Facial Oils 101
Although for many of us it does not seem that fall has fully arrived, despite what the calendar says, the seasons are most definitely changing. The air is already starting to get drier and that's before our heaters have begun to kick in. You may not feel it quite yet, but these changes are about to wreak havoc on your skin. And using a moisturizer alone may not be enough to counteract the drying effects of the environment. No doubt you've read or heard about the importance of adding oils to your facial routine and maybe you're wondering what all of the fuss is about. Now is the perfect time to get familiar with facial oils. Facial oils are based on a variety of essential oils. They are more effective at hydrating because their molecules are attracted to the fat cells in our skin, causing the oils to penetrate the epidermis layer more deeply. Further, they are very readily absorbed by the skin. Oils hydrate, detoxify, nourish and regenerate. When it comes to serums, they are designed to nourish the skin, adding powerful vitamins and antioxidants to fight superficial lines and premature aging.
There are some things to look out for when searching for a good facial oil. First, make sure it's pure. Less expensive oils tend to contain more processed ingredients with fillers and additives, which clog pores preventing the oil from thoroughly penetrating the skin. Whereas more expensive oils tend to be purer, with fewer additives, and thus more effective. To gauge the purity of oil you're considering buying, take a look at how clear it is. The clearer the oil, the more pure and potent it is. And, second, make sure that the oil spreads easily and absorbs easily into the skin without sitting on top and clogging your pores. When you have combination skin or acne, your skin will pump out sebum (an oily secretion) if your oil level isn't balanced. And if you strip your skin's natural oils by over-cleansing, your face will produce more oil to compensate (really). A high quality face oil will replenish your skin with the essential fatty acids and moisture it needs restoring balance, which will give those overactive sebaceous glands a breather, leaving your skin healthier and clearer. Sonäge has taken a unique approach – we have an oil serum (concentrated facial oil treatment) that is highly concentrated so a few drops go a long way, Vitality Nourishing Serum. It contains a custom blend of essential oils – Sunflower oil which helps moisturize the skin, Lavender and Rosemary oil that act as an antiseptic, Cypress oils that help heal the skin and Ginkgo Biloba and Willow Bark that act as powerful antioxidants. This serum protects the skin from free radical damage, wrinkles, and dehydration, without creating an oily sensation or clogging your pores (always a good thing). And the blend of naturally fragrant aromatic essential oils helps relieve stress and promotes physical and psychological wellbeing. Consider it a much-needed two-for-one bonus for our busy, stressful lives. It's important to note that serums are not meant to be a replace your moisturizer. In fact, they work together to deliver maximum results. Here is the routine: after cleansing and toning your face, the serum goes on first. This allows the nutrients and antioxidants to penetrate and be absorbed into deeper layers of the skin to do their work. Then, you apply your moisturizer to protect your skin and enhance the benefits of the serum.
This article originally appeared on Sonage Skincare Blog.