If you are applying a face oil both in the morning and at night, just make sure it’s one that doesn’t interfere with the efficacy of your SPF. That means giving it enough time to properly absorb into the skin and not cause your SPF to slip off or not adhere properly in the first place. Protection from UV damage is the most important part of any skincare routine, so, if you’re choosing between the two each morning, pick the SPF and apply a face oil at night, instead.
Can I use face oil if I’ve got oily skin?
“Oils can be feared by those with combination and oily complexions,” explains Sarah Brown, founder of skincare brand Pai. “As counterintuitive as it might seem, specific oils can actually work well for this skin type, playing a rebalancing role, especially after the use of products that strip away natural sebum (such as foaming cleansers).” (More on which face oils are best for oily skin later.)
If you do have an oily skin type and are just starting out with face oils, though, dermatologist Dr Sharon Wong suggests proceeding with caution. “As you would with any new skincare product, start slowly,” she says, recommending taking a few drops and applying them once or twice a week to begin with. This will help you figure out the frequency and volume of face oil that your skin can tolerate.
How should I apply face oil?
Face oils work brilliantly when used in conjunction with facial massage techniques. The physical act of massaging them onto the skin’s surface also helps to increase blood circulation and boost lymphatic drainage. Use upward and outward motions when applying, either with your fingers or with tools such as a gua sha or jade roller.
If you don’t enjoy facial massage, popping it straight on is an option too. Brown uses a few drops of face oil every evening after cleansing. “It’s best applied after using a face mist. It makes for a more even application, and has the added benefit of trapping in extra moisture.” Whatever your preference, it’s best to keep it as the last step in any routine. Because of its occlusive nature, it’s very difficult for anything applied afterwards to permeate through.
The best face oils for each skin type:
Dry
“Look for face oils that contain a greater percentage of essential fatty acids and vitamin E,” says Dr Wong. Since dry skin types tend to suffer skin barrier issues, omegas, fatty acids and ceramides can help fortify it and prevent water loss. Other great ingredients to look out for include squalane, marula, rose, grapeseed and jojoba oils.
Oily
Brown recommends looking for a high-quality oil that is light in texture and contains ingredients with antibacterial or antioxidant properties. Other ingredients to look out for are salicylic acid and retinoids, and omega 6 can help to regulate sebum production, too. Avoid thicker, more unctuous oils, such as coconut, like the plague.
Dull
Dull skin can be the result of sustained dryness and a build-up of dead skin cells and dirt on the skin. With this in mind, pick a face oil that works on brightening, refining and evening out skin tone and treating rough textures. Ingredients like vitamin C and vitamin A (retinol and retinal, for example) will work on these concerns while nourishing ingredients like avocado and plum oil help to reduce the chance of irritation.
Sensitive
“Despite the fact that most face oils are plant-based, they can still cause irritation in those with sensitive skin,” says Dr Wong. “It’s always best to try the product a few times with a small test patch before applying to a larger area. Stop immediately if any irritation starts to appear.” Essential oils, in particular, can wreak havoc on sensitive skin, so look for formulas that promise to calm and protect.
This story first appeared on Vogue.co.uk
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