Name a more decadent, luxurious skin-care product than a facial oil — we’ll wait. Whether it’s concocted from a base of rosehip, argan, marula, or blue tansy oils (among many others), nothing feels more moisturizing and restorative than one of the best face oils on the market. Rich facial oils are suitable for most skin types — yes, even if you have combination, oily, and/or acne-prone skin — and incorporating them into your daily skin-care routine is one of the best things you can do for your complexion. In the short term, you can expect an off-the-charts level of glow. And with continued use? Healthy, plump, and happier skin.
Connecticut-based board-certified dermatologist Mona Gohara, MD loves a good facial oil and has a few opinions on them. “The key when using pure facial oil is to use a little bit. That bottle should last you months because a little really goes a long way,” she says. A pure facial oil means that there are no added ingredients like fragrance, however, there are other oils on the market that have added active ingredients like acids to help with acne, fine lines, and other concerns.
And remember: Face oils aren’t like other types of moisturizers, like creams and lotions. Despite how they’re sometimes named or marketed, they don’t hydrate — but because they stay on the surface of the skin, they help seal in the hydration and ingredients of anything else you’ve already applied. Cosmetic chemist Nick Dindio previously explained to Allure that the skin’s lipids can be stripped away and cause dryness. “Oils can help replenish this lipid layer that is stripped away to moisturize the skin,” he says. “A strong skin barrier will prevent water from escaping, therefore keeping the skin hydrated.”
This leads us to a world of options when it comes to facial oils, meaning there’s something for every skin type: acne-prone, oily, dry, and even sensitive skin. Just like oil, we have you covered — below, check out the best face oils. (Dry skin, who?)
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