Health + Beauty

5 Facial Oils I Love

The reason I love skincare so much is that it’s ten minutes out of my day when I prioritize myself. And I want to make that time feel as luxurious as possible.

Since finishing Accutane- a very intensive cycle of medication that targets chronic hormonal acne, and essentially shrinks your pores so they stop producing oil- I have experienced extremely dry skin. In combination with retinoids and resurfacing treatments to tackle the extreme scarring left from my acne, my skin is constantly quenched, especially when I wake up in the morning. Which is how I brought facial oils into my routine.

Your skin naturally produces oils; however, the amount of oil your skin produces varies greatly by person and is the general way that we categorize skin types: oily, combination and dry. But why does our skin do this? To lock in moisture and self-regulate the skin’s hydration. When you are more oily, your skin overproduces oils that lock in the moisture, and when you’re dry, they aren’t producing enough oil which is caused by a broken barrier on the skins surface that isn’t locking that hydration in.

Logically, facial oils are likely best suited to dryer and combination skin types, as they help to repair the barrier of skin that locks in that moisture by essentially replenishing oils. However, it doesn’t mean that oilier skin types cannot use oils- it might just take a little bit more time to identify the right one (I would recommend a tea tree oil that can also be used to treat blemished skin, or marula oils- see no. 2 and 5 below).

Facial oils can have a variety of purposes, but typically, I like to use them to finish off my skincare routine by gently pressing the oil around my face, neck and chest to lock in moisture. This prevents flaky skin and redness/irritation for me around my eyes, nose and mouth.

There are tons of facial oils on the market right now, and it’s important that you know what you are trying to treat or target with the oils. For me, it’s always hydration and, which ultimately affects my skins brightness (dry skin = dull skin) and signs of aging. Here are a couple of the facial oils that I am loving right now that can fit into various budgets.

no. 1 – This is a staple in my skincare routine, and it’s less than $10. Vitamin E oil is great for treating scarring and is extremely hydrating. I started purchasing this when I was still on Accutane to try and tackle the extreme dryness around my eyes, but you can also use this on your hair, your eyelashes and eyebrows, and rub excess into your hands for extra moisture. It’s quite thick, so a little bit goes a long way with this one.

no. 2 – I actually got this Farmacy oil in a duo with their Honeymoon Glow, which is a resurfacing peel that has acids will dry out skin. This oil is a noncomedogenic, which means it is specifically created to not cause blockages or breakouts, and so it might be a better choice for those of you who are in the combination-oily range. I love the smell of this oil- it’s luxurious without being overpowering. I take the excess and push it into my hair part.

no. 3 – I actually got this oil recently in a FabFitFun box, and I thought it was just some cheap oil that I would try and move on from, but I was pleasantly surprised by this one. It’s actually on the higher retail end, but I love this one for it’s subtle lavender scent, and medium-thickness. It’s best for dryer skin types, and it’s purpose is to soften the skin and restore the barrier that keeps moisture in, which helps reduce signs of aging.

no. 4 – This oil from Beautycounter has the most delicious smell, and is focused on brightening with the combination of Vitamin C and marula oil (full of fatty and amino acids, which actually aid oily skin). It smells like citrus, and just has the most delightful feel on your skin that quickly seeps into the pores instead of lingering on the surface. This has been a repurchase for me multiple times, so I would highly recommend.

no. 5 – I found this oil in a trial set, and I just ran out. Also with base of marula oil, this a great foundation to mix a drop of with your foundation for a more dewy application that lasts throughout the day. Meant to seal in hydration and target signs of aging, it’s also fragrance free and a smarter choice for sensitive skin groups. This is relatively lightweight, so it’s a great option if you don’t like a residue left behind by an oil, especially during a daytime wear.

Almost all of these oils are clean beauty, meaning they are mostly vegan and created without parabens and other harmful toxins found in so many products. There’s something for everyone, but ultimately, oils are not going to be a one-size-fits-all. Make sure to consider your skin type, and your needs, and start by utilizing these products at night when they have more time to sink in.

Want a super luxe experience? Use a few drops of facial oil and utilize a face roller for a smooth glide and extra lock on hydration. Let me know what you try and like below!