What are the benefits of facial oil for different skin types?
Does the idea of putting oil on your face make you feel uncomfortable? Perhaps you thought a facial oil wasn’t appropriate for your particular skin type. Think again. Nearly everyone can soak up the natural restorative benefits offered by a quality face oil.
Our skin naturally produces oil to nourish and protect us, so adding additional oil into our skincare routine is a great way to support this healthy skin function. Oils also can hydrate our complexion in a way water-based products can’t, giving us an instant, radiant glow. Facial oils are often packed with skin-saving nutrients, like vitamins, minerals, proteins, and antioxidants that build bigger and better results the longer you use them.
Still not convinced? Keep reading as we unpack the specifics on how a facial oil can deliver superior skincare benefits, no matter your skin type.
7 Skin Types That Benefit From Facial Oil
Skin Type #1 - Dry
Flakes, bumps, and fine lines associated with dry, dehydrated skin are no fun. And keeping parched skin moisturized can feel like an uphill battle. Fortunately, dry skin benefits the most from facial oil and its moisture-boosting abilities.
Facial oil acts as an emollient by locking in moisture and preventing water loss. When you apply facial oil after you moisturize, it seals in the nourishing properties of your other products so that your skin absorbs them more deeply. This allows you to get even more out of your existing routine as well as all the skin conditioning benefits of the oil itself, helping your complexion to feel smooth and plump.
Apply a few drops of facial as the final step in your skincare routine after you moisturize, and before sunscreen. If you need an extra boost, pat a few extra drops into especially dry areas, like the cheeks and forehead. For seamless makeup application, mix in a few drops with your primer to create a flawless base.
Skin Type #2 - Oily
Oily complexions should avoid oil, right? Many of us have long held this belief and searched for oil-free products to mattify our skin.
Turns out we’ve had it all wrong. When our skin is dehydrated of its natural oils, it works overtime to produce more oil which can lead to clogged pores, acne, and unwanted shine.
Oily skin actually benefits from adding a clean facial oil with a low comedogenic rating A nourished, even skin tone, fewer breakouts, and less excess shine.
Pat just a couple of drops of oil into your skin, after any treatments or serums, as part of your nighttime skincare routine. The oil will absorb into your skin and balance your sebum production while you sleep.
Skin Type #3 - Combination
Predicting what combination skin wants can feel like trying to read a crystal ball. Fortunately, facial oils have a knack for predicting what your skin needs and where.
Facial oil is both moisturizing and balancing, making it a perfect compliment for combination skin. Dry areas are replenished thanks to its hydrating properties, and oily areas are relieved from producing excess oil. The bonus? An oil that is rich in antioxidants and essential fatty acids actually helps protect your skin from damaging external factors, like pollution and free radicals.
Mix a couple of drops of oil with your moisturizer during your nighttime routine. After a couple of weeks, incorporate it into your morning routine if needed.
Skin Type #4 - Mature /Ageing
‘Dull’ and ‘dry’ are not the words that come to mind when we think about feeling good in our skin. As we age, our skin produces less natural oil, diminishing our natural glow and exaggerating our fine lines. We’re left with a complexion that feels dull, dry, and creased.
A clean facial oil that is rich in vitamins, antioxidants, and omega fatty acids should be considered a must for mature and ageing skin. Not only does it help supplement our slowing natural oil production and repair damaged skin. It also introduces skin-protecting properties that fight off further damage from free radicals, UV radiation, and pollutants.
Many with mature skin note that they immediately notice their natural glow return as their skin feels smoother, plumper, and more hydrated. When used regularly, facial oil helps your body produce new collagen and elastic tissues, leading to improved skin texture by reducing the appearance of fine lines and sagging.
Apply a few drops of facial as the final step in your morning and evening skincare routine after you moisturize. Make sure to apply the oil to your neck and decolletage. Massage any remaining oil into the backs of your hands.
Mix a couple of drops in with your favourite foundation for smoother application, even coverage, and a natural glow-from-within finish.
Skin Type #5 - Hyperpigmentation / Dark Spots
Whether it's from hormonal changes, sun exposure, ageing, or hereditary, many of us have to deal with dark spots at some point throughout our lives. When our body produces excess melanin, we see our skin darken in particular spots, sometimes big and sometimes small. While we may never be rid of them for good, some facial oils have vitamins that can help diminish their appearance over time.
