FACE & BODY OILS

By Leslie Peck

I grew up with very oily skin and you could not have paid me a million dollars to put oil on my face. I’m sure I spent a small fortune on blot papers and powders trying to matte my shiny T-zone through the years. I remember the first time I tried an oil cleanser years ago. I waited for the breakouts to happen, and my wait was long. It never did.

Making your way into using oils on a regular basis can give you the hydration you need to balance your skin’s sebum production and create just the right amount of radiant, natural glow. Some oils are used best in their raw form and some as ingredients within skincare.

Cleansing With Oil

When we wash our face, good and bad oils are stripped from the skin. Oil cleansers interact with the existing oils to remove the bad and keep the good. Oils are great for removing makeup, breaking down pigments and waterresistant products.

Hydrating With Oil

Oils soak into the skin almost immediately, creating a protective barrier against free radicals and providing a smooth surface to apply makeup. The lipophilic properties of oils lock in the moisture to heal and soothe while strengthening the skin.

Acne And Oily Skin

Face oils used on acne or very oily skin have anti-bacterial and antiinflammatory properties to help calm breakouts and redness while healing, protecting, nourishing and balancing the skin. The first instinct with oily skin is to strip away all of the oil to dry it out. This will only cause the skin to produce more sebum causing clogged pores and unfavorable results. Cleaning and moisturizing with noncomedogenic oils will improve the skin’s appearance and texture.

If you have severe skin irritation or acne, always consult your dermatologist or aesthetician before adding different products in your skincare routine. Consider the oils you use on your skin. It is best to find pure, high-grade ingredients when trying something new, especially on your face. Face and body oils are not the same as essentials oils. Essential oils are much more potent and need to be diluted with a carrier oil. Oils do not protect against sun damage. Always use SPF when going out into the sun.

Helpful Oils

• Tea Tree. Use to spot treat comedones and reduce irritation.

• Grapeseed. Lightweight, anti-aging, wound healing and full of antioxidants, recommended for acne and oily skin.

• Marula. Full of antioxidants and microbial properties, light and smooth to use under makeup.

• Argan. Can be used on hair, skin and nails, it is lightweight and full of vitamin E and healing properties; safe for eczema, rosacea and oily skin.

• Camillia. Stimulates collagen to help with fine lines and wrinkles, safe for oily skin.

• Coconut. On the heavier side of the oils, best for dry skin, very effective to lock in moisture on hair, nails and skin.

• Rosehip Seed. Rich in vitamins E, C and D, best for anti-aging, helps to reduce dark spots and scars.

• Jojoba. Because this oil is the most similar to the sebum in our skin, it can help balance oil production and reduce acne.

• Almond. Packed with omega-3 fatty acids, good for dry, sensitive skin.