Whenever you mention ‘oil’ and ‘skin’ in the same sentence, people tend to have opinions. From ‘oil will clog your pores’ to ‘they are the best thing ever happened to your skin,’ opinions are a bit confusing.
Today, you will see a variety of skincare oils hitting the market shelves alluring people to buy them because of the ‘benefits’ they offer. To understand precisely how oils affect your skin, it is essential that you seek consultation from your dermatologist.
You must use skin products based on your skin requirements. From seasonal weather to genetics, and your lifestyle and skincare regimens all impact the state of your face. Therefore, it is always critical to make an informed decision before applying any of the skincare product.
On the contrary, it is said that certain oils are carrier oils that come with added therapeutic benefits. Sometimes, they can actually set you on a path towards a stunning complexion. Confusing as it sounds, skincare oils can work wonders on your skincare miseries, transforming your skin from dull to dazzling.
With that said, if you are considering giving skincare oils a try, then you must read this post to understand what potential benefits they can offer to your skin and what kinds of skincare oils will work best on your skin, and more, to make an informed decision.
In this article
What are skincare oils?
You may have noticed that the majority of beauty brands have started launching oils like coconut, jojoba, argan, and blends of oils with all the ways of tempting claims.
You will find it surprising to know that there are some research-supported facts about plant oils and what they can do for your skin.
While they are not any magic potions, the beautiful blend of beneficial oils or the right plan oil can make a remarkable difference for flaky, dull, dry, or dehydrated skin.
According to beauty experts, skincare oils are for anyone who could use a boost for smoothing and nourishing rejuvenation, particularly when drier climates or seasonal cold disturb your skin.
In fact, some non-fragrant oils can prove beneficial for eczema-prone skin as well.
Now, coming down to our question, skincare oils can include a blend of any fragrant plant oil, also known as essential oil, non-fragrant plant oils, and even synthetic oils (mineral oil).
They can be used anywhere on your body, including the face. There is no research or study that shows certain oils are good for a specific part of your skin.
Now, what you will find interesting is that the skincare oils that contain a single blend like coconut, jojoba, or argan, can be found in all price ranges from the cosmetic brands, and these same plainly-packaged single oils at health food stores are sold for a fraction of the price. And they are just as effective.
This is something grave that most people don’t understand or don’t care about. Beauty brands are selling the same product but because they have the have so-called labs and researchers, they have bettered the product, and people believe them and are willing to put all their money on the table.
Well, it is not that brands are deceiving the consumers with quality. There is no doubt that brands are offering best-quality skincare products, but there are some brands that are not working in the best interest of the customer. Some might deceive you with synthetic products that are not good for your skin. They just want to make money.
So, it is crucial that you choose the skincare brand after performing a vigilant review.
Skincare oils are many of the skincare solutions out there. They are designed and processed to work with the natural oils in your skin to keep it balanced.
In simple terms, skincare oils act as catalysts that complement our natural oils. Our skin naturally produces lipids and oils that help keep our skin stay hydrated. Now, the production of these natural oils and lipids vary drastically from person to person. Depending on their health, genetics, lifestyle choices (smoking/drinking/food/exercise, etc.), and diseases, among other aspects, your skin will produce oils accordingly.
Although skincare oils can have countless possible benefits, the general aim of using these oils is to provide an extra layer of protection for your skin.
Natural oils help in keeping the skin cells together. However, as we age or due to the above-mentioned aspects, the natural skin oil production gets low. This is where skincare oils come into the play. They are a type of emollient that helps in strengthening the skin’s outer layer by softening and sealing it, thereby preventing water loss.
Skincare oils are often plant-based that are derived from fragrant and non-fragrant parts of the pant, such as roots, leaves, flowers, seeds, and more. And since they contain a range of potent ingredients, they are considered beneficial for the skin.
But, what about mineral oils? Aren’t they good?
This is up until now when cosmetic brands have moved to natural plant-based oils. Before that, they all used mineral oils in their products. Still, mineral oil is the most commonly used oil in beauty products. But it has got a bad rap recently.
There is so much buzz going around mineral oils in skincare products. There is a lot of misconception out there, and most of them are really scary, some to the extent that many people are wondering whether it can cause cancer.
