Most face oils are amazing moisturizers—as moisturizers, they really, really work, leaving your skin temporarily more supple, plumped, and smooth. If by “work” you mean “has the effect of a face-lift or Botox,” no cream or oil or anything topical is going to have that effect, no matter what they promise.
And since they can include a range of potent ingredients, the potential benefits are endless. "While they're predominantly known for their hydrating properties, face oils can also aid your anti-aging routine and provide antibacterial and healing properties," Lucas said.
"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.
Yes, even acne-prone skin.
And yes, oil is one of the things that can clog them. But it's actually an overproduction of your body's own oil, called sebum, that leads to breakouts. The right facial oil, on the other hand, can actually tell your body to chill out on the sebum production.
Moisturizers and face oils are not interchangeable. You cannot use oil in place of moisturizer because oils are too heavy for the skin. They will make your face oily and greasy, which is something you definitely want to avoid as it will make your skin look worse than ever.
5. 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.
Hair serum is a styling product that makes your hair smooth and adds shine, while the primary purpose of hair oil is to nourish and improve your hair's health. There's no identifying serum or oil as better than the other, as they both possess distinctive qualities and offer different benefits.
Myth #2: Facial oils clog pores.
Let's cut to the chase right away – facial oils will not clog your pores. Oil (or sebum) occurs naturally in your skin and your sebaceous glands are constantly working to pump it out. Acne is a result of hair follicles that become clogged with oil and dead skin cells.
"Oils are really better at sealing in moisture due to their occlusive nature—they prevent the evaporation of hydration from skin to the environment," explains Dr. Nazarian. Thanks to the fact that oils are emollients, they'll create a barrier on your skin to lock in all that hydrating goodness from your moisturizer.
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.
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.
But the truth is, the right face oil can actually help to treat blemishes, soothe irritated skin, and brighten up acne scars. Face oils can even act as a nourishing moisturizer and help to balance your skin's oil production.
Using serums and oils is not a binary choice; you may use both. When you need an extra layer of moisture, facial oils are ideal, whilst serums are ideal for addressing any immediate skin issues. And, if you're going to include both in your routine, remember to apply products from thinnest to thickest.
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.
Retinoids and serums can be used together, especially if the serum is soothing or hydrating. Be careful using very aggressive face oil serums with retinoids.
First things first: You can use face oil and serum together—it's not an either/or type of situation. As a rule of thumb, we typically recommend applying products in order from lightest to heaviest. For oils and serums, that usually means applying serums (which are often water-based) first.
Argan Oil. Argan oil is made up of 80 percent fatty acids that help fight free radicals, which can cause oxidative stress and lead to premature skin aging. Plus, it contains vitamins A and E that help reduce wrinkles, age spots, fine lines, and sagging skin.
Collagen boosting benefits providing essential oils are chamomile, eucalyptus, frankincense, lemongrass, geranium, rose, and sandalwood. The essential oils for collagen growth are carrot seed, lemon, frankincense, geranium, and neroli. These oils are extremely beneficial for a healthy skin cells renewal.
Anti-aging face oil can be your secret weapon as you create healthier habits. Featuring ingredients with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, it can also help your skin keep its glow for those nights when you skimp on your skincare routine.
Olive oil is rich in vitamins and antioxidants, and has been linked to improved skin moisturization, anti-aging effects ,and relief from sun damage. 1 Olive oil can be used on the skin on its own or as part of skincare products such as facial cleansers or lotions.