8 Best Facial Oils For A Glowing Skin

Are you looking for a natural way to nourish and rejuvenate your skin? All you need to do is choose the right facial oil.

Ayurveda says that including face oils in your skincare routine can add a refreshing and natural glow to your skin. This article highlights the different types of facial oils that you can use based on your skin type, for healthy and even skin.

Our Ayurvedic Doctor Speaks

“Facial oils mechanically push your lymph and blood. Massaging these oils on your skin exercises your muscles, which in turn boosts collagen and clears your pores.”

- Dr. Zeel Gandhi (Bachelor of Ayurveda, Medicine & Surgery), Chief Ayurvedic Doctor, Vedix

Highlights:

• What Are Face Oils? What Do They Do?
• Benefits Of Facial Oil For Skin
• How To Choose A Face Oil According To Your Skin Type?
• 8 Best Face Oils For Glowing Skin
• Frequently Asked Questions About Face Oils

What Are Face Oils? What Do They Do?

Essential or face oils are a mixture of plant oils that help in softening, nourishing and adding a healthy glow to your skin. Natural face oils are typically derived from the various parts of plants like flowers, leaves, roots, etc.

Elaborating on what they do, Dr. Zeel Gandhi, Chief Ayurvedic Doctor at Vedix shares, “These facial oils mechanically push your lymph nodes and blood vessels. Massaging these oils on your skin exercises your muscles which in return boost collagens and clears your pores.”

These oils are comedogenic in nature, meaning that they block your pores if left on for too long. Dr. Zeel says, “While Ayurveda advises you to massage your face with suitable face oils, it does not recommend you to leave the oil on after massaging.” You can remove the oil by applying a herbal ubtan and washing it after. If you have vata dominant skin or dry skin and require to leave on the oil, use any non-comedogenic oils like jojoba oil, but make sure to use a limited amount.

“You can also infuse various ayurvedic herbs into the oil you are using based on your skin issues. If you infuse ‘dashamula’ in your face oil it will prevent aging and skin sagging. Herbs like manjistha and lodhra when used after infusing in face oils can brighten your complexion. Infusing herbs like vacha and jasthi in your face oil can reduce acne breakouts. These oils should be used to cleanse the skin and should not be left on overnight,” adds Dr. Zeel.

Benefits Of Facial Oil For Skin

1. Seals Moisture

The skin naturally secretes nourishing oils that keep it soft and hydrated. Facial oils help in sealing the natural oils in your skin. Even though this characteristic of face oils benefits dry (vata) skin the most, there are some face oils that can benefit oily(kapha) skin too.

People with dry or normal to dry skin face extreme difficulties in keeping their skin nourished, especially during winters and in certain weather conditions. Facial oils when applied on top of your moisturizer, seals whatever moisture is present irrespective of the outside weather, giving the skin time to nourish itself. [1]

2. Anti-aging Effect

Vata or dry skin has a rough texture, with small or barely visible pores, fine lines and flakiness. It gets easily dehydrated and is prone to conditions like psoriasis, premature wrinkles and dark eye circles. Face oils are rich and deeply moisturize and hydrate the skin, adding glow to it.

Your skin may also look dull due to dehydration, lack of sleep, or lack of exfoliation. You can apply face oils to the T zone of your face as a makeup-free, natural-looking highlighter.[2]

3. Acts As A Base And Remover

You can use face oils as a primer before applying base makeup to your skin. The silky texture of the oils makes your skin soft and smooth so that you can apply makeup evenly. Also, the layer of face oil will prevent skin irritation caused by the bristles of makeup brushes, which will glide smoothly on your skin.

If your face wash is drying your skin while removing makeup, switch to a cleansing oil instead. Face oils dissolve your makeup and other dirt leaving behind fresh skin.

4. Anti-inflammatory

Coconut oil, argan oil and many other oils are anti-inflammatory. These oils are ideal for treating irritations on your skin that are caused by harmful chemical products. Geranium oil is also fabulous at reducing redness from rosacea, as well.

5. Helps With Pores

Oils like macadamia, jojoba, and camellia oil extract the dirt, toxins and fats from your pores, making them less noticeable and improving your skin’s texture.

6. Protects Skin

The sebaceous glands, located in the dermis, which is the middle layer of the skin secrete oils that hydrate the skin. Face oils help the sebaceous glands in retaining moisture. People living in cities need extra protection against the sun and pollution as well, these face oils penetrate deep into the skin and help protect the skin by keeping the toxins out and the moisture in the skin.

How To Choose A Face Oil According To Your Skin Type?

The first step of choosing the right face oil for yourself is to learn what kind of skin you have. As your skin may be allergic to some face oils, it is safe to consult a dermatologist before using it.

1. Oily Skin:

The right face oil can resolve your biggest problem of excess oil in the skin. In order to seal in moisture, use oil as the last step, after moisturizing. Suitable oils for oily skin are jojoba and grapeseed.

2. Dry Skin:

Even though face oils are perfect for dry or vata skin type, not every face oil will benefit dry skin. Rather than a light oil, use a rich oil that’s high in oleic acid. This will lock in moisture and reduce irritation from dryness. You can use marula oil for dry skin.

3. Acne-Prone Skin:

Did you know that certain face oils can actually prevent your skin from breaking out? Most chemical products used these days to remove acne, actually make skin dry. Once the skin gets dry and bereft of its natural oils, it overproduces sebum which in turn causes more acne.

Acne-safe face oils like rosemary, lavender, tea tree, etc. focus on healing acne scars and preventing new ones from occurring. Both pomegranate and rosehip have anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties and thus are perfect for acne-prone skin.

