Face Oils... What, Which, How?

One of our best-selling products is our Beach Balm Organic Face Oil. Naturally, we receive lots of questions from people who are new to our face oils, or indeed to face oils in general. So we thought it might be useful if we cover some of the most frequently asked questions here.

What is a face oil?

Face oil is a cosmetic skincare product formulated with one or more plant-based oils that are designed for application on the face and neck.

Good quality face oils should contain bioactive ingredients, meaning that the ingredients have an active, targeted purpose to address specific skin concerns, such as dryness, aging or acne. For example, our face oils contain Frankincense, also known in the cosmetic industry as Liquid Gold, because of its anti-ageing properties.

Face oils can vary widely in terms of their composition, with each type offering unique benefits for the skin. They come in various types and textures, making them versatile for different skin types and preferences, so they are a great staple or complimentary addition to your skincare routine.

Why use a face oil?

Face oils can offer multiple benefits over other forms of facial skincare, including:

• Hydration: Oils help lock in skin’s moisture, preventing dryness and leaving skin looking more plump and youthful.
• Protection: Oils also act as a barrier to help protect skin against environmental stressors, such as pollution.
• Nutrient Boost: They contain bioactive components that target specific skin concerns, while deeply nourishing and vastly improving skin health.
• Anti-Aging: Some oils combat signs of aging, like fine lines and wrinkles. We formulate with Rosehip, Jojoba, Sea Buckthorn, Frankincense and Vitamin E, all of which are great at combating signs of ageing.
• Balancing: Face oil can balance oil production for all skin types. Jojoba oil in particular, which replicates skin’s natural sebum, is great at balancing skin.
• Soothing: With their high profile of anti-inflammatory properties, oils can calm irritated skin, reduce redness and even out skin tone.
• Texture Improvement: They can help smooth skin for a more radiant, glowing complexion.
• Enhanced Absorption: They can help other skincare products, such as moisturiser, better penetrate the skin.
• Natural Primer: You'll discover that face oils act as an excellent makeup primer, providing a luminous boost under your makeup.
• Preservative-free. Some people prefer not to use synthetic preservatives in their skincare. Because face oils do not contain water, there is no need to add a preservative. However, it is important that an antioxidant is added to the product to help prolong the life of the oils. We add Vitamin E to our face oils, for this purpose.

 
How do I use face oil?

It's important to apply face oil correctly to maximise its benefits. Consistency is key when using face oil. Some people notice immediate results, while it may take a little longer for others, particularly if a certain problem, such as acne, is being targeted.

If you experience any adverse reactions to face oil, discontinue use and seek medical advice. Always perform a patch test when trying a new product to ensure it doesn't irritate your skin.

Here's a step-by-step guide on how to use face oil:

• Select the right one for you. Choose a product that suits your skin type and concerns. Our face oils are formulated to be unisex and suitable for all skin types. They are gentle yet potent, and highly versatile.
• Cleanse. Start with a clean face. Remove makeup, dirt, and impurities from your skin, and gently pat your face near-dry with a clean towel.
• Dispense 2-3 drops of the oil into the palm of your hand. You can adjust the amount based on your skin's needs, but avoid using too much as this can lead to a greasy feel.
• Rub the oil between your hands to gently warm it. This makes it easier to apply and it helps with absorption.
• Apply: There are two main methods for applying face oil. Patting: Gently pat the oil onto your face, starting from the centre and moving outwards. This method is more suitable for sensitive skin. Massage: Use upward, circular motions to massage the oil into your skin. This can be more suitable for normal to dry skin types. You will find what works best for you through experimentation.
• Absorb: Give the oil some time to absorb into your skin (this can take a few minutes) to let it work its magic and also to prevent transfer of the oil to clothes.

If you're using face oil in your morning routine, make sure you apply sunscreen after the oil is fully absorbed, to protect your skin from UV damage.

You can use face oil both in the morning and evening, depending on your preferences and skin needs. Some people prefer using it only at night for a more intensive treatment.

Are face oils good for mature skin?

