Facial Oils 101

Words by Matt Huxley

Ahh that dreaded word, OIL. People love to eat it, not so much want it on their face. Triggered. People have been conditioned into believing that facial oils are a bad thing. There are all these products out there aimed at “removing oil,” “stripping oil,” “oil free.” When in actual fact it’s the act of stripping all the oil from your face which results in more blemishes. By adding good oils on to the face, we can aid the skin in controlling sebum production, hydrate the skin, and even repair scarring and hyperpigmentation.

Still not convinced? The ancient Egyptians used Moringa Oil to keep their skin youthful and wrinkle free. Considering how well those mummies have lasted, there’s got to be something in it right? Oils are also lipophilic, meaning that they pass through the lipid layer of the skin quicker, preventing water loss and plumping the skin with moisture more effectively. Basically, oils are your secret weapon for hydrated af skin.

So now that I’ve promoted the hydrating benefits of oil, I’m going to really befuddle (great word) you and tell you that oils can be used to cleanse as well. Cleansing oils are a combination of hydrating and drawing oils. Meaning that the cleanser will keep your skin hydrated, whilst melting off makeup and impurities. Most of these cleansers will emulsify on contact with water, turning them into a milk which you can wash off. My current fave cleansing oil is this great one from Moogoo. It comes in a few different styles depending on your skin type. I’ve got the combo one and it’s fantastic.

Tamanu Oil (pressed from the Polynesian Tamanu fruit) is great at reducing redness that occurs with scar tissue. So if you have blemished skin then this is a good option for you. This Moogoo one is concentrated Tamanu oil, meaning that it has a funky smell and all of the skin goodness.

Rosehip Oil contains natural retinoid acid, meaning that it’s great for anti-ageing, as well as hydrating and improving the skin’s elasticity and firmness. Most oil blends contain at least some Rosehip Oil, and it’s by and large the most common single oil available on the market. Rosehip Plus and Iluka both do great ones.

Green Tea Seed Oil is by and large a Korean staple. This colourless oil is a nourishing and antioxidant-infused oil. It adds tonnes of moisture to skin and blends seamlessly into the face. Innisfree does a good one. Make sure to check out the rest of their green tea range too, it’s pretty fantastic.

Oil blends are a great way to cop a range of oils, specifically targeted for a particular issue – usually hydration. Working as a team is better than working solo right? Apotekah does a great one which is a blend of Jojoba, Apricot Kernel, Patchouli and Carrot Seed oils. It serves to nourish every layer of skin, brightens and improves problematic skin and complements natural sebum. Ps you get a sneaky 10% off with my code MATTH10. Ya welcom. Mokosh beauty serum is a newly discovered favourite of mine. Its blend of Camellia, Baobab, Hemp, Borage, Rosehip, Sea Buckthorn and Raspberry oil sinks delicately into the skin, restoring and building up the skins barrier, whilst providing nutrition to the deepest layers.

So make sure you pick up that facial oil today. Seriously you won’t regret it.

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