Like many of us, you may have grown up seeing oil as public enemy number one when it comes to skin health. Facial Oils are still an unknown entity to some and often don’t get the love they deserve as in truth, they bring myriad beneﬁts and are a brilliant inclusion in a daily skincare routine.

As vastly popular as facial oils have become, there are still misconceptions that are rife. A conversation that crops up regularly highlights that many people are still nervous about using a facial oil, especially on oily or combination skin.

MYTH # 1

Facial Oil makes your skin oilier…….

It may seem counterintuitive, but face oils are extremely beneﬁcial for oily skin! Oily skin happens when the sebaceous glands generate too much sebum, leading to shiny skin and blocked, infected pores. Using a hydrating, non-comedogenic oil can help to reinforce the skin barrier and regulate sebum production, thereby balancing your skin.

MYTH # 2

Using a daily face oil is too much, especially in Summer…….

Expertly formulated oils are easily absorbed by your skin, giving your face a dewy ﬁnish. They will not sit on the surface of your skin or leave it feeling greasy. Light oils like camellia, grape seed and rosehip are ideal for use over the summer months, especially after sun exposure. Rosehip oil is considered a dry oil and sinks into the skin eﬀortlessly. In fact, it comes in at a 1 on the “comedogenic scale” (meaning it won’t block pores) making it the least likely to turn you into a human oil slick!

MYTH # 3

You don’t need a Facial Oil with a Serum…….

“Better together” is one of our core beliefs where good skincare is concerned. Serums are of a much smaller molecular structure than oils and can therefore penetrate the skin at a deeper level. They also contain active ingredients designed to target speciﬁc skin concerns. As your serum sinks deep into the skin, your facial oil creates a protective layer on the surface, sealing your serum in and preventing moisture loss.

In short, don’t be afraid to pair a serum and an oil as they are perfect team players in creating symbiotic harmony for your skin.

While your serum is working hard below the surface (think legs of a duck) a facial oil glides on creating a soothing, calming barrier to prevent transepidermal water loss and protect the skin against environmental damage - thus preventing dehydration and promoting a healthy glow. What a team!

MYTH # 4

Oils are not an anti-aging product…..

Dry, dehydrated skin will crinkle up and exaggerate fine lines, making them appear deeper than hydrated skin, which will stay plump and taut. Oils, of course, stop dryness in its tracks and lock in moisture.

For a youthful look, facial oils oﬀer antioxidants, which are repairing, slow down ageing and neutralise free radicals. Sea Buckthorn is anantioxidant rich power house containing Vitamins C, A, B1, B2 and B6, Vitamin E and Omegas 3,6 and 9 to name only a few on this hefty list. These aid the production of collagen, reducing ﬁne lines and wrinkles and Vitamin C dramatically diminishes sun damage - all while reinforcing a healthy lipid barrier.

MYTH # 5

Face Oils Will Ruin Your Make-up.....

Applying the right oil for your skin will leave you with a fresh ﬂushed dewy glow a dolphin would be proud of, but the key is the correct oil and the correct amount.

It is crucial to use an oil that is low on the comedogenic rating (the lower the better) and contains ingredients suited to your skin type. Used carefully, botanical oils and extracts will absorb beautifully and take your complexion to new heights and give you the perfect base for make-up that will stay all day.

Apply 3-5 drops with ﬁnger tips and massage gently in sweeping, upward strokes to aid lymphatic drainage. Wait a few minutes and then apply foundation if you wear it. It's also possible to apply your oil along with your foundation to create a seriously dewy glow.