Face oils may hold the secret to achieving healthy, radiant skin—no matter what your skin type (yes, even those of you with perpetually oily skin!). Jam-packed with nutrients like vitamin C, essential fatty acids and antioxidants, they penetrate the skin to transform and protect—helping to build a resilient skin layer known as the lipid barrier. Learn the correct way to apply them and how to choose the right oil(s) for your skin type.
Basic Tips: How to Apply Face Oils
When is the best time to apply oils? How much oil should you be using? What other products should you be using in combination with your oils? Here are some basic tips to help you get the most out of your face oils.
1. Combine Oils With Serums or Moisturizers
Inas Anis—nurse practitioner, esthetician and anti-aging skin care specialist—advises that oils “can be combined with other products to get enhanced effects.” The best combinations: serums (to treat) or moisturizers (to lock in hydration).
2. Apply Based on Your Skin’s Needs
Beauty blogger Renee (of Gothamista) advises to use oils after applying your face serum(s) and, if necessary, use oils to spot-treat dry areas—rather than applying all over the face.
Anis notes that, depending on your skin type, you may only want to use oils before bed so that your skin can soak them up overnight and provide protection throughout the day. This is especially true for oils that can increase your skin’s sensitivity to light or thicker oils that might give your complexion a little too much shine for a daytime look. If you have dull skin, Anis also suggests using face oil as a primer before applying makeup. Allow the oil to fully absorb before applying your makeup for a natural, hydrated glow.
Dr. Alex Roher, MD of San Diego Botox Inc recommends using face oils both in the morning and at night. He advises applying oil as the last step of your nighttime skin care routine and before your sunscreen and makeup in the morning.
Also Read: 5 Cleopatra Beauty Tips for your 30s!
