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Key points

Facial oils are some of the most effective skincare products that nourish our skin and make it appear healthy and glowing. While face oil ingredients vary from brand to brand, all of them are used primarily for moisturising the skin, specifically, for preventing the skin from losing moisture. 

However, many people still don’t know a lot about face oils and have no idea how to use them properly. For instance, many individuals with oily skin think that they don’t need face oil, which is a myth. If you want to get real results from these products, it’s important to know how and when you use a facial oil. There are many factors you need to take into consideration, such as your skin type, time of day, etc. This article provides a detailed guide on how to use a face oil and gives tips that will help you increase this product’s effectiveness even more.

What Is A Face Oil?

Face oil is a skincare product made with a mixture of plant oils and other ingredients. Its main purpose is to moisturise and nourish the skin. But don’t confuse face oil with a face serum. Serums contain a mix of active ingredients, while face oil is usually made mostly with oil. Serums should be used as the first step in your skincare routine right after cleansing and toning, while oil is best applied last because it’s meant to sit on top of your skin.

Why Do You Need To Use Face Oil?

You may be wondering what the point of using oil in your skincare routine is. After all, we’re taught to think that any kind of oil is bad for our skin. Well, this is actually not true. Face oil serves as a top coat that seals all the moisture and skincare products in the skin. It’s important to note that all types of skin can benefit from oil, so it doesn’t matter whether you have oily, dry, or sensitive skin. 

Face oil not only nourishes the skin but also protects it from environmental stressors. It also prevents our skin from experiencing transepidermal water loss by creating a barrier that protects the skin. Overall, face oil helps to keep the skin soft and nourished, which is something we all want for our complexion. Plus, if you’re into facial massages, face oil should be your favourite go-to product.

Best Ingredients To Look For In Face Oil

When looking for face oil, we recommend choosing premium-quality products rather than cheaper alternatives. Opt for oils that contain vitamin E and rich fatty acids, such as those present in coconut and rosehip oils. It’s also a good idea to select products that contain antioxidants and vitamin C, as they will protect your skin and reduce ageing signs. Vitamin E also has anti-inflammatory properties, so it can protect your skin from infections and alleviate different skin conditions. It’s recommended to search for oils containing jojoba oil as well since it’s very similar to the sebum that is naturally produced by our skin.

Dr. Kinsella Premium Glow Oil

Dr. Kinsella premium glow oil is an excellent option for people who are looking for a high-quality face oil that provides real benefits. Made from the best ingredients available to cosmetics experts today, face oil by Dr. Kinsella nourishes the skin, leaving it smooth and soft. Jojoba and rosehip oils contained in the product protect and hydrate the skin. Its formula is also packed with vital antioxidants as well as vitamins C and E – both of which are essential to include in your skincare routine. Plus, rosehip oil which is included in this product, contains high amounts of essential fatty acids, as well as vitamins A, E, and C. All of these components hydrate the skin, speed up the healing process, and minimise signs of ageing. Rosehip oil is also a natural moisturiser that makes the skin more elastic, firm, and healthy.

When To Apply Face Oil?

This is the most highly debated question associated with face oil. And the answer depends on your skin type. It’s generally recommended to apply oil at the end of your skincare routine, right before the sunscreen. However, if you have oily skin, you may need to apply either oil or moisturiser rather than using both at once. But if you have normal or dry skin and want to use both oil and moisturiser, it’s important to do it correctly since most people do it wrong. 

We all know that skincare products should be applied from the lightest to the heaviest, but what does it mean? Essentially, this means that water-based products such as serums should end up closest to the skin. Then you follow with a moisturiser and lock in all the nutrients and moisture with oil-based products.

Speaking of the time of day, experts recommend using face oil both in the morning and at night. Apply face oil before the makeup in the mornings, and make it the last step of your evening skincare routine.

How To Apply Face Oil

If you don’t know how to properly apply face oil, here are the step-by-step instructions.

Cleanse Your Skin

The first step is to cleanse and tone your skin. Before applying any products, you should cleanse your skin and remove makeup. This will help products penetrate deep layers of skin and stop leftover makeup from clogging your pores.

Combine Oil With A Moisturiser

Apply some moisturiser first, then follow up with oil for enhanced hydration. Alternatively, you can also mix a few drops of oil with moisturiser. Don’t replace your moisturiser with the oil, though. The reason you shouldn’t use face oil directly on the skin is that our skin needs both oil and water. Moisturisers are formulated to deliver both of these, while face oils provide only one. Oils simply don’t contain enough ingredients to replace moisturisers and serums, which is why it’s recommended to use oil to lock the moisture into the skin instead of replacing your moisturiser with it. 