Vitamins A, C, and E are known to lighten scars and hyperpigmentation. Vitamin A improves cell turnover by helping to slough off dead and damaged skin, letting your freshest complexion come through. Vitamin C promotes collagen production and inhibits melanin production, making it a popular choice for those of us struggling with dark spots. Vitamin E is considered one of the best nutrients for our skin and with good reason, but when it comes to hyperpigmentation it is helpful because it repairs existing damage and prevents further damage. This means it can help lighten the appearance of dark spots and prevent new spots from occurring.
Pat a few drops of oil onto cleansed and moisturized skin in the morning to seal in your other skincare products and protect your skin from the day ahead. Don’t forget sunscreen as sun exposure is a major hyperpigmentation factor. After applying your favourite retinol serum in the evening, massage a few drops of oil onto your face and back of your hands - the most common areas for dark spots to pop up. Allow the oil to work on repairing your skin while you sleep.
Skin Type #6 - Acne-prone
Have you been hearing about the benefits of facial oil, but assumed it wasn’t for your acne-prone skin? You’re not alone. So many of us have been told that not only should we avoid adding oils to our skin, but that we should get rid of any existing oil. Our skin is left stripped, irritated, and vulnerable thanks to this unhelpful myth.
The truth? All skin types can benefit from facial oil. When we apply a facial oil with a low comedogenic rating, like Abyssinian oil, it can hydrate dry skin, soothe irritated skin, and balance oily skin without clogging pores. In fact, an oil that’s high in omega fatty acids like linoleic acid can actually help to unclog pores. Oils with natural anti-inflammatory properties can reduce the inflammation that causes bumps and blemishes. What’s more - Using face oil can actually help heal damaged skin and minimize the appearance of acne scarring.
As part of your evening skincare routine, pat (don’t rub) a couple of drops of oil onto freshly cleansed skin after you’ve applied an alcohol-free toner, serum, and moisturizer. Many acne treatments can be very drying for the skin, so adding clean and gentle moisture can prevent flaking, dry patches, and sensitivity.
Add a drop or two of facial oil to a lightweight foundation for a smooth application on bumpy or flakey skin. If you’re in the midst of a breakout, skip this step as you want to avoid adding too much oil.
Skin Type #7 - Sensitive / Reactive
Those of us with reactive skin are always wary of trying new ingredients and choosing skincare products can feel like walking through an itchy, bumpy, red minefield. We become expert label-readers and have a very real naughty ingredient list that we avoid. So when we start hearing about new and trending skincare products, saying we’re skeptical is an understatement.
Choosing a facial oil for sensitive skin doesn’t have to be scary if you know what to look for. Look for an oil with a very low comedogenic rating. The lower the better. Oils with a comedogenic rating of 0, like Abyssinian oil, are as close to our natural oil as we can get and are therefore unlikely to cause an adverse reaction. Sticking to single-ingredient oils is also ideal. That way you know exactly what does or does not cause your skin to react.
Antioxidants and Vitamin E support all skin types, so choosing a facial oil that is rich in these nutrients will support your skin’s health. Oils with natural anti-inflammatory properties are more likely to soothe any existing irritation than cause a flare-up.
Add a few drops into your moisturizer or pat it on top of clean, moisturized skin to reinforce your natural barrier. Always patch test a new product first to see how it reacts with your skin.
Once you’ve made sure your new facial oil won’t cause an icky reaction, you can start targeting your other skincare concerns and use your oil according to those recommendations.
HEADLINE 3:
How To Test If A Facial Oil Is Right For Your Skin Type
The best and easiest way to find out if a facial oil is right for your skin is to conduct a patch test. A patch test, also known as a spot test, is a safe way of trying out a new product before diving in face first.
- Try your oil on its own. That way if your skin reacts, you’ll know exactly what product caused it.
- Choose a small, less noticeable spot. Behind the knee or the inner arm are discreet places that won’t be as visible if you do have an adverse reaction.
- Apply the product and wait. Everybody is different, but most people will notice any issues within 24 hours.
- If you want to be extra sure, test the oil on the side of the neck or along the jaw. If you don’t react after 24 hours, you should be safe to add your oil into your skincare routine!
Erin Draper - June 1, 2021
What are the benefits of facial oil for different skin types?
Get glowing! From oily and acne-prone to dry and ageing, we reveal how 7 skin types benefit from using facial oil as part of their daily skincare routine.
