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When it comes to skincare, it’s easy to get overzealous with the enticing myriad of products marketed to us. ‘Skinimalism’ is an emerging beauty movement that favours healthy, glowing skin. It promotes simplicity and the use of natural ingredients in place of thick layers of make-up often used to cover up imperfections.

Are facial oils good for the skin?

The rise in popularity of oils has spurred on the desire in people to create multi-step skincare regimens in a bid to feel rejuvenated. Unfortunately, the wrong use of oils will end up causing more harm than good. So, even though layering serums, solutions, balms, and everything in-between may feel beneficial at that moment, if you do not get the routine right it may result in patchy and sensitised skin over time.

One of the most important steps in any beauty regimen is using a moisturiser suited for your skin type. Moisturisers keep the skin’s moisture levels balanced and prevent dryness or excessive sebum production. Additionally, moisturisers help lock serums in and provide hydration― allowing the skin to benefit from all the nourishment the products have to offer. Unfortunately, facial oils alone or used incorrectly, cannot achieve this.

For a moisturiser to tick the right boxes, it must contain specific ingredients that provide skin with thorough hydration. Some of the key components that moisturisers should include are humectants, occlusives, and emollients. A popular moisturising agent is a humectant. The substance works by absorbing moisture molecules from the air or the skin's underlying layers and transferring it to the skin's most superficial layer. This helps skin to remain hydrated, which in turn improves the performance of other topical skincare products. Occlusives are moisturising agents that create a barrier on the skin’s surface to prevent moisture loss. Lastly, emollients are products used to soften skin and prevent water loss. Different facial oils and balms serve as either humectants, occlusives, or emollients. Knowing which one to use will help you get the best results for your skin.

Extracted from the most nutrient-dense parts of herbs, flowers and plants, oils offer the skin a variety of benefits. Essential oils are packed with vitamins and have the potency to treat issues such as acne and premature ageing― giving skin a vibrant glow. They can also help soothe allergic reactions with their antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties.

How to pick the most nourishing facial oils

Unfortunately, many brands use trendy buzzwords on their packaging to make their products appear more natural. Therefore, when on the hunt for new facial oils to incorporate into your skincare, scan the ingredients list. Look out for natural, plant-based ingredients as these are full of antioxidants which support cell repair and can help reduce signs of ageing. If there is anything that you either cannot pronounce or are unfamiliar with, conduct a quick search on the internet to find out whether the ingredient has any side effects.

One word to flag in products that claim to be all-natural is the word ‘fragrance’. Most fragrances are synthesised, and for them to give off that pleasant smell, a volatile chemical reaction needs to take place ― and that’s what sensitises skin. Natural fragrances can be irritating to sensitive skin too, so practice caution when purchasing a scented oil.

Cleansing facial oils may contain some form of alcohol. If you have dry skin, try to avoid products that have ethanol, methanol, and ethyl alcohol high up on the ingredients list, as this will pose a problem for your skin type. On the other hand, fatty alcohols such as cetyl, stearyl, and Cetearyl derived from fats are used to keep oil-and-water emulsions from separating. White and waxy in colour and texture, these substances are used as an emollient that will not dry or irritate your skin.

Different facial oils and how to use them:

1. Cleansing oils

Cleansers are used in the morning and evening to remove makeup, dirt, and impurities from the skin. Cleansing oils are made up of moisturising and calming substances that may be less irritating than standard cleansers. The oil cleansing method is the act of washing the face with a combination of oils. Once the oil has been gently rubbed into the skin, add a little bit of water to help emulsify the product, rinse with warm water once done and dab your face dry.

4.5.6 Skin Come Clean Cleansing Oil

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Tameless Balancing Cleansing Oil

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2. Moisturising oils

Oils alone cannot hydrate the skin; however, a humectant can help quench your skin by drawing in moisture from the air and from other products already applied on the skin. Oils work best when applied after a moisturiser that contains an ingredient like hyaluronic acid as they help enhance the product’s efficiency.Almond, avocado, sesame, and olive oils are popular examples of oils that draw moisture. Use patting motions to apply the product.

African Botanics Neroli Infused Marula Oil - Balancing Face Oil

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3. Balms

Luxuriously thick in texture, face balms are hardened oils that gradually break down and melt to the warm touch of skin. Unlike moisturisers, they are anhydrous, which means they don't contain any water. Face and body balms have been used to treat, soothe, and hydrate skin for millennia. Apply a generous amount immediately after a shower to help trap moisture inside the skin. Coconut oil, beeswax and shea butter are examples of balms that are often blended with other oils like vitamin E, almond and essential oils to create a creamy balm.

Mahalo The Rare Indigo Beauty Balm

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Buttah Skin Facial Shea Butter Moisturizer

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4. Essential oils

Essential oils have been used to treat skin ailments for centuries. The calming properties found in lavender, chamomile, geranium, and clove can help relieve conditions such as eczema and rashes. Tea tree, peppermint and sandalwood oils have a combination of antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties that help reduce inflammation. Essential oils work best when used in conjunction with carrier oils that help dilute their concentration which may be irritating. Apply these oils as the very last step of your skincare routine before sunscreen.

Faithful To Nature Organic Jojoba Oil