The Many Benefits Of Introducing A Face Oil To Your Skincare Routine

Natural beauty enthusiasts have sung the praises of face oils for some time now, but in recent years, face oils have found a way into mainstream skincare lines, and for good reason.

Facial oils tend to excel at delivering intense hydration and nourishment due to the small molecular structure that easily penetrates the skin. Read on to discover why you need to include a facial oil in your beauty routine.

1) Your skin needs essential fatty acids, and face oils are packed with them!

We will try not to get too scientific here, but for this first point, we need to go a little more in-depth than the following four. Stay with us, it will all make sense, and we will loop back to this first point throughout!

The fatty acids linoleic (omega-6) and linolenic (omega-3) are called essential fatty acids as your body cannot make them. Omega-9 is an oleic fatty acid that can be produced by the body, so it is a non-essential fatty acid. Essential fatty acids are the building blocks of healthy cell membranes.

We know how important it is to get essential fatty acids from our diet, but there are also benefits to applying them topically.

Lipids are found in skin's outermost layer (there are three layers to our skin) and play a crucial role in the skin’s barrier function. A lipid is technically a chemical molecule or compound that is not soluble in water, and there are various types, including fatty acids.

The analogy that your skin is like a brick wall was coined by Dr. Peter M. Elias of the University of California, San Francisco, who is an expert on skin barrier and epidermal biology. What do you think keeps the brick wall solid and secure? The lipids! They play the same role in the skin as the mortar plays on a wall, holding the cells together and keeping it strong.

As we age, the renewal of lipids in the epidermis slows down, and UV rays, pollution and lifestyle choices cause damage. Because face oils are composed of fatty acids (just like the lipids in the epidermis), they penetrate skin easily, passing through the lipid layer and helping prevent transdermal water loss, helping to rebalance skin and restore a healthy complexion.

 Related story: Discover prickly pear seed oil and why it is one of the most precious oils in the natural beauty world.

2) Nourishing your skin with the right face oil can make it LESS oily.

Contrary to popular belief, facial oils are often one of the best remedies for acne-prone skin.

 When skin is stripped of its natural oil through over-washing or from using products that are too harsh or drying, it will respond by producing more oil to compensate. Acne and clogged pores can be exacerbated as the skin tries to produce more oil.

 Oil applied topically to acne or oily skin can address a potential lack of essential fatty acids to control excess oil production. (See, we told you point one was important!)

 Studies have shown that many acne sufferers are low in linoleic acid, or omega 6, in their skin surface lipids, and oils such as prickly pear seed oil and evening primrose are very high in this.

 3) Face oils are fantastic for reviving dry skin.

The right oil can be a lifesaver when it comes to rejuvenating the appearance of dried-out skin. Whether the winter air is zapping extra moisture from your skin, or you just need to tackle seriously parched skin, consider adding a face oil into your routine.

A face oil used before your moisturiser may coax your skin into letting the ingredients absorb more deeply. You can even mix a couple of drops in with your regular day or night moisturiser for an extra hit of hydration.

 4) The right face oil may help shrink enlarged pores.

No! For the hundredth time, the right oils (for you) do not clog your pores. Instead, some can assist to unblock them, pulling dirt from pores and making them appear smaller.

While genetics, sun damage, and ageing can all contribute to large pores, a facial oil, particularly one that is formulated with the right mix of essential oils, may help manage them.

 Oil cleansing has become a big trend in the beauty world, and many users swear that it helps unclog pores. You may wish to try oil cleansing for yourself, but be sure to follow with a muslin cloth.

 5) Facial oils are amazing for soothing your skin.

Many face oils have natural anti-inflammatory properties. Looping back to point one again, a deficiency of essential fatty acids can contribute toward skin problems, such as dry skin, acne, dermatitis, eczema, and psoriasis. Yes, diet can also be a factor in managing most if not all these ailments, but when trying to control them topically, it may be helpful to at least investigate whether the right oils for your particular issue could be helpful. 

There is no doubt that face oils can be a superb addition to any skincare routine, but it's highly recommended to do your homework and only use quality, preferably organic, oils that suit your skin type before jumping on the bandwagon.

At Indagare Natural Beauty, we've developed two complementary face oils that, between them, offer the full spectrum of skin nutrtion. With ingredient lists that rival international brands that are charging two or even three times the price, both can be considered comparatively affordable, yet incredibly effective (read the reviews here) and truly luxurious facial oils.

As a company with an emphasis on certified organic ingredients and ethical sourcing, we naturally advocate choosing organic face oils whenever possible. Why? Because your skin is the largest organ of your body and since it is porous, and it absorbs what you put on it ... good and bad! Here's just some common toxins found in many mainstream skin and personal products.

Are you using a face oil yet? Why not start with Indagare's Organic Face Oil Duo Set which is always 6% off and includes free delivery Australia-wide?

Related Article: 12 Of The Best Oils for Anti-ageing