FACIAL OILS 101
All things oils and more
By Agnes Aui
When people hear about oils for their skin, many would steer clear. Well, this is because they’re so used to thinking that oils will only make their skin oilier than it already is. Truthfully, facial oils can be daunting for skincare beginners as they could be imbedded with the fear of their skin turning worse. However, facial oils can actually drive you to the path of clear and glowing skin. With the right oils for the right skin type, your skin can turn out smooth and dewy. In this issue, we discuss everything you need to know about facial oils.
WHAT ARE FACIAL OILS?
Facial oils are considered a type of emollient. Though some people get mixed up with emollients and moisturisers, they’re actually different. Emollient is an ingredient found in moisturisers, meaning facial oils are an ingredient commonly used in moisturisers. Facial oils help strengthen the outer layer of your skin by softening and sealing it as well as help your skin prevent water loss. Facial oils are curated to work with your face’s natural oils, keeping your skin balanced and nourished. When it comes to the benefits of facial oils, the first thing to note is that they derive from plants, and are taken from various parts such as the flowers, roots, leaves and more. This means the oils contain a range of potent ingredients and can bring neverending benefits to your skin. However, the overall motive of facial oils is to give your skin an extra layer of protection.
WHICH PART OF A SKINCARE ROUTINE DOES FACIAL OILS FIT IN?
Layering skincare products can be confusing and overwhelming, especially when you don’t know which product comes first. Nevertheless, the perfect rule to follow is to apply products from the lightest to the thickest. This means applying serums and facial oils first before applying moisturisers and sunscreens. Facial oils can be used in the morning and evening, or even both if you have dry skin. Certain oils can also be used to tackle skin problems like acne, pigmentation, scarring, blackheads and more. It is also important to note that different people will have different skin regimes depending on their skin type. Just ensure to use the facial oils to multitask with your other skincare products to get the ultimate effect. Facial oils are also versatile and can be mixed with your foundation to get that glowing dewy look.
WHY IS PATCH TESTING IMPORTANT BEFORE APPLYING FACIAL OILS?
Due to the fact that facial oils are potent products, your skin may not necessarily react well to a particular oil. Which is why patch testing is important before adding the facial oil to your regular skincare routine. Even after a patch test, your skin may still need time to adjust to the product and may take up to a month before you see improvements. The perfect place to patch test new products should always be easily covered such as the underside of your jaw, behind your ear or the side of your neck. Make sure that there are no other products applied in the area that you’re doing a patch test. Do this for two to three days and wait for a reaction. If you notice breakouts or itchiness, this means that you’re most likely allergic to the oil and should discontinue use immediately. If there are no reactions at all, you can start including it in your routine. However, do note that you may still experience breakouts on your face when using the facial oil. This means that your skin is likely ‘purging’, a phenomenon that occurs when your skin is getting used to the new product. The purging should last about a month or less.