Use The ‘Patting’ Technique When Applying Oil

Don’t put too much oil on the skin since it spreads very easily. A few drops should be enough. Patting the oil onto the skin is more effective than just rubbing it in. Patting will also aid in oil absorption and nourish deeper skin layers. You can also use oil only on dry areas rather than applying it all over the face and neck. 

Massage The Oil Into The Skin

If you use oil for face or gua sha massage, apply the product in an upward and outward motion, going from your neck to your forehead. If you have dry skin, you can give your face a light massage after applying oil on top of your moisturiser. This massage will get rid of tension and improve lymphatic drainage. 

Don’t Mix Face Oil With SPF

You should be careful when using face oil together with moisturisers that contain SPF because facial oils can dilute sunscreen and make it less effective. If your moisturiser contains SPF, then it’s better to apply a separate sunscreen on top of the oil to fully protect your skin from UV light.

Use Oil Every Morning And Night

You should use face oil every morning and at night for better results. Don’t forget to let the oil fully absorb into the skin before applying other products or makeup. If you layer products without letting them absorb properly, it can lead to pilling, which means you’ll have to start all over again.

Store Face Oil Correctly

Properly storing face oil is key if your want to prevent the product from losing its effectiveness. Try to keep face oils away from heat and sunlight and avoid prolonged exposure to air. These elements can interfere with the ingredients in the oil and break them down, which will make the oil less beneficial.

Face Oil Tips For Different Skin Types

The way you should apply your face oil largely depends on your skin type. 

Dry Skin

If you have dry skin, cleanse and tone your skin, apply some serum, and follow up with oil. Mix 4-6 drops of oil with your nighttime moisturiser and apply the mixture to your face and neck. You can also put 4-5 drops of oil on top of your moisturiser, and it will serve as a protective barrier for your skin.

Normal Skin

The face oil application process for normal skin is pretty much the same as for dry skin, but you should mix 2-3 drops of oil with moisturiser or simply apply 2-3 drops of oil on top of the moisturiser. The amount of oil is reduced because normal skin needs a little less oil. Same as for dry skin, you don’t want to use face oil directly on the skin instead of a moisturiser. 

Oily/Combination Skin

Oily skin already has enough oil, so you don’t want to use too much face oil on top of it. The application procedure for oily skin is the same as for dry and normal skin, but you need to apply 1-3 drops of oil. With oily skin, it’s better to focus more on moisturising and hydrating it. Moisturisers for oily skin are generally very lightweight and don’t contain any oil, which is why you should apply a moisturiser first to avoid blocking the pores. 

Using Face Oil During Travel

If you frequently travel by plane, you know how dry the skin can get during flights, no matter what skin type you have. Apply 1-2 drops of oil on top of your moisturiser every hour during a flight to prevent the skin from losing moisture. It’s important to do this a few times per flight and not just one time before you get on a plane.

FAQ

Do you put face oil on before or after moisturiser?

You may have heard the rule that says that you should apply skincare products from the lightest to the heaviest. In this case, the heaviest means the densest. Oil is heavier than moisturiser, so you should apply it on top of the moisturiser or mix it with it. Applying oil will help your skin to retain moisture and stay hydrated longer.

When should you use facial oil?

It’s generally recommended to use face oil both in the morning and at night. In both cases, face oil should be the last step in your skincare routine. But if you’re planning to put on sunscreen and makeup, layer the oil underneath these products.

Do you put on face oil before or after cleanser?

Face oil should be applied after cleanser, toner, serum, and moisturiser. Face oil should be the last layer of your makeup routine unless you’re using it for facial massages.

What are the benefits of face oil?

Facial oil delivers numerous benefits to the skin. Primarily, it strengthens the skin barrier and keeps the skin moisturised and hydrated. It also helps it become supple and soft, making the complexion more even. Face oil can also help to regulate natural face oil production, which is especially beneficial for those with oily skin. Depending on the ingredients, face oils may have anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties.

Can I use face oil every day?

Yes, you can use face oil every day, even twice a day. You can also just use face oil whenever your skin feels dry.

Can I use face oil after toner?

Yes, but it’s much better to use face oils after hydrating products like moisturisers. This will ensure that your skin gets all the nutrients and moisture it needs.