Image Source: Pinterest

By Shilpa Bhim

Remember when the word ‘oil’ was banished from skin care routines? 

But then we learned that using oils on our skin is a good thing. Facial oils are now a non-negotiable in any skin care routine, especially if you want your skin to have an angelic glow.

Just like every other skin care product, you’ll get the most out of your facial oil if it’s tailored to your skin. 

Not sure where to start with picking a facial oil? We’ve got you! We’ve broken down the best facial oil to use for your skin type.

WAIT, I THOUGHT FACIAL OILS ARE ONLY FOR DRY SKIN?

Contrary to popular belief, all skin types benefit from facial oil - you just need to use the right type for your skin.

Even those with oily or acne prone skin can use a facial oil, despite the myths about all facial oils being a pore-clogging product!

WHAT DOES A FACIAL OIL ACTUALLY DO?

Your skin’s acid mantle is a naturally oily protective barrier that helps keep moisture locked in while protecting the skin from pollution and bacteria.

As we age, our bodies produce less oil. A facial oil acts as an occlusive for the skin, and helps to keep your acid mantle in check and also helps to seal in moisture.  

New York City based facialist Ling Chan notes that "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" 

WHICH FACIAL OIL WORKS BEST FOR MY SKIN TYPE?

And now to spill the tea! Or should we say oil? … Here’s which oils work best for your skin types and why.

Dry Skin

If you have dry skin then a facial oil is most definitely your new bff! Dry skin produces an insufficient amount of oil so you need to pump it with some oily goodness to show it the TLC it deserves.

Dry skin benefits most from a facial oil that’s high in oleic acid, which is a a fatty acid (it’s found in avocados and olives) that really helps lock in moisture.

Try using marula oil or almond oil  - they’re rich and hydrating without being heavy. Almond oil is also high in Vitamin A - aka, the vitamin that retinol is derived from. So it’ll help smooth out any fine lines.

If you need an extra dose of hydration, use some coconut oil to help nourish your skin. 

Squalane oil also works well on dry skin.

Normal Skin 

Your skin has the perfect amount of oil - lucky you! You want to help maintain that balance with your facial oil.

Try using a jojoba oil or an argan oil. Both oils are soothing and contain Vitamin E - an antioxidant that helps prevent skin damage.

Fun fact, squalene oil also happens to work well on normal skin.

Oily Skin

Oily skin typically produces more oil. But this oil tends to be deficient in substances that keep your skin healthy. 

Despite appearances, oily skin can be dehydrated. You want to hydrate it while helping to stabilise the skin’s natural oil production.

The secret to hydrating your oily skin is to use a lightweight and breathable oil. Jojoba oil and grape seed oil are your go-tos. They’re both non-comedogenic which means they won’t clog your pores. 

Grape seed oil is especially great for really oily skin - it’s an astringent which means it helps to dry out oil and mattify the skin.

Acne Prone Skin

Hear us out on this one. We know you’re probably worried about clogging your pores by using an oil.

The secret is to use a facial oil that’s non-comedogenic and works to really nourish your skin. Fun fact: most of the oils we’ve recommended in this article are non-comedogenic, so that’s a win.

Grape seed oil is an excellent option for you. It’s rich in Vitamin E and will help with clearing scars.

If your skin is really irritated, try a rosehip oil. It’s full of antioxidants, will hydrate the skin and help clear scars.

Light oils like Jojoba, squalane and tea tree also help with killing off acne causing bacteria while nourishing the skin.

Sensitive Skin

If you’ve got sensitive skin, you need a facial oil that’s super soft and soothing on the skin. Stay away from all fragranced facial oils - your skin won’t be happy if you use these!

The best options for your skin are an aloe vera oil or a hemp seed oil. Both are packed with antioxidants and have anti-inflammatory properties. They’re also non-comedogenic making them perfect for any with sensitive and acne prone or oily skin.

Secret Tip For All Skin Types 

We are big believers in tailoring your facial oil to your specific skin type. But we also appreciate that sometimes you need to use a facial oil that will work on your skin, and your bff’s skin - which is totally different to yours.

Most experts recommend squalane oil as the best oil to use for all skin types. It’s non-comedogenic, lightweight, has anti-inflammatory properties and is full of antioxidants so it’ll help fight skin damage. Winning!

HOW DO I APPLY MY FACIAL OIL?

Pat 2-3 drops into your skin, after serum but before moisturiser and SPF.

Facial oil is generally recommended to be applied at night, but can also be used during the day - for that extra glow factor!

Have more questions about using a facial oil? Feel free to reach out to us via Instagram or email us - we love hearing from you!

Shilpa is a freelance beauty and lifestyle writer from Melbourne, Australia. You can keep up with her adventures over at @skb.ontherun and check out her latest articles here.