Are Facial Oils Really Worth The Hype?

Facial oils have finally become all the rage, but there’s still a lot of misconceptions surrounding them, like that they cause breakouts or clog your pores. This is actually a huge myth, and in this article I’m going to be breaking down all the facts from fiction, as well as making some recommendations for a few really great ones!  

Myth Beauty oils clog your pores, not allowing your skin to “breathe”, resulting in breakouts.  

 Fact  First of all, your skin doesn’t need to “breathe”. Your skin’s essential function is to prevent things from entering your body...skin’s cells are nourished by our blood, not by air. The lower layers of skin get their oxygen and nutrients from the blood supply, or from what you put in your body. The top layer of skin is dead, so it doesn't “breathe”. When people talk about skin “breathing”, they’re usually referring to whether the skin is occluded or not.  Secondly, beauty oils are actually beneficial for your skin, and, more often than not, can help balance and regulate sebum production for anything from oily skin and hormonal cystic acne, to hydrating skin for texture issues and dryness. It’s important to find the right type of oil for your individual needs, and not just use what your second cousin’s best friend says is the holy grail for their skin...because while it may work for them, that doesn’t necessarily mean that it will work for you, especially when you aren’t aware of what other active ingredients they may be mixing into their skincare routine.  

Myth You can skip moisturizer if you use facial oils.  

 Fact Not true. Facial oils are entirely composed of plant-derived fats that have adequate lipid content needed to build a barrier and create a waterproof seal that prevents moisture from evaporating, while moisturizers attract water to your skin. A well rounded skincare regimen should always include both.  

Myth Oil free products are better for your skin.  

Fact That’s a big NOPE. Oil free products don’t exist...if you look at a label, you’ll see some sort of oil. The reason so many big companies can claim that their products are oil free is because “non comedogenic” isn’t a FDA regulated term. You need some oil in your products to properly hydrate and better protect the skin, as well as possibly stabilize the formulas of whatever you're using. Now, onto the fun part: my favorite facial oils!  

*Water Oil Skin Prep by Sonia Roselli Beauty $54 Available at www.soniaroselli.com  

I cannot say enough about one brand’s products the way I can with Ms. Sonia’s stuff! Not at all greasy, this dual phase facial oil is both hydrating(water) and lubricating(oil). Ideal for all skin types, especially acne prone or mature skin, this oil balances like none other! With a quick dry time, this is a great option for use under makeup, and I use it on every single bride or model whose makeup I do...and on myself too! With Squalane Oil(which is great for those suffering from eczema), Japanese Camelia Oil, and other easy to understand ingredients like Avocado Oil, your skin will thank you even after just one use! Cruelty free, vegan, paraben, fragrance and nut free, this product is great for both your skin AND the environment!  

 

*This Is Everything Facial Oil by Wondergloss $65 Available at www.wondergloss.com  

Everything you need to know about this oil is right there in the name! With a velvety texture and an exotic, rich scent, this oil will make you feel oh-so-pampered in all the best ways. This nourishing treatment has a unique blend of superfood seed oils like cranberry, pomegranate and marula which provide fatty acids and antioxidants to give a youthful, radiant glow to the skin...and helps restore your skin’s natural barrier. That’s a huge plus from anyone suffering from the wear and tear of improper skin care. It’s also vegan, cruelty and gluten free, as well as free of any parabens that you don’t want in your skincare.  

*Emerald Deep Moisture Glow Oil $48 Available at www.herbivorebotanicals.com  

It doesn’t matter if you like emeralds or not...you’re gonna love this one! Deeply moisturizing with quick absorption makes this formula(packed with ingredients like hemp seed oil, shiitake mushroom, and ashwagandha root) gives your skin exactly the nourishment it so desperately  needs. It helps clear your skin, as well as helps with fine lines to and provides a youthful glow without looking oily. Plus, if you have rosacea, it’s an absolute must have! This oil is also vegan, cruelty free and gluten free.