4. Normal Skin:

People with normal skin often think that they do not need extra skincare. They mostly use generic skincare products without analyzing the specific needs of their skin. Even if you do not have acne issues, excessive dryness, oiliness, or skin diseases, your skin still needs extra care. Face oils also protect your skin from UV rays and pollution irrespective of your skin type. Argan and retinol oils are best for normal skin.

5. Sensitive Skin:

Pitta dominant skin is usually very sensitive towards any skincare product and tends to be oily near the T-Zone. It is also prone to inflammation and blemishes, redness or flushed complexion. Face oils help in moisturizing sensitive skin without causing any reaction or irritation.

Moringa and aloe vera oil are the best choices for sensitive skin. Experts advise you to do a patch test of the recommended oil on any other part of your skin before applying it to your face.

8 Best Face Oils For Glowing Skin

1. Tea Tree Oil

Tea tree is an essential oil traditionally used for its antibacterial and antiseptic properties. It is the best choice for fighting breakout-causing bacteria.

You should always use tea tree oil by diluting it with a carrier oil suitable for your skin. Make sure to do a patch test on your hand at least 24 hours before applying it to your face. This oil is suitable for acne-prone, oily and combination skin.

2. Jojoba Oil

Jojoba oil is derived from the jojoba shrub. It is a multi-purpose face oil for all skin types. This oil is suitable for oily complexions since it is lightweight, does not clog pores and balances oil production.

It is safe for acne-prone skin too, with the ability to repair the skin’s top layer. You can apply it to the face in small, circular motions to nourish the skin or add to your existing skincare products like moisturizers. It is also an effective makeup remover.[3]

3. Rosehip Seed Oil

Want a bright even-toned complexion? Rosehip oil is your go-to oil. It is considered one of the best antioxidant facial oils. This seed oil is extracted from the rose bush seeds and is so gentle that it suits sensitive skin. This is a dry oil that seeps into your skin very easily, making it smooth and nourished. It also acts as a natural exfoliator and is effective in removing discoloration and scarring.

Rosehip seed oil can also be used to treat skin diseases like eczema, rosacea and dermatitis. Use this oil two times a day by adding it to your moisturizer. You can also take it in powder form and have it orally by adding it to your tea or food. [4]

4. Argan Oil

From shampoos to serums, you can find argan oil in almost every skincare product. While it works well for all skin types, those with sensitive skin should consult a dermatologist before using it. It helps to reduce inflammation but does not clog your pores, and is hence a perfect choice for reducing acne. Its antioxidant quality helps you tackle early signs of wrinkles and helps repair skin.

Argan oil does not need to be diluted. You can use it in its pure form, two times a day, all over the face (1-2 drops). [5]

5. Coconut Oil

If you have vata or dry skin, coconut oil is the oil you should choose. The penetrable nature of virgin coconut oil is used for treating dermatitis. It also reduces the redness and itching associated with eczema. If you have acne-prone skin, wash your skin after using this oil. Leaving this oil on might clog your pores.

Use it in its original form, take it between fingers to slightly melt it and apply directly to the dry patches of your skin. It is also a very good makeup remover for cosmetics like mascara, that are a little difficult to get rid of.

6. Marula Oil

Marula oil makes your skin radiant, youthful and wrinkle-free. It is derived from the marula fruit trees in South Africa. Its high oleic acid content (a fatty acid) helps restore moisture in dry skin. It also helps to prevent any further moisture loss.

This oil can be used both in the morning and evening by adding it to other skincare products like moisturizers and face creams. It can be used as a primer before makeup as it gets absorbed by the skin, really fast. It contains fatty acids and has antimicrobial properties, making it effective to soothe inflammation and prevent breakouts. You can also use this oil as a natural lip balm.

7. Camellia Oil

Derived from the seeds of the camellia tea plant, this oil is essential and highly recommended for a smooth and youthful complexion. It contains oleic acid, which nourishes your skin by penetrating into its deep layers easily. Camellia oil contains higher amounts of vitamin E, which helps in replenishing your skin. Its antioxidant properties can give you a glowing complexion in no time. It works well with aging, dry and sensitive skin.

You can apply a couple of drops straight to the face for instant hydration and apply more liberally to drier patches of skin for intense hydration.

Vedix Tip: Make your own scrub for glowing skin:

• 1 tsp camellia oil
• 2 tsp white clay
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp rosewater

8. Grapeseed Oil

It comes from the pressed seeds of grapes. It has antimicrobial properties that reduce or control acne outbreaks. It also contains a powerful antioxidant called proanthocyanidin which helps you to have an even tone of your skin.

Always use grapeseed oil by warming it a little bit and applying it on your face like a mask. A few drops of some effective herbs like juniper, frankincense, and lavender mixed with grapeseed enhances its beneficial properties. [6]

Frequently Asked Questions About Face Oils

1. Should You Use Face Oils Everyday?

If you have dry, mature and aging skin, face oils are recommended for use every day. But, Ayurveda does not recommend leaving any face oil overnight. For acne prone, oily and sensitive skin, it is better to use face oils 2-3 times a week and mainly as a primer or a makeup remover.

2. Can We Mix Face Oil With Moisturizer?

The lighter face oils that are suitable for oily and acne-prone skin, can be mixed with moisturizers. On the other hand, heavier oils like coconut oil are already thick in texture and don’t mix well with moisturizers. These are better used in their original form.

3. What Is The Difference Between Face Serum And Face Oil?

Face serums are thinner and lighter than face oils. People with oily skin can use serums, while those with dry skin can use face oils. Serums are mostly water-based and serve a wide range of skin problems. Face oils are basically plant-based, and mainly used for adding a natural glow to the skin.

The Last Word

Face oils can work like magic for your skin only if you know what your skin needs and which oil can help you in achieving that. To help you choose the right oil for your skin, it is important to know how each facial oil works for your skin type, as each is different from the other.