Facial oils are the skincare products for luxurious-feeling, smooth skin. Adding this extra step into your skincare routine is certain to make your skin bright and glowy and - the best bit is - face oils are easy to apply and don’t require much effort - yes! Here are our 10 top tips for using facial oils in your skincare regime.
Facial oil top tips
1. Be gentle when applying your facial oils
To blend the oil into your skin, follow these steps:
- Start by applying a few drops of the oil onto your fingertips.
- Gently press the oil onto your skin using upward motions. This helps the oil to absorb into the skin more effectively.
- Alternatively, you can use a 'patting' technique. Instead of rubbing the oil in, lightly pat it onto your skin using your fingertips. Be especially gentle when applying around the eye area to prevent any potential wrinkles.
- Continue blending the oil into your skin until it is evenly distributed.
- Allow the oil to fully absorb into your skin before applying any other products.
Remember, the key is to be gentle and avoid pulling or tugging on your skin, especially around the delicate eye area.
2. Add facial oil to your moisturiser or straight to skin
Adding a few drops of facial oil to your moisturizer can definitely provide an extra boost of hydration for your skin. Here's how you can do it:
- Dispense a pea-sized amount of your moisturizer onto your fingertips.
- Add 2-3 drops of your facial oil to the moisturizer.
- Rub your fingertips together to mix the moisturizer and oil.
- Gently press and massage the mixture onto your face and neck, using upward motions.
- Continue with your usual skincare routine.
3. Don’t mix your facial oil and SPF together
It's important to be cautious when adding facial oil to moisturizers that contain SPF. Some facial oils can indeed dilute the sunscreen and reduce its effectiveness. To ensure proper sun protection, here are a couple of options:
Check the label: Before adding facial oil to your moisturizer, check the label of the moisturizer to see if it contains SPF. If it does, it's generally best not to mix the oil with it to avoid compromising the sun protection. Instead, use the oil separately.
Separate sun protection: If your moisturizer doesn't contain SPF or you still want to use facial oil, you can apply a separate sunscreen after you have applied your moisturizer and allowed it to fully absorb. This way, you can ensure you're getting the full benefits of both the moisturizer and sunscreen, without any interference.
Remember, protecting your skin from the sun's harmful rays is crucial for maintaining healthy skin, so always make sure to follow the instructions on your skincare products and use appropriate sun protection measures.
4. Apply face oil sparingly
When it comes to using oils for skincare, moderation is key. Oils are indeed highly concentrated products, and a little goes a long way. Using just a few drops can provide the nourishment and hydration your skin needs without creating an overly shiny or greasy appearance. The goal is to achieve a natural and healthy glow while avoiding an excessive reflective sheen on the face. Remember, balance and proper application are key for achieving the desired results in your skincare routine.
5. Use face oil twice daily, or as needed
Incorporating facial oils into your skincare routine can offer a range of benefits, and you have flexibility in when and how you use them. Here are some tips:
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Morning or Evening: You can use facial oils in both your morning and evening skincare routines. They can provide hydration, nourishment, and a protective barrier to your skin. In the morning, they can help create a smooth canvas for makeup application, while in the evening, they can aid in skin repair and rejuvenation.
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As Needed: Beyond your regular routine, you can also use facial oils as needed. For example, if your skin feels dry or tight during the day, you can apply a small amount of oil to provide instant hydration. This can be especially useful in dry or cold weather conditions.
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Spot Treatment: Some facial oils, like tea tree oil, can be used as spot treatments for acne or blemishes. Apply a tiny amount directly to the affected area to help soothe and heal.
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Locking in Moisture: Applying a few drops of facial oil over your moisturizer can help seal in moisture and prevent water loss, especially in drier climates.
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Massage and Relaxation: Using facial oils for a gentle facial massage can promote relaxation, improve blood circulation, and give your skin a healthy radiance.
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Travel Companion: Facial oils can be great travel companions to combat the drying effects of air travel. Apply a light layer before and during the flight to keep your skin hydrated.
