A Guide to Facial Oils: What They Are and Who Should Use Them
Perhaps no skincare category is as misunderstood as the facial oil. For years, anyone with oily or combination skin was told to avoid them at all costs, while others were left wondering if they were just an extra, unnecessary step. But a high-quality, well-formulated facial oil is one of the most powerful tools you can have for supporting your skin's health.
It's time to demystify the facial oil. Let's explore what they really do and who can benefit from adding one to their routine.
What Are Facial Oils and What Do They Do?
A facial oil's primary job is to act as an emollient and occlusive. In simple terms, this means they do two things:
- They nourish and soften the skin: Oils are rich in fatty acids, which help to condition and soften the skin, improving its texture and flexibility.
- They lock in moisture: This is their most important function. Oils form a protective layer on top of your skin that seals in hydration from the products underneath it and prevents water from evaporating from your skin's surface.
By performing these functions, facial oils are incredibly effective at supporting and strengthening your skin's natural moisture barrier.
The Big Myth: "Oils Are Bad for Oily Skin"
This is the number one reason people avoid facial oils. It seems logical: why add oil to oily skin? But the right kind of oil can actually help. Often, oily skin is also dehydrated, and it overproduces sebum to compensate for a lack of moisture. By providing the skin with healthy, non-comedogenic (non-pore-clogging) oils, you can help to balance your skin's own oil production, leading to a less greasy complexion over time.
How to Use a Facial Oil in Your Routine
Because oils are occlusive, they should be the very last step in your skincare routine at night, or the step just before your sunscreen in the morning. A good rule of thumb is to apply just a few drops. Warm them in your palms and gently press them into your skin over your moisturizer.
Your Nourishing Oil-Serum Hybrid
For a product that delivers the best of both worlds, our HydraGlow Illuminating Serum acts as a nourishing oil and a hydrating treatment in one. It's formulated with beneficial botanical oils like Abyssinian Seed Oil to support the skin barrier, but has a lightweight, non-greasy feel that works for all skin types. Use it as a final step to lock in moisture and impart a beautiful, luminous glow.
Want to understand how oils compare to other products? Read our guide: Skin Serums, Facial Oils, or Skin Moisturizers?
Don't let myths hold you back. A well-formulated facial oil can be a game-changer for achieving nourished, balanced, and truly radiant skin.