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November 09, 2021
With winter's colder temperature and lower humidity upon us, a thicker moisturizer maybe your first instinct to deal with drier skin. That is not the right way though, as thick moisturizers can be problematic (for more information, read: Is Moisturizer A Must In A Skincare Routine?). So what's the most effective way? The answer is a good quality face oil.
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 why and how.
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First, we have to understand how the skin absorbs skincare——there are three pathways by which skincare ingredients can enter into skin.
Intercellular Absorption
Intracellular Absorption
Transappendageal Or Follicular Absorption
Face oils can go through the intercellular matrix or through the follicular route, unlike water-based ingredients that can only take the intracellular route. They also have a much smaller molecular size. This is exactly why face oils of any kind have a much higher chance of absorbing into skin versus water-based serums or moisturizers, and deliver a wide array of nutrients deep into the skin.
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KLUR
Unseasonal Kind Lipid Replenishment Oil <- Click to shop
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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.
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OUMERE
Serum Bioluminelle™ <- Click to shop
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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.
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holi(oil) Ageless Face Serum <- Click to shop
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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.
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Elixir™ <- Click to shop
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Every single oil and botanical extract has a different nutrient profile, and when combined correctly, can work in synergy to provide multiplied benefits. In addition, a multi-oil formula in almost all cases feel way lighter on the skin than a single-oil formula. So instead of choosing a single-oil formula, choose one that is formulated with multiple oils and botanical extracts for maximum skincare benefits.
Oils are not diluted, and are very nutrient dense, so you really don’t need much to reap their benefits. Under most circumstances, 4-5 drops are enough for the whole face. So one bottle even used day and night everyday will last a long time!
There are actually many ways you can use a face oil in your routine, but here are the general rules:
On top of using face oils in your skincare step, you can also mix a drop or two with your foundation, especially during winter. Not only will the face oil add an extra glow to the face, it will also prevent the foundation from drying out, so less cracks and dry lines will appear during the day!
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LILOU Radiant Hydra Balm <- Click to shop
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