Remember that every person's skin is unique, so it's essential to observe how your skin responds to different applications and adjust your routine accordingly. If you're new to using facial oils, start with a small amount and gradually increase if needed. Always patch-test new products to ensure you don't have any adverse reactions.
6. Apply your facial oil at the end of your skincare routine
The order in which you apply your skincare products can significantly impact their effectiveness. Applying water-based products before oils, in a specific sequence from thinnest to thickest consistency, helps ensure that your skin receives the maximum benefits from each product. Here's a breakdown of the proper order in your skincare routine:
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Cleanser: Start with a cleanser to remove dirt, makeup, and impurities from your skin.
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Toner: If you use a toner, apply it after cleansing to balance your skin's pH and prepare it for the next steps.
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Serums and Treatments: Apply water-based serums, essences, or treatments that contain active ingredients. These products are designed to penetrate the skin and address specific concerns.
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Moisturizer: Follow up with a water-based moisturizer to provide hydration and lock in moisture. This helps create a base layer for your facial oil.
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Sunscreen (Daytime Routine): If it's your morning routine, apply sunscreen as your last step to protect your skin from UV rays.
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Facial Oil: As the final step, apply your chosen facial oil. This locks in the moisture from previous steps, acts as a barrier to prevent water loss, and shields your skin from environmental pollutants.
By applying oils as the last step, you're indeed creating a protective barrier that helps maintain the moisture levels in your skin and enhances the overall effectiveness of your skincare routine. This order ensures that the active ingredients in your water-based products can penetrate the skin without any interference from heavier oil-based products.
Remember that individual preferences and specific product recommendations may vary, so it's always a good idea to consult with a dermatologist or skincare professional if you're unsure about the best routine for your skin type and concerns.
7. Let other skincare products fully dry before using your face oil
Allowing sufficient time for your skincare products to absorb before applying facial oil is crucial to prevent pilling and ensure each product works effectively. Pilling occurs when products don't fully absorb and interact with each other, resulting in those frustrating little balls on your skin. Here's how to avoid pilling and ensure a smooth application of your skincare products:
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Wait Between Steps: After applying each product in your skincare routine, give it a few moments (usually around 30 seconds to a minute) to fully absorb into your skin before moving on to the next step. This helps prevent the products from mixing and pilling.
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Gentle Application: When applying products, use gentle patting or pressing motions rather than vigorous rubbing. This reduces the likelihood of disrupting the products underneath.
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Thinnest to Thickest: As previously mentioned, apply products in order of thinnest to thickest consistency. This helps products layer more effectively without interference.
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Avoid Overuse: Using too much of any product can increase the chances of pilling. Follow the recommended usage instructions and use a pea-sized amount for each product.
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Texture Compatibility: Some products may have textures that are more prone to pilling when combined. If you notice certain products consistently cause pilling, you might want to reconsider using them together or adjust the order of your routine.
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Clean Hands: Make sure your hands are clean before applying products to avoid introducing any external factors that could contribute to pilling.
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Spot Treatment: If you're targeting specific areas with treatments, apply them only to those areas and avoid overlapping with other products.
By giving your products enough time to absorb and being mindful of how you apply them, you can minimize the likelihood of pilling and ensure a smooth and effective skincare routine. If you do encounter pilling, gently wipe off the affected area and reapply the products, making sure to wait between steps.
8. Do a patch test before using face oils
patch testing is a crucial step before incorporating any new skincare product, including facial oils, into your routine. Patch testing helps you determine whether a product is suitable for your skin and helps prevent potential adverse reactions. Here's how to perform a patch test:
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Choose a Test Area: Select a small, inconspicuous area on the inside of your arm or wrist. This area should be clean and free from any other products.
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Apply a Small Amount: Apply a small amount of the facial oil (or any product) you want to test on the chosen area. If you're using an essential oil, make sure to dilute it with a carrier oil as needed.
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Wait 24 Hours: Leave the product on your skin for 24 hours without washing it off. During this time, avoid exposing the test area to excessive moisture, such as water or sweat.
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Observe for Reactions: Monitor the test area for any signs of irritation, redness, itching, burning, or swelling. If you experience any negative reactions, wash the area gently with water and discontinue use of the product.
