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.
"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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
One to three drops of your choice of oil is enough to cover your whole face and deliver the benefits your skin needs.
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. After the serum absorbs into your skin, you can apply facial oil, and then moisturizer and sunscreen.
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.
They're found in many skin care products, and can cause breakouts for some people. Petrolatum, Mineral Oil, Beeswax, Lanolin, and Paraffin are some occlusive ingredients to watch out for. Olive Oil and Coconut Oil tend to clog pores too, but some people – particularly those with dry skin - love using them anyway.
"Oils are part of the moisturizing process," says cosmetic chemist Vince Spinatto. "So while oils can condition the skin and hair, they only retain water content — not add it — which means they are moisturizing but not hydrating."
Dr. Geria loves the pairing of retinol (a derivative of vitamin A) and jojoba oil. “This is one of the most hydrating oils out there, and is perfect for combating any dryness experienced from retinol products," he says.
The water-based hyaluronic acid can't penetrate the oil, meaning it can't get to your skin to do its job. If you're putting oils on before your hyaluronic acid, it's just sitting on top of that barrier. Apply your hyaluronic acid product first, and layer any facial oils (like oil-based moisturizers) on top of that.
Olive oil may also help your skin look younger. Animal and lab studies suggest it has strong anti-inflammatory effects on the skin and may protect it from sun damage (5). Additionally, nearly 73% of olive oil consists of monounsaturated fat, which is associated with increased skin elasticity and firmness (6).
Essential oils help collagen growth by reducing free radicals, their antioxidant properties and increasing collagen cell growth and production. The 6 essential oils for collagen growth are Lemon, Carrot Seed, Frankincense, Geranium, Rosehip and Neroli. Each having their own special benefits for skin.
The oil from the jojoba plant is the main biological source of wax esters and has a multitude of potential applications. The review of literatures suggest that jojoba has anti-inflammatory effect and it can be used on a variety of skin conditions including skin infections, skin aging, as well as wound healing.
"For instance, I warn against using face oils if you are acne-prone as these oils can be very pore-clogging and often add fuel to the pimple fire," said board-certified dermatologist Rita V. Linkner.
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.
Limit to Two Serums Per Routine
We recommend you use no more than two serums per routine. Again, alternating skin care items is a strategy here. If you have many serums that you like, use one to two in your morning routine and two different serums in the evening.