Well, it is of utmost importance to separate the fact from fiction. This is important since products containing mineral oils are many people’s go-to products, especially when their skin is chapped, red, and dry during winter.
Mineral oil is an odorless, clear oil that is derived from petroleum. The oil comes in different grades. The highly purified grade is what we all have in our skincare products. Petroleum jelly and mineral oils are the byproducts of petroleum refinement and are considered ‘petrochemicals.’
In the present scenario, you will see a lot of skincare products are marketed as ‘petrochemical-free’ or ‘free of petrochemicals.’ This means that the product doesn’t contain mineral oil.
Is it dangerous? Well, there is a lot of confusion and fear surrounding mineral oil. People are worried about contaminants and impurities found in mineral. Moreover, there are concerns regarding mineral oil being ‘carcinogenic,’ meaning it could cause cancer.
You need to understand that cosmetics use the highly purified grade of mineral oil, which is completely different in terms of properties and composition of technical grade mineral oils that are used in engines and other mechanical equipment.
Cosmetic grade mineral oil goes through a highly strenuous purification process that removes all the impurities and contaminants. Similar to the plant-based oil, mineral oil act as an occlusive emollient that helps keep the skin hydrated by locking in the moisture and forming a shield on the skin surface.
Dermatologists and beauty care professionals consider mineral oil very safe as it rarely causes any allergic reaction or irritation. It is all about what your skin and body can tolerate. You can even get skin irritation or allergic reaction after using a plant-based organic oil. So, it is important to try out things and see what best works for your skin and stick to it if possible.
The real justification for not using mineral oil is that while it is hydrating, it will not provide other benefits like antioxidant properties or anti-inflammatory properties that plant-based oils provide. So, this is one reason to not use a mineral oil-based skincare product.
On the other hand, if you use a skincare product that combines other beneficial ingredients with mineral oil, it can potentially trap other ingredients in the skin.
The bottom line is that mineral oil is a safe, inexpensive, and effective moisturizing ingredient as long as it is of cosmetic grade. Give it a try!
What are the benefits of using skincare oils?
If you are thinking that putting oils on your skin and face will bring bad breakouts, then think deliberately because ancient Egyptians used Moringa Oil to keep their skin flawless and vibrant. This old-school beauty secret is surfacing the world of modern beauty regime. According to beauty experts and top dermatologists, skincare oils are the missing step in your beauty routine.
You need to understand that not every oil is the same. There are synthetic ones like your mineral oil, and there are plant-based oils that have their own separate characteristics and properties. That means some can nourish and moisturize your skin, and some can be potential allergens and irritants. Therefore, you need to choose wisely.
#1 Skincare oils are great for eliminating zits
Skincare oils like tea tree oil and eucalyptus oil are natural zit zappers. And you will experience less pigmentation and acne formation once you start using plant-based skincare oils.
According to doctors, moderate usage of jojoba oil on your skin can actually help control your skin’s oil production. So, it can be a great addition to your acne regimens.
The best part is that skincare oils are produced using a very light and cosmetically elegant formulation that is excellent for everyday use.
#2 Skincare oils can help calm down rashes
Many skincare oils, except mineral oil, have anti-inflammatory properties that can help treat skin irritation. Skin irritation can be caused by anything from excessive sweating or due to insect bite. Yangu and argan oils are recommended during skin irritation.
On the other hand, germanium oil is another excellent source of anti-inflammatory properties that can not only reduce skin irritation but redness as well.
#3 Skincare oils can help shrink enlarged pores
Enlarged pores make for more dirt and impurities to clog in your skin. This can ultimately cause several skin-related problems like breakouts, blackheads, acne, pigmentation, rashes and more.
People with enlarged pores are advised by the dermatologists to use plant-based oils like camellia, jojoba, and macadamia on their skin because of their pore-shrinking capabilities. They can help the skin pores look smaller and less noticeable.
However, you should consult with your dermatologist before applying any skincare oil on your face. Inappropriate usage can cause side effects like oily skin, pigmentation, etc.