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Repeat if Necessary: If the test area shows no adverse reactions after 24 hours, you can proceed to apply the product to a small area of your face, such as behind your ear or along your jawline, before using it on your entire face.
This patch testing process is especially important when using products containing essential oils, as these oils can be potent and may cause allergic reactions or skin sensitivities in some individuals. Diluting essential oils with a carrier oil before applying them to the skin can help reduce the risk of irritation.
Always exercise caution when introducing new skincare products, and if you have a history of allergies or sensitive skin, consider consulting a dermatologist before incorporating new products into your routine. Your skin's health and well-being should always come first.
9. Don’t replace your moisturiser with facial oil
While facial oils can provide valuable benefits to the skin, they should not be used as a complete replacement for moisturizers, serums, or other hydrating products. Facial oils have specific roles and functions within a skincare routine, and understanding their purpose is essential for maintaining healthy and balanced skin. Here's a deeper explanation:
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Role of Facial Oils: Facial oils are excellent for sealing in moisture and creating a protective barrier on the skin's surface. They help prevent water loss and can contribute to a healthy and radiant complexion.
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Moisturizers and Serums: Moisturizers and serums typically contain a combination of ingredients designed to hydrate, nourish, and address specific skin concerns. They often include humectants (like hyaluronic acid) that attract and retain moisture, as well as other active ingredients targeting issues like fine lines, uneven tone, or acne.
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Balanced Skincare: A well-rounded skincare routine usually involves multiple products that work synergistically. Serums provide targeted treatment and nourishment, moisturizers offer deep hydration, and facial oils help lock in moisture and provide a protective barrier.
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Skin Types and Needs: Different skin types have varying hydration requirements. Some people may need more hydration from moisturizers and serums, while others might benefit from the sealing and protective properties of facial oils. It's crucial to tailor your routine to your skin's specific needs.
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Layering for Optimal Results: Layering products ensures that your skin receives the benefits of each formulation. Apply serums and moisturizers first to provide essential hydration and nourishment, and then use a facial oil as the final step to seal in moisture and protect your skin.
10. Make sure you know how to store facial oils correctly
Proper storage is indeed crucial to preserve the quality and effectiveness of skincare products. Here's a recap of your key points:
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Storage Conditions: Store facial oils away from heat, sunlight, and air to prevent the breakdown of their ingredients and ensure their longevity.
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Heat: Exposing oils to high temperatures can cause them to degrade and lose their effectiveness. Store them in a cool, dry place.
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Sunlight: UV rays from sunlight can also degrade the quality of oils. Store them in opaque or dark glass containers to minimize light exposure.
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Air Exposure: Oxygen can cause oils to oxidize and spoil. Make sure the containers are tightly sealed to minimize air contact.
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Proper Sealing: Always make sure the cap or lid of the oil container is securely closed after each use.
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Avoid Contamination: Use clean fingers or a clean applicator to avoid introducing bacteria into the oil.
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Shelf Life: Be aware of the recommended shelf life of your facial oils. Using them within their specified timeframe ensures you get the maximum benefit from their ingredients.
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Test Before Use: Always perform a patch test before using a new facial oil to ensure you don't have any adverse reactions.
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Layering Order: Apply facial oils as the last step in your skincare routine to seal in moisture and create a protective barrier.
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Balanced Routine: Facial oils are a valuable addition to your skincare routine but should not replace other essential products like serums and moisturizers.
By following these tips, you can make the most of your facial oils and achieve the glowing, healthy skin you desire. It's important to remember that skincare is a personal journey, and finding the right products and routine for your unique skin type and concerns may take some experimentation.
Facial oils play a valuable role in a skincare routine by helping to lock in moisture and create a protective barrier. However, they should not replace other essential products like serums and moisturizers, which offer a broader range of ingredients and functions to maintain the overall health and appearance of your skin. A well-balanced skincare routine that includes the right combination of products will help you achieve the best results for your skin's unique needs.
our facial oils are specifically made to give your skin that glow you desire.