Facial Oil Benefits And Skin Types Explained
Does the idea of putting oil on your face make you feel uncomfortable? Perhaps you thought a facial oil wasn’t appropriate for your particular skin type. Think again. Nearly everyone can soak up the natural restorative benefits offered by a quality face oil.
Our skin naturally produces oil to nourish and protect us, so adding additional oil into our skincare routine is a great way to support this healthy skin function. Oils also have the ability to hydrate our complexion in a way water-based products can’t, giving us an instant, radiant glow. Facial oils are often packed with skin-saving nutrients, like vitamins, minerals, proteins, and antioxidants that build bigger and better results the longer you use them.
Still not convinced? Keep reading as we unpack the specifics on how a facial oil can deliver superior skincare benefits, no matter your skin type.
7 Skin Types That Benefit From Facial Oil
Skin Type #1 - Dry
Flakes, bumps, and fine lines associated with dry, dehydrated skin are no fun. And keeping parched skin moisturized can feel like an uphill battle. Fortunately, dry skin benefits the most from facial oil and its moisture-boosting abilities.
Facial oil acts as an emollient by locking in moisture and preventing water loss. When you apply facial oil after you moisturize, it seals in the nourishing properties of your other products so that your skin absorbs them more deeply. This allows you to get even more out of your existing routine as well as all the skin conditioning benefits of the oil itself, helping your complexion to feel smooth and plump.
Apply a few drops of facial as the final step in your skincare routine after you moisturize, and before sunscreen. If you need an extra boost, pat a few extra drops into especially dry areas, like the cheeks and forehead. For seamless makeup application, mix in a few drops with your primer to create a flawless base.
Skin Type #2 - Oily
Oily complexions should avoid oil, right? Many of us have long held this belief and searched for oil-free products to mattify our skin.
Turns out we’ve had it all wrong. When our skin is dehydrated of its natural oils, it works overtime to produce more oil which can lead to clogged pores, acne, and unwanted shine.
Oily skin actually benefits from adding a clean facial oil with a low comedogenic rating. Incorporating an oil that is similar to your skin’s natural oil leaves oily complexions with a nourished, even skin tone, fewer breakouts, and less excess shine.
Pat just a couple of drops of oil into your skin, after any treatments or serums, as part of your nighttime skincare routine. The oil will absorb into your skin and balance your sebum production while you sleep.
Skin Type #3 - Combination
Predicting what combination skin wants can feel like trying to read a crystal ball. Fortunately, facial oils have a knack for predicting what your skin needs and where.
Facial oil is both moisturizing and balancing, making it a perfect compliment for combination skin. Dry areas are replenished thanks to its hydrating properties, and oily areas are relieved from producing excess oil. The bonus? An oil that is rich in antioxidants and essential fatty acids actually helps protect your skin from damaging external factors, like pollution and free radicals.
Mix a couple of drops of oil with your moisturizer during your nighttime routine. After a couple of weeks, incorporate it into your morning routine if needed.
Skin Type #4 - Mature / Ageing
‘Dull’ and ‘dry’ are not the words that come to mind when we think about feeling good in our skin. As we age, our skin produces less natural oil, diminishing our natural glow and exaggerating our fine lines. We’re left with a complexion that feels dull, dry, and creased.
A clean facial oil that is rich in vitamins, antioxidants, and omega fatty acids should be considered a must for mature and ageing skin. Not only does it help supplement our slowing natural oil production and repair damaged skin. It also introduces skin protecting properties that fight off further damage from free radicals, UV radiation, and pollutants.
Many with mature skin note that they immediately notice their natural glow return as their skin feels smoother, plumper, and more hydrated. When used regularly, facial oil helps your body produce new collagen and elastin tissues, leading to improved skin texture by reducing the appearance of fine lines and sagging.
Apply a few drops of facial as the final step in your morning and evening skincare routine after you moisturize. Make sure to apply the oil to your neck and decolletage. Massage any remaining oil into the backs of your hands.
Mix a couple drops in with your favourite foundation for smoother application, even coverage, and a natural glow-from-within finish.
Skin Type #5 - Hyperpigmentation / Dark Spots
Whether it's from hormonal changes, sun exposure, ageing, or hereditary, many of us have to deal with dark spots at some point throughout our lives. When our body produces excess melanin, we see our skin darken in particular spots, sometimes big and sometimes small. While we may never be rid of them for good, some facial oils have vitamins that can help diminish their appearance over time.
