BENEFITS OF USING NATURAL FACE OILS

Winter is coming. The days are becoming shorter, the leaves have turned yellow and red, some trees have completely lost their coating, the rain is slowly becoming our daily companion and the winds are blowing strong and cold.

With the Sun moving further away, the winter slowly approaches and we might feel ourselves losing our glow. Yes, literally!

During this season you will notice your skin turning dry and a bit dull, needing a little bit of extra care.

Adding all natural oils to your skincare routine is a simple and effective method to nourish and repair winter stressed skin. With so many different types of oils available, every skin type and individual is able to find the oil that suits them. Oils brighten and strengthen the skin, helping it retain its moisture while fighting off acne-causing bacteria, and those with oily skin or suffering from acne are safe to use them.

When starting our adventure with oils, we must remember that the oil used on our face should be lighter than the full-bodied one used on the body. Applying heavier oils, such us olive -, mineral- and coconut oil, on face will clog the pores. The above are safe to apply onto the body, mineral oil however is not the best choice- it doesn´t benefit the skin at all and is easily found in many low-cost ´oil-based´ products.

Face oils are packed with antioxidants, vitamins and nutrients that repair and protect. Additionally, they´re great for cleaning the skin, instead of stripping off its protective layer.

Grapeseed-, Merula-, Apricot kernel- and Argan oil are ideal for most skin types.
Argan-, Merula- and Jojoba oil are less likely to irritate and can be used on sensitive skin.
Argan oil has a high concentration of vitamins A and E, which smoothen fine lines and soften the skin.

Jojoba oil is great for mixed skin types, as it controls oily skin and stops overproduction of sebum. Both Merula and Rosehip oils are high in vitamin C, which fight hyperpigmentation (skin discoloring, darker patches).

People with dry skin should opt for heavier, more occlusive oils, such us Avocado-, Sweet Almond- or Sunflower Seed oil, the last however, might leave your face feeling quite greasy.

Although using oils on the face has many benefits, moisturizing is not one of them. Oils function both as an emollient, a softener and an occlusive, helping to retain water in the skin from other products such as moisturizer. Therefore, when using oils, we shouldn´t forget about our moisturizers and apply them onto the skin before the oil. If you´re new to oils, try adding just a few drops to your moisturizer or foundation to get started, or opt for oil based cleansers and make- up removers, that will keep your face protected.

Of course, our skins need time to react to our new skin care routine. Don´t get discouraged if you experience a few breakouts or if a particular type of oil doesn´t work for you. Try another kind, do some research. At the end your genetics determine which oil works best for your skin.