Summary. The right oils can potentially help you improve your skin barrier, which protects your skin from toxins and germs in your environment. Research has shown that almond oil, coconut oil, sunflower oil, argan oil, and others are best for dry skin and conditions that cause dry skin like eczema.
“Instead of being hydrating, oils can have the opposite effect and dry out your skin,” says celebrity aesthetician Dr Barbara Sturm whose clients include Hailey Bieber. It all comes down to the size of the fatty acid molecules that make up the oil.
Lotions moisturize dry skin: Nazarian opines that lotion has the edge over oil if we're talking about moisturizing abilities. "Lotions are a mix of oil and water and typically work better for dry skin," she says.
So while oils can condition the skin, they only retain water content not add it, which means they are moisturizing but not hydrating.
According to González, dry skin types benefit the most from face oils, as they act as emollients by sealing and preventing any water loss.
Research has shown that almond oil, coconut oil, sunflower oil, argan oil, and others are best for dry skin and conditions that cause dry skin like eczema.
Coconut Oil Can Moisturize Dry Skin
It has also been shown to help treat eczema, a skin condition characterized by scaly, itchy rashes. A study comparing the effects of olive oil and coconut oil in 52 adults with eczema found that applying coconut oil helped reduce dryness, in addition to helping treat eczema ( 19 ).
Conclusion. In conclusion, facial oils are definitely better than commercial moisturizers. They have many benefits including getting rid of acne, preventing premature aging, and managing fine lines and wrinkles.
Main Takeaways: Generally speaking, moisturizers hydrate the skin while face oils lock the moisture in. Face oils feel slick while moisturizers are generally creamy. Good to Know: There's no reason you can't use both a face oil and a moisturizer to help restore and lock moisture into the skin.
They really protect your skin.
Because oils are lipophilic, they can penetrate deep into the skin, trapping water and other moisturizing goodness in, while keeping toxins and other bad stuff out. Some oils also help to fortify and strengthen our own natural skin barrier.
It is rich in healthy monounsaturated fats and antioxidants, which may benefit the skin when applied directly to it. Because olive oil helps to lock in moisture, it can be used on the skin for extra moisturization and treatment of dry skin.
"While if we provide too much moisture by over-moisturizing, the body may gradually stop producing as much oil." If that last bit piqued your oily interest, simmer down. She says when your face stops producing oils, your skin can get severely dry.
Because oil is the heaviest — or most dense — product in your routine, it's able to penetrate your moisturizer, allowing it to reach your skin, but the reverse isn't true. If you want to really amp up the moisture, apply your oil after applying moisturizer onto damp skin.
When it comes to facial oils, they should be applied as the last step in your skin care routine at night, and right before SPF in the morning.
"The skin needs oil to maintain a healthy balance, otherwise, it gets too dry which can cause breakouts, fine lines, and wrinkles. Using a facial oil helps keep moisture in the skin while protecting it from the environmental damage," she explains.
Alex Roher, MD of San Diego Botox Inc recommends using face oils both in the morning and at night. He advises applying oil as the last step of your nighttime skin care routine and before your sunscreen and makeup in the morning.
Use face oil twice daily, or as needed
Facial oils can take pride of place in your skincare routine in the morning or the evening (or both!), but they can also be used as and when they're needed.
A cream drives moisture into the skin, while fatty oils and ingredients like vegetable-derived Glycerin prevent the water from evaporating. This hydration boost means that skin cells retain moisture, leaving skin supple, healthy and glowing. Additional actives are also able to target specific skin needs.
Vaseline is a very good moisturizer for dry skin. Applying a layer of Vaseline to dry skin helps lock in moisture. Vaseline is great for treating all the usual dry areas, such as the: heels.
Coconut oil is easily absorbed into the skin and is known to have many health benefits, including those from vitamins E and K, as well as its antifungal and antibacterial properties.
Because vitamin E oil can moisturize and soothe dry, flaky skin, it may help to relieve the burning and itching that result from a sunburn.