Vitamins A, C, and E are known to lighten scars and hyperpigmentation. Vitamin A improves cell turnover by helping to slough off dead and damaged skin, letting your freshest complexion come through. Vitamin C promotes collagen production and inhibits melanin production, making it a popular choice for those of us struggling with dark spots. Vitamin E is considered one of the best nutrients for our skin and with good reason, but when it comes to hyperpigmentation it is helpful because it repairs existing damage and prevents further damage. This means it can help lighten the appearance of dark spots and prevent new spots from occurring.
Pat a few drops of oil onto cleansed and moisturized skin in the morning to seal in your other skincare products and protect your skin from the day ahead. Don’t forget the sunscreen as sun exposure is a major hyperpigmentation factor. After applying your favourite retinol serum in the evening, massage a few drops of oil onto your face and back of hands - the most common areas for dark spots to pop up. Allow the oil to work on repairing your skin while you sleep.
Skin Type #6 - Acne-prone
Have you been hearing about the benefits of facial oil, but assumed it wasn’t for your acne-prone skin? You’re not alone. So many of us have been told that not only should we avoid adding oils to our skin, but that we should get rid of any existing oil. Our skin is left stripped, irritated, and vulnerable thanks to this unhelpful myth.
The truth? All skin types can benefit from facial oil. When we apply a facial oil with a low comedogenic rating, like Abyssinian oil, it can hydrate dry skin, soothe irritated skin, and balance oily skin without clogging pores. In fact, an oil that’s high in omega fatty acids like linoleic acid can actually help to unclog pores. Oils with natural anti-inflammatory properties can reduce the inflammation that causes bumps and blemishes. What’s more - Using a face oil can actually help heal damaged skin and minimize the appearance of acne scarring.
As part of your evening skincare routine, pat (don’t rub) a couple drops of oil onto freshly cleansed skin after you’ve applied an alcohol-free toner, serum, and moisturizer. Many acne treatments can be very drying for the skin, so adding clean and gentle moisture can prevent flaking, dry patches, and sensitivity.
Add a drop or two of facial oil to a lightweight foundation for a smooth application on bumpy or flakey skin. If you’re in the midst of a breakout, skip this step as you want to avoid adding too much oil.
Skin Type #7 - Sensitive / Reactive
Those of us with reactive skin are always weary of trying new ingredients and choosing skincare products can feel like walking through an itchy, bumpy, red minefield. We become expert label-readers and have a very real naughty ingredient list that we avoid. So when we start hearing about new and trending skincare products, saying we’re skeptical is an understatement.
Choosing a facial oil for sensitive skin doesn’t have to be scary if you know what to look for. Look for an oil with a very low comedogenic rating. The lower the better. Oils with a comedogenic rating of 0, like Abyssinian oil, are as close to our natural oil as we can get and are therefore unlikely to cause an adverse reaction. Sticking to single ingredient oils is also ideal. That way you know exactly what does or does not cause your skin to react.
Antioxidants and Vitamin E support all skin types, so choosing a facial oil that is rich in these nutrients will support your skin’s health. Oils with natural anti-inflammatory properties are more likely to soothe any existing irritation than cause a flare-up.
Add a few drops into your moisturizer or pat it on top of clean, moisturized skin to reinforce your natural barrier. Always patch test a new product first to see how it reacts with your skin.
Once you’ve made sure your new facial oil won’t cause an icky reaction, you can start targeting your other skincare concerns and use your oil according to those recommendations.
How To Test If A Facial Oil Is Right For Your Skin Type
The best and easiest way to find out if a facial oil is right for your skin is to conduct a patch test. A patch test, also known as a spot test, is a safe way of trying out a new product before diving in face first.
Try your oil on its own. That way if your skin reacts, you’ll know exactly what product caused it.
Choose a small, less noticeable spot. Behind the knee or the inner arm are discreet places that won’t be as visible if you do have an adverse reaction.
Apply the product and wait. Everybody is different, but most people will notice any issues within 24 hours.
If you want to be extra sure, test the oil on the side of the neck or along the jaw. If you don’t react after 24 hours, you should be safe to add your oil into your skincare routine!
Now you're ready to enjoy the benefits of facial for your individual skin type! With so many benefits for your skin, you'll soon be feeling prepped, primed, and ready for summer.