Face oils! You can’t live with them and you certainly can’t live without them, that is if you are vying for luscious skin and a gorgeous complexion. Crazy as it may seem, certain face oils have the capacity to transform your skin woes into skin wonders so that when you hear the word “oil,” your mind doesn’t automatically rush to the times in high school you used facial oil blotting papers to wipe away all that excess gunk off your skin. It is time to embrace the word “oil” and think of plant-based miracle workers that dive into your skin to nourish, replenish and hydrate. And not only do certain face oils have this capability but they are also great for their anti-aging, antibacterial, and healing properties. So after you figure out your particular skin type, it’s time to start incorporating some oils into your regimen. We have compiled a list of reasons why it’s time to start using face oils and the best ingredients to look out for! 

If you think putting oil on acne-prone skin is counterintuitive, think again. Some oils can actually be your saving grace when it comes to those pesky little zits. Certain plant-based oils have antioxidants, amino acids, and vitamins galore which will help to hydrate, protect, heal and moisturize your skin. And contrary to popular opinion, some oils will not clog pores or make your skin oilier. If you have heavily acne-prone skin, it’s also best to see the comedogenic rating and see which oil is low on the scale. The scale goes from 0 (will not clog pores) to 5 (more likely to clog pores). But oils to absolutely look out for are grape seed, sunflower and evening primrose. 

As we age, our skin produces fewer oils which can exaggerate the look of fine lines. Facial oils have been proven to reduce wrinkles since they contain essential ingredients like antioxidants and pass through your skin quickly. This prevents water loss, keeps your skin looking plump, boosts your collagen, and strengthens skin elasticity. Dr. Rebecca Tung, chair of the Division of Dermatology at the Loyola University of Chicago, recommends looking for products containing primrose oil or those with a Vitamin E base like Sunflower seed oil to help with those pesky fine lines and wrinkles. Incorporating multiple oils with your base is a great way to hit your aging problems at multiple angles. Look for ingredients like sandalwood and pomegranate which are great for their anti-inflammatory effects and promote skin cell turnover. 

If you find yourself crying over a dull and uneven complexion, oils are a great way to banish these unwanted guests. The secret to finding the best face oil for glowing skin doesn’t come down to one single ingredient, but in finding ingredients that counteract what could be preventing you from your brightest complexion in the first place. Oils like grapeseed, tamanu, and apricot oil help moisturize dehydrated skin, while oils like rosehip, camellia and pomegranate have anti-inflammatory properties to help reduce redness and even out dull and lackluster skin tone. Bottom line, a multiple seed oil can be used for an immediate glow effect. You can even smooth it onto the high points of your face as a makeup-free, natural-looking highlight. 

Face oils truly have an array of benefits, but their overall purpose is to serve as an extra layer of protection for your skin. “Face oils are considered a type of emollient, which means they help strengthen the outer layer of your skin - the stratum corneum - by softening and sealing it, preventing water loss,” says Dr. Noelani Gonzalez, director of cosmetic dermatology at Mount Sinai West in New York City. Make sure to apply your chosen facial oil as your last step to your skin regimen as it acts as a great barrier for the outer layer.

When facial oils are placed as the last step of your evening care routine, they can act as a barrier to the outer layer of your skin. Applying natural oils on your skin before bed allows ample time for your skin to soak them up overnight and provide protection throughout the day. On top of that, carrier oils used in your regiment can help transfer retinol and all those collagen-boosting ingredients into your skin, further impacting its potency. 

Dr. Corey L. Harrtman says, "Face oils can be a great option for someone with dry skin, particularly during the fall and winter months,” and serve as an alternative to similar moisturizing methods. In fact, plant-based and fragrance-free oils are the ideal antidote to dry, flaky skin and rough, rosy cheeks -- and they can be much more effective at moisturizing than your standard over-the-counter lotions and creams. Make sure to find the best plant oils since these particular oils absorb easily into the skin, protecting the skin’s lipid barrier & preventing moisture from evaporating from the skin.  

Higher-end oils such as tamanu and camelia do a fantastic job of pulling out grime and fats from your pores, which in turn make them appear smaller and less noticeable. One ingredient to really look out for is orange flower extract oil as it is one of the most effective essential oils for problem skin with enlarged pores. The citric acid contained in this oil is able to regulate the production of sebum as well as increase blood circulation. It works as a great antiseptic that prevents acne and pimples and is excellent for tightening pores. As a base oil, grapeseed oil is ideal. Make sure to look out for these ingredients when purchasing your next oil. 

We don’t have to mention this, but some oils just feel plain good on your face. Rubbing them on your hands and dabbing them on your face feels like the ultimate self-care ritual to indulge in. Don’t forget to choose wisely and research the best quality facial oils, or your efforts might be all for naught. Remember that unlike petroleum-derived silicones and mineral oils such as paraffin oils and petroleum jelly, the chemical composition of most natural plant-based oils are similar to the lipids of human skin. So instead of being treated as foreign substances, these plant-based oils are absorbed into our skin’s layers where they are effectively metabolized by our body. High-quality blend-based oils like Eclat Midy, are great examples of this and are free of chemical ingredients and artificial fragrances -- the perfect dive into smart skincare.