Face Oils: What's all the fuss about?

Let's talk about it. I know some people think the idea of putting oil on your face is terrifying BUT let me tell you despite the name, face oils actually make your skin super soft and glowy, not greasy. Some even help fight acne (seriously!). The trick is to recognize that not all facial oils are the same, doing your research and finding quality products and the right one for your skin type.

Anti-Aging Benefits

Some facial oils are packed with antioxidants, which prevent further aging. So if you're like us California girls and your skin has been affected by sun damage or experiencing dryness as you age (damn 30's), look for products containing primrose oil or those with a vitamin E base, such as Argan oil.

Built-In Makeup Primer

Oils that contain mandarin and pumpkin seed seep through the top of skin at fast, quickly settling comfortably into the areas that need hydrating the most. This gives an immediate plumping effect and creates the perfect canvas for your makeup — the smoother your skin, the better your whole face will look.

Plumper Skin

Now that were in our 30's, wrinkles suddenly look deeper because the skin's natural oils decrease and the skin dries out. Not to mention colder temps and cranked-up heaters in the winter that suck moisture straight from the skin. Oils are the ideal cure to dry, flaky skin and rough, rosy cheeks — they can be much more effective at moisturizing than face creams (although they contain a little oil) it's not enough to make a big difference in water loss. Because oils are lipophilic, they can penetrate deep into the skin, trapping water and other moisturizing goodness in, while keeping toxins and other bad stuff out.

Better Skin Absorption

If you apply an oil before your creams and serums, the oil molecules trick the skin into letting active ingredients—like retinol, glycolic acid, and vitamin C— penetrate deeper into the skin all without irritating the surface.

Calm Irritation & Acne

Many oils have anti-inflammatory properties as well, helping to stop irritated skin. Argan and yangu oils are ideal for irritations. Geranium oil is also fabulous at reducing redness from rosacea. Believe it or not, tea tree oil is a pretty darn good zit zapper. And no, you won't break out if you use face oils. Oily face? Jojoba oil can actually help tame overactive oil production, especially since topical acne regiments can completely dry out your face. Just keep in mind that a small amount of the right product goes a long way. Too much of anything is never a good idea.

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 Shawna

I consider myself late to the face oil fad. In all honesty, I had steered away because I couldn’t fathom the idea of purposely rubbing oil all over my face…breakout city right?! 2018 had arrived and conveniently I had run out of my face moisturizer. What better time to start the year off fresh and clean up my skincare regiment, something I had been considering for a while.  A new clean beauty store called Credo that had just popped up in San Diego and like any beauty junkie would, I had to check it out. I went in with every intention of getting a lotion, possibly one for day and another for night but to my surprise, walked out with neither.

I purchased 2 face oils that day. The first was a cleanser (we have discussed this product on the blog repeatedly but wouldn’t again unless it was amazing). The reason I finally tried the Vitamin B Cleanser by One Love Organics was the makeup removing component. Typically when I washed my face at night, I used a makeup removing wipe first then a cleanser. So (as any shopping lover would, I justify) I was essentially saving money by replacing two products (that in my opinion were drying out my face) for one that was helping keep the moisture in my skin. Application: I use two pumps and massage the oil all over my entire face for about a minute, especially the eyes. The cleansing process is a colorful mess but it get's everything off before bed, much better than any method I have ever tried. The added bonus is that I don't get that dry, tight feeling after I wash my face like I did with other cleansers.The second product I decided to purchase was a bottle of 100% Pure Marula Oil by African Botanicals. I was drawn to this one in particular because it's a potent antioxidant which helps with skin that has been effected by the sun and aging. The bottle is small (1.0 oz) but I was instructed to use only 5-8 drops per application so it would last months.  My skin has definitely been on the dryer side the last few years so it sucked the product right up... I guess I’m on the 8 drop program ;) But, I was so happy with the results I was seeing. First thing I noticed was that the texture of my skin improved immediately. My skin was feeling plump and so soft to the touch, not oily at all and (yay!) no breakouts from it. 

 Katy

I've battled with oily skin, large pores, fine lines, acne, and a slough of other skin ailments. My skin was constantly breaking out and I was at the point where I was grabbing a tissue every hour or two to dap the oil off my face. (I'm not even joking!) I had started with those oil blotting sheets but my skin was so oily that I was using like 3 sheets every two hours and that was just ridiculous and expensive. I came to realize that I'd been doing too much to my skin and it was overcompensating for all of the drying products I was using. My face was on oil production overload and I didn't know how to change that. I had read an article about using face oils and I figured that oil was the last thing my skin needed. Being a beauty junkie, I felt I had tried it all. With a "What have I got to lose?" attitude I gave it a shot. Like Shawna, I'm hooked on Vitamin B Cleansing Oil. I think I may have been the one to get her hooked on it in the first place (cuz that's what friends are forrrrrr.) I have been spreading the love and I think I've created a cult following for this product among many of my friends. It's soooo good! Within about a week I noticed my face was not as oily and now I don't even consider myself in the oily category, nor am I falling victim to constant break outs! I felt like I fought fire with fire, or however that saying goes. Being hooked on this cleansing oil led me to try other products from One Love Organics. I came across Vitamin C Facial Serum, another little gem that has helped my skin recover and become more bright and healthy looking. I use this serum 2-3 times a week at night when I am taking a break from glycolic or retinol products. I wake up feeling moisturized and my skin looks calm, not irritated. That is a great start to the day!I use both of these products only at night. The cleanser to remove ALL traces of makeup and grime, the latter to soothe and brighten my tired mama skin. I have tried using the Vitamin C Serum under my makeup, but personally I felt like it made my makeup slide off. All in all I feel like some things that work are the ones you least expect. I love talking about skin care and would love to hear if you've tried any of these products or if you have any great ones in your bathroom cabinet that you're willing to share with us.  Love: Think of face oils like vitamins for your skin—adding them to your regular beauty routine can make your skin even healthier. 

K & S

xoxo