#4 Skincare oils act as the perfect primer for makeup
You don’t have to look for or use artificial skin makeup primers for applying makeup. They do not only close your pores but can also prove difficult when removing the makeup.
Skincare oils like pumpkin seed and mandarin oils are great primer alternatives that quickly zips through the top of your skin and comfortably settling into the regions that require the most hydration.
Skincare oils can give you the instant plumping effect, creating a perfect canvas for the makeup you will apply.
The smoother the skin, the better the makeup, making your face look more elegant.
#5 Skincare oils really protect your skin
Since oils are lipophilic in nature, they can easily penetrate deep into your skin, locking water and other nourishing and moisturizing goodness with it inside.
On the other hand, some oils can help strengthen and fortify your own natural oils and promote their production. Some act as a natural skin barrier.
People living in cities need extra care. They need protection against harmful pollutants and smog that can cause unwanted wrinkles and fine lines at an early age. Skincare oils can help protect the skin from these harmful pollutants by restricting them from entering the skin.
Moreover, during cold winter days, applying oil antioxidant ingredients to your face can help prevent dryness and redness of the skin. Overall, it skincare oils act as a great protecting agent that safeguards your skin inside out.
#6 Skincare oils are good for treating dry skin
If you have dry skin, then we know how difficult it is to cope with rosy cheeks, flaky skin, and dry and rough lips, especially during winters.
Oils can have a more moisturizing effect than your regular over-the-counter moisturizing creams and lotions.
Coconut oil is considered a great remedy for dry skin. It can help heal the dryness. Moreover, almond oil is also a great alternative since it contains omega-3 fatty acids that can have a hydrating effect on your skin.
Further, almond oil is excellent for sensitive skin as well.
#7 Skincare oils can help you reduce fine lines and wrinkles
Too much exposure to the sun’s UV rays, pollutants, and other harmful impurities can cause wrinkles and fines at a young age, making your skin look dull and old.
We always dream of aging beautifully. With the right skincare oil, you can achieve a flawless-looking skin.
Oils rich in antioxidant ingredients can help slow down the aging process. If your skin is affected by dryness and sun damage, you can look for a skincare product that contains primrose oil. You can also directly apply primrose oil to your skin. However, consult it with your dermatologist before direct application.
Skincare oil like argan oil is rich in vitamin E, which is also known for its anti-aging properties. Moreover, a dab of grape seed oil can help rejuvenate your old-looking skin by treating fine lines.
How to use skincare oils correctly?
People have lots of questions regarding the use of skincare oils like when’s the best time to apply, how much to apply, and which one is the best for my skin.
Well, here are some basic tips on how to use skincare oils correctly.
- You can combine oils with moisturizers or serums for enhanced effects. Combining the serum with facial oil can help treat dry skin and other related issues. Combining moisturizer with facial oil can help lock in hydration.
- You need to apply skincare oil as per your skin’s requirements. You can use the oil after apply serum. Moreover, you can directly apply it over the skin to spot-treat dry areas. Before you apply the oil directly to your skin, you must consult it with a dermatologist.
- You can use skincare oils both in the morning and at night. You can apply oil before the makeup or sunscreen in the morning and as the last step of your nighttime skincare routine.
- Never rub or massage skincare oil into your skin. Instead, you need to pat or dab the oil, ensuring that it is pushed down into the pores. This will enable your skin to absorb the oil to reap the maximum benefits out of it.
Finding the right skincare oil for your skin type
It is important to choose the right skincare oil that will provide maximum benefits to your skin. Here are some of the best oils for sensitive, oily, and aging skin types.
- For sensitive skins, yangu, argan, and primrose oils are considered the best options
- For oily and acne-prone skin type camellia flower oil, tea tree oil, jojoba oil, and macadamia oil are considered the best option
- For aging skin, rosehip and argan oils are considered the best options
Final Words
That’s it! We have covered all the aspects of skincare oils. We hope that you will find it informative and will help you make the right decision regarding skincare oils. However, we suggest that before you rush to your nearest store and buy any skincare oil, you should consult with your dermatologist and seek recommendations based on your skin type and requirements.
If you have any queries or questions regarding the topics mentioned, feel free to ask us.