Absolutely! Using face oil as part of your skincare routine can help you achieve the best results for maintaining healthy and youthful-looking skin. 

Mature skin often requires extra hydration, nourishment and support in addressing common aging concerns. Here are some reasons why face oils are good for mature skin:

• Deep Hydration: Mature skin tends to be drier, as it produces less natural oil over time. Face oils can lock in moisture to combat dryness and maintain a plump, youthful appearance.
• Anti-Aging: Many face oils are rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and fatty acids that help reduce the signs of aging. These ingredients can minimize the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, promote collagen production, and improve skin elasticity.
• Nutrient-Rich: Good quality formulas are packed with skin-loving nutrients and vitamins that can help repair and rejuvenate mature skin.
• Improved Texture: Face oils can make the skin smoother and more supple, reducing the uneven texture that may come with age. 
• Enhanced Radiance: They can give mature skin a healthy, radiant glow. They can even out skin tone, reduce dullness, and improve overall skin luminosity.
• Soothing and Calming: Face oils often have anti-inflammatory properties, which can help calm sensitive or irritated mature skin and reduce redness.
• Customisation: You can choose face oils that address your specific aging concerns, such as fine lines, age spots, or loss of firmness. This allows you to tailor your skincare routine to your unique needs.

Can face oil replace moisturiser?

Face oil can replace moisturiser for some people, (I've been using mostly only face oil for over a decade!), but it's not a one-size-fits-all thing.

Face oils are said to be excellent 'moisturisers' on their own. However, technically, oils don't actually moisturise the skin; rather, they lock in moisture to help keep your skin hydrated from within.

Stay hydrated! 
By far, the best way to moisturise your skin is to stay hydrated; drink lots of water throughout the day, and your skin will improve. Guaranteed. Face oils will enhance your skin by helping to lock in that hydration, but inner hydration is vital.

Whether face oils can entirely replace your moisturiser depends on your skin type and individual preferences. While I use only face oil for the majority of the time, I sometimes mix in a little Vitamin C moisturiser with my face oil, when I feel that my skin could do with a little hydrating boost.

Will face oil cause my skin to break out?

Putting oil on your face seems rather counter-intuitive, doesn't it? How can that not clog your pores and cause a break out? But the critical factor here is to make sure that you are using the right oil with the right ingredients for you.

Face oils can potentially cause breakouts, but this highly depends on your skin type and the specific oils you use. Some face oil products may contain 'heavy' oils such as olive oil, which some people find greasy and pore-clogging.  

Our face oils contain non-comedogenic oils, such as jojoba and rosehip. This means that they won't clog pores, and may even help reduce oil production and alleviate acne. They certainly won't leave your skin feeling greasy.

To minimise the risk of breakouts, choose a non-comedogenic face oil, perform a patch test, and introduce it gradually into your skincare routine to observe how your skin reacts. 

TIP: It is not uncommon to see a face oil product marketed as a premium ingredient, such as "Rosehip Oil", when in fact it can be mostly a lower grade 'filler' such as olive or sunflower oil. Always read the list of ingredients on the back of the label; legally, the ingredients should be listed in the order of their volume. So if olive oil is listed first, then it is mostly olive oil.

I have acne; will face oil make it worse?

Living with acne can be challenging. Naturally you want face products that will help alleviate it and, hopefully, clear it up. While we don't make any medical claims around our face oils, we know from customer feedback that they help with common skin concerns such as acne and rosea.

Whether face oil will trigger your acne depends on the type of oil and your skin's individual sensitivity. Choose oils labeled as non-comedogenic and perform a patch test first. Our face oils are non-comedogenic and contain therapeutic, anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties that can really help soothe and calm your skin.

So that's it! We hope you found this 101 helpful. If you have any questions that aren't addressed here, please don't hesitate to get in touch; we'd love to hear from you.

Lastly, if you'd like to try our best-selling Beach Balm Organic Face Oil for your self, here's a 10% discount. Just add BEACHBALM10 at the checkout, and the discount will be automatically applied.