September 16, 2020
While some people tend to stay away from face oil in fear of greasiness, clogged pores, and breakouts, some swear by its efficacy in soothing, nourishing, and healing skin. The truth is, all skin types can benefit from a face oil——you just have to choose the right one, and use it correctly. Here's how.
The levels of lipids that make up the outermost layer of the skin decline with age. As a result, the skin become thinner, and is more prone to dryness, dullness and conditions such as eczema and psoriasis, whilst fine lines and wrinkles become more prominent. Also, when the skin feels dry, it produces more oil to compensate, leading to extra oiliness.
By replenishing the skin with lipids, antioxidants, vitamins, minerals and polyphenols that are abundant in oils, not only will the skin feel moisturized, the skin will also be able to fortify itself, retain optimal moisture, fight free radicals, stimulate collagen production, and maintain a healthier, stronger barrier to effectively improve skin issues such as dryness, eczema, irritations, oiliness and wrinkles, thereby slowing the aging process.
Face oils is a no-brainer for dry and sensitive skin, but the truth is, even oily, acne-prone skin can use face oils. The right combination of oils can actually help stabilize and regulate the skin's sebum production, as well as reset the skin’s water-oil balance, which in turn, will help curb excessive oiliness for oily skin and dehydrated skin. Some oils also have incredible soothing and anti-inflammation properties, making them great for acne-prone skin.
At the end of the day, it really comes down to choosing a high-quality, strategically formulated face oil that suits your skin concern, as well as applying the oil correctly.
No. Face oils, just like any other skincare products, are not one size fits all. Not only is the formulation important (i.e. the combination of oils used, and their respective concentration in the formula), the quality of the oils, where they are from, how they were extracted and processed, are also extremely important in determining their nutrient profile and efficacy, which obviously, greatly impact their prices. Using culinary olive oil as an example, Lion & Globe’s pure olive oil only costs HK$69.90/1 liter, while the Italian Comincioli extra virgin olive oil costs as much as HK$840/1 liter!
In other words, a brand’s 100% rosehip oil from South Africa, and another brand’s face oil with 20% cold-pressed rosehip oil from Chile, would be vastly different.
First of all, choose one that is formulated specifically for the face that targets your skin concern. Don’t choose a body oil for facial use, as it will likely be too heavy, and obviously, never use an oil used for cooking on your face.
Secondly, remember less is more. Oils are not diluted, so you don’t need much to reap their benefits. Under most circumstances, 3 - 4 drops are enough for the whole face.
And finally, apply face oil after your serums and before moisturizer (or skip moisturizer completely) on damp skin. For even better absorption and lighter skin feel, spritz the skin with a mist or pat on some hydrating toner after your serum and before pressing on the face oil.
____________________________________
Here are 5 face oils that are suitable for all skin types, including aging, mature, dehydrated, acne, eczema, rosacea, and sensitive skin.
OUMERE
Serum Bioluminelle™ <- Click to shop
Combining Carrot Seed Oil, Prickly Pear Seed Oil, Green Coffee Oil and Black Seed Oil, which are known to have superior anti-inflammatory and regenerative properties, as well as Ursolic Acid, Beta-Glucan, Elastin Protein, Ginseng, Reishi, and Turmeric etc., it promotes collagen and elastin synthesis, improves wrinkles and hyperpigmentation, hydrates, soothes, reduces acne, fights free radicals and slows aging.
AGENT NATEUR
holi(oil) Ageless Face Serum <- Click to shop
With a base of Rice Bran Oil and Rosehip Oil, as well as actives including Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate, Calcium Ketogluconate, Damascus Rose Extract and Helichrysum and Sandalwood Oil, the lightweight holi(oil) reduces fine lines and wrinkles, promotes cell and collagen regeneration and self-hyaluronic acid production, reduces redness, soothes and improves rosacea and eczema, and effectively slows aging. The ingredients are also clinically-proven to actually reduce acne, scarring and hyperpigmentation!
ANFISA
LILOU Radiant Hydra Balm <- Click to shop
Highly anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and soothing, the organic formula rich in organic Blue Tansy, Helichrysum, Hemp Seed oil, Carrot Seed Oil, Green Tea, White Tea and Matcha, etc., helps to relieve sensitivity, redness, dryness and swelling, promote skin regeneration, strengthen the skin lipid barrier, restore water-oil balance, soothe acne, while inhibiting elastin breakdown and slowing down the aging process.
MARIE REYNOLDS LONDON
Elixir™ <- Click to shop
Rich in Omegas-3, 6 and 9, Vitamins ABCDEK, Antioxidants, Phytonutrients, Proteins, and Minerals etc., the Apricot Oil, Marula Oil, Sunflower Oil, Neroli Oil, Frankincense Oil and Rose Geranium Oil in Elixir™ effectively brighten the skin, reduce scars and hyperpigmentation, repair the skin barrier, lock in moisture, slow aging, soothe sensitivity and eczema, fight inflammations, bacteria and free radicals, and promote skin cell regeneration.
LA BELLA FIGURA
Aria Nighttime Cell Recovery Treatment <- Click to shop
The potent blend of 19 exquisite, unrefined botanical ingredients, including Açaí Oil, Amaranth Seed Oil, Saffron Flower Oil, Barbary Fig Seed Oil, Rose Otto Oil and Helichrysum Flower Oil, provides the skin with a pure concentration of antioxidants, vitamins, polyphenols and phytonutrients to rejuvenate, restore and reset the skin to its youthful, radiant state.
January 25, 2021
January 13, 2021
January 06, 2021
Have you ever wondered why your legs and arms still feel super dry and itchy, even after body lotion? Your skin is lacking in oils and nutrients.