Using facial oils correctly - how effective are they really?

Facial oils are trendy

Facial oils are currently experiencing a hype and are enjoying growing popularity. The trend towards plant-based, certified organic ingredients, clean beauty and sustainable products has greatly increased the popularity of facial oils. They are now an integral part of the daily care routine. If you are looking for natural, minimalist skin care with just a few ingredients, you will appreciate facial oils as an extremely well-tolerated all-round care product that is also uncomplicated and versatile to use. While oils were often considered too heavy or comedogenic (clogging pores) in the past, there are now light, non-comedogenic facial oils. They bring balance back to not only dry, mature or sensitive skin, but also to oily skin. They are suitable for every skin type , balance the sebum composition and regulate sebum production, and counteract blemishes, itching or redness. Facial oils can be used for many skin needs: soothing sensitive skin, treating acne, lightening the complexion in cases of hyperpigmentation or slowing down skin aging (slow aging).

In this article, you will learn how facial oils work, what applications there are and whether skin care with facial oils alone can be effective and useful.

How do facial oils work?

Facial oils work in a variety of ways to nourish, protect and regenerate the skin. They contain a variety of active ingredients, such as fatty acids, vitamins and antioxidants, that penetrate deep into the skin and support different skin functions.

Facial oils ensure a healthy, radiant complexion. They protect the skin from moisture loss by forming a protective layer on the skin's surface and strengthening the skin barrier. They prevent the skin from losing water. This function is particularly important for dry skin, as it keeps the skin soft and supple.

In the cold season, facial oils are an indispensable protection against wind, cold and dry heating air. At low temperatures or when the air is dry due to convection heating, the skin on the face quickly loses moisture and is prone to dry wrinkles. Facial oils offer ideal support here: They smooth fine lines and prevent moisture from escaping from the upper layer of skin.

Depending on the specific fatty acid pattern, facial oils can also be effective against itching, pimples, small pigment spots or acne scars. They promote an even complexion. In addition, the essential fatty acids, vitamins and antioxidants contained in a facial oil can slow down the aging process of cells by fighting free radicals. Free radicals are highly reactive molecules that are created in our body. They can cause damage to cells, proteins and even DNA if they are not neutralized. They are created by normal metabolic processes in the body, but are exacerbated by smoking, alcohol, air pollution, an unhealthy diet, excessive UV radiation or constant stress.

How can facial oils be used?

There are a number of ways you can use facial oils to enhance your skincare routine. When used correctly, facial oils complement your skincare routine in many ways and help keep your skin supple and your complexion glowing. Here are some tried and tested methods and tips on how to get the most out of facial oils:

• Apply facial oil pure
  Apply the facial oil to your still damp face immediately after cleansing. The facial oil will lock in the moisture on your skin.
  Application: Put 3-5 drops of the facial oil on your fingertips and press it gently into the skin. This ensures even distribution and a pleasant skin feeling.
• enrich facial cream
  Mix the facial oil directly into your skin care cream to enhance the nourishing effect – especially ideal for cold days.
  Application: Mix 1-2 drops of oil into a small amount of face cream and apply to the face, neck and décolleté. This method is particularly suitable for very dry skin.
• In combination with serum instead of cream
  Use the oil after a hydrating serum instead of a moisturizer to lock in moisture.
  Application: Apply the oil directly after the serum. This not only moisturizes the skin, but also provides optimal protection.
• as a base under makeup & for natural glow
  Facial oils are ideal as a primer under makeup to give the skin a natural glow and make it appear softer.
  How to use: Massage 1-2 drops into the skin before applying your foundation. Allow the oil to absorb so that the makeup adheres better.
• For facial massages
  Facial oils are ideal for facial massages as they provide sufficient lubrication while also nourishing the skin.
  How to use: Put a few drops of oil on the palms of your hands and massage it into the skin using circular movements. Use light pressure and tapping to stimulate blood circulation.
• Targeted care for dry or inflamed areas
  Use facial oil selectively to treat dry or irritated areas of skin.
  Application: Apply the oil specifically to dry areas such as around the eyes, lips or cheeks and massage gently to soothe skin irritations.
• Night care for intensive regeneration
  Facial oils are ideal as an overnight treatment for intensive care overnight.
  Application: In the evening, apply a generous amount of oil over your serum to your face and neck. During nighttime regeneration, the skin can absorb the nutrients particularly well.
• Mixture with Foundation
  A few drops of facial oil will make your foundation lighter and give it a natural glow.
  How to use: Add a drop of oil to a small amount of foundation, mix both on the back of your hand and apply to your face. For a radiant, fresh look.
• enrichment of a facial mask
  Mix a few drops of facial oil into your face mask to intensify the care effect.
  Application: Add 2-3 drops of oil to your mask to provide your skin with even more nourishment.
• for removing makeup
  Cleansing oils can even remove waterproof makeup.
  Application: Wet your face, massage in 3-5 drops of cleansing oil and then wipe it off with a cotton pad.
• additional care for eyes and lips
  The sensitive skin around the eyes and lips particularly benefits from care with facial oil.
  Application: Gently apply a drop of oil to the eye or lip area to avoid dry skin.
  
  

Is skin care with facial oils alone effective and useful?

Some people prefer a minimalist, natural skin care routine - free from any additives or fillers. In principle, such a purist facial care routine based exclusively on facial oils can be sufficient. Facial oils are versatile, easy to use and they can be used in different phases of the skin care routine, such as for oil cleansing, instead of a face cream, as a make-up base or for facial massage.

Facial oils are sufficient as the sole skin care product if the barrier layer of the skin surface is intact, your skin is in a stable balance and healthy. In young, healthy skin, the skin's own fats (lipids) fulfill the function of the skin's own emulsifiers, which transport the oil-bound active ingredients of a facial oil into the deeper layers of the skin. However, the older we get, the drier our skin naturally becomes. Not only is there a lack of moisturizing lipids, but there is also a lack of moisture. In older skin, the barrier layer as a protective barrier against moisture loss is also weaker than in younger skin, so that moisture cannot be bound in the skin as well.

Why facial oils alone are often not enough

• The Difference Between Moisturizer & Dehydrator
  Facial oils lock in moisture in the skin and protect against moisture loss, but do not provide moisture themselves. To provide optimal skin care, an additional moisturizer, such as a hyaluronic serum or a facial toner with hyaluronic acid, is necessary. These products supply the skin with moisture, which is then locked in by the facial oil. Without a moisturizing serum or toner, facial oils can only seal the skin, but not provide sufficient moisture.

• Targeted active ingredients for specific skin needs
  Facial oils alone are often not enough to treat various skin problems, such as acne, pigmentation, uneven skin texture or fine lines. Specific skin problems require targeted active ingredients - such as bakuchiol, hyaluronic acid, phosphatidylcholine, vitamin C or niacinamide - which are contained in facial serums, moisturizers or regenerating face masks.

Conclusion

Skin care with facial oils alone can work in some cases, especially for young skin with an intact skin barrier or as a minimalist restart after perioral dermatitis (POD), i.e. for extremely sensitive, over-cared skin. However, a skin care routine with additional moisturizers such as hyaluronic acid or aloe vera in a facial serum or facial toner offers better long-term results. Facial oils are a valuable part of skin care, but they work much better when combined with moisturizers and active ingredients that address your specific skin needs. A facial oil is also an ideal combination with emulsifier-free DMS facial creams. The myrto facial creams with phosphatidylcholine and beta-glucan ensure that the facial oils can penetrate deeply, the skin barrier is strengthened, your skin is hydrated and protected from moisture loss.