So, you already know how amazing oils are for your skin. We’ve all heard about the antioxidant, anti-aging and anti-blemish properties of many popular oils.
But, oils are not one-size-fits-all.
It all comes down to finding your skin type, and choosing the best oils for the type of skin you have. It’s important to use the oils that are right for your skin’s needs! When you pick the right oils for your skin type, your skin will be moisturized, clear of irritations and blemishes, and positively glowing.
What Is Your Skin Type?
Your skin will respond best to the products that are formulated for your individual skin type.
To determine which type of skin you have, all it takes is three simple steps:
- Wash your face. Remove your makeup and wash off the oil and dirt accumulated on your skin. This way, when testing your skin type you know that your skin is starting fresh.
- Wait two hours. Steer clear of any products after you’ve washed your face. This rest time allows your skin to return to its natural state.
- Observe! Check how your skin feels to the touch. Be on the lookout for any flakes or oily spots.
- Dry skin will feel tight and may have flaky areas.
- Oily skin will look shiny and feel slick to the touch.
- Aging skin usually tends to be dry, and may have fine lines and wrinkles.
- Blemish-prone skin generally may have an active breakout, or a few blemishes in different stages of healing.
- Sensitive skin will be more likely to show signs of irritation - redness and bumpiness are both indications that your skin could be sensitive.
Keep in mind that skin type is a continuum. That means, you could be on the normal side of oily or the drier side of dry. Every person’s skin is unique - that’s a good thing!
The Right Oils for Your Skin Type
No matter your skin type, there is an oil out there (or a few oils!) that will help your skin to restore its natural beauty. Oils are measured by their comedogenic rating to determine whether they will cause clogged skin and breakouts.
Dry
The best oils to use for those with dry skin are those that contain higher concentrations of oleic acid. Oleic acid is a monounsaturated fatty acid found in slow-drying, heavier oils. Oils with high levels of this acid are well-suited to you if your skin is thirsty; plus, these will be absorbed more easily by dry skin than oily skin.
- Avocado oil is a thicker consistency and sinks right into the skin. It has a mildly herby aroma and blends well with other oils.
- Almond oil is light and absorbs quickly, yet is extremely moisturizing. Plus, if you’re sensitive to scent, this oil is virtually odorless.
- Apricot Kernel oil also absorbs quickly and moisturizes effectively. It is also known for its anti-inflammatory properties.
Oily
Oily skin sufferers will benefit from face oils that are high in linoleic acid. This acid is present in light, nourishing oils that don’t clog the skin. Linoleic acid has even been shown to reduce clogged pores by over 25% with daily application.
- Jojoba oil is one of the most popular carrier oils out there. But, it is great all on its own. This oil helps to clear clogged pores and to maintain a balanced skin pH.
- Safflower oil is known to help remove dirt and oil. It combines with your naturally-produced sebum to unclog pores and reduce rashes and acne.
- Grapeseed oil is absorbed quickly by oily skin due to its lightness. This oil is also chock full of antioxidants and has further anti-inflammatory properties.
- Camellia oil is another good choice for oily skin. This dry oil will absorb directly into the skin without leaving any oily residue. Camellia oil is also very thin, and actually mimics the viscosity of water, so it barely belongs in the oil family at all!
Aging
Those with aging skin should look for oils with high levels of punicic acid. This is a polyunsaturated fatty acid that is relatively new and unstudied. But, we already know that oils high in this acid will help to protect aging skin from damage, and enhance the skin’s ability to repair itself.
- Pomegranate Seed oil is high in antioxidants, which naturally changes the look of dull skin to a more youthful glow. Plus, it stimulates collagen production, helping to rejuvenate aging skin.
- Argan oil is fast-absorbing and known to increase cell regeneration, thus helping to reduce the look of wrinkles. What’s more, this oil has been known to also slow down the formation of new wrinkles.
- Rosehip oil is a serious skin regenerator. This oil is luscious and light. Its primary active component, tretinoin, has been scientifically found to be responsible for repairing tissue.
Blemish-prone
Oils used on blemish-prone skin should be primarily antibacterial and antifungal, helping to rid the skin of dirt and bacteria that cause pimples. While it may seem counterintuitive to treat blemished skin with oil, these particular choices contain many of the same soothing compounds found in traditional anti-acne products.
- Pumpkin Seed oil is new on the oil scene, but it is a favourite for all skin types, especially those prone to blemishes. It has high levels of vitamins A and C, which help to prevent the sebum overproduction that typically leads to breakouts.
- Tea Tree oil has powerful antibacterial properties that help to soothe and treat pimples. This oil will penetrate any blockages between the surface of your skin and your oil glands, clearing clogged pores.
- Camellia oil protects skin and calms irritation, including redness caused by blemishes themselves. This oil absorbs well into the skin, without leaving greasy residue. Camellia is perfect to both hydrate acne-prone skin and soothe any irritation.
Sensitive
Those with sensitive skin should choose oils that are known for their calming and soothing properties. Look for oils that have anti-inflammatory properties, antioxidants, and vitamins A and C.
- Hemp Seed oil is a perfect choice for chapped, broken skin. For this reason, hemp seed oil is often used in skincare formulas to treat eczema and psoriasis.
- Evening Primrose oil has a cooling effect that improves conditions like eczema. This oil is ideal for very dry, irritated skin and is gentle enough to be used every day.
- Pomegranate seed oil is so high in antioxidants that it also makes an excellent choice for those with sensitive skin. It is well known to provide soothing, hydrating relief for sufferers of skin conditions like eczema.
- Sea Buckthorn oil helps with skin recuperation, most notably helping to reverse damage from strong sun exposure. It has high beta-carotene content, giving this thicker oil an orange tint. When using this oil, be sure to combine with other oils. Less is more!
Your Skin, But Better
With these targeted oils for all skin types, you’ll never have to lament your dry or oily skin ever again. Plus, you are in control of how to incorporate your chosen oil into your skincare routine. You can always use just a single oil on its own, or, you can mix a few face oils with an essential oil or two to create a custom oil blend.
No matter what you choose, you’ll be on the way to a more naturally beautiful YOU!