The Benefits of Using Facial Oils for Skin Moisturization

Usually, seeing the word "oil" in a skincare product would send you running for the hills, especially if you are susceptible to acne or oily skin, to begin with. But contrary to myths that pin the ingredient against your everyday beauty routine, facial oils may be what you need to up your skincare game. Despite your decades-long efforts to avoid oils like the plague, beauty companies are inherently pushing them to the front of their shelves.


But what's with the sudden shift after dermatologists spent years insisting we steer clear of these products? Simply, it's the perks that facial oils offer that are debunking their bad reputation. These products not only add an extra layer of protection to your skin (sun damage is real), but they deliver healthy ingredients such as vitamins, antioxidants, peptides, and exfoliants to the skin as well. Here are some benefits of using facial oils for moisturizing - and tips on how to get the glowing skin you always envisioned. 

Hydrates the skin and improves dryness 

One thing facial oils are known for is their hydrating effects. While these products are often derived from plants in the form of sunflower seed oil, coconut oil, and cacay oil (our personal favorite), they can be therapeutic and nourish the skin. The reason for this is highlighted in these products' natural ingredients derived straight from the Colombian Amazon. As per a 2017 study on the development of bio cosmetics in Colombia, at least 50% of natural cosmetics ingredients are comprised of vegetables, and 5% must come from organic farming. By using the freshest ingredients, facial oils strengthen the skin barrier function, improving dryness and cracked skin.   

Minimizes wrinkles and assists with skin aging 

Thanks to antioxidants, often found in facial oils, daily use of these oils can prevent further aging by reducing wrinkles. As stated in a 2018 study on Anti-Inflammatory and Skin Barrier Repair published in the International Journal of Molecular Sciences, our aging skin can be caused by many factors, including UV exposure, air pollution, smoking - the list goes on. Some of these exposures can cause oxidative stress, damaging skin cells and altering their gene expression, becoming a big culprit of diseases, such as non-melanoma and melanoma skin cancers. As we mentioned in a previous post, cacay oil, for instance, can help combat these effects by intensifying the elasticity of the skin, increasing its smoothness, and decreasing the appearance of fine lines. 

Helps heal wounds and rids blemishes

While facial oils are not a magic potion, they’re pretty close, given their reversible effects on damaging skin. In addition to tackling wrinkles, these products can also help heal wounds and rid blemishes, creating a smoother complexion. An article published on the Global Health & Pharma website, noted that face oils contain a high concentration of fatty acids and other ingredients that can penetrate deep into the skin, nourishing it from within. And with their hydrating benefits, they can prevent future breakouts with daily use. Keep in mind that face oils should be used as a bonus to your everyday moisturizing routine for the best results.  

The proper way to apply facial oils

If you're interested in incorporating facial oils into your beauty regimen, apply them before your moisturizers or sunscreens. It can be daunting to decipher the order of your routine that works best. A helpful guideline is to use your products from lightest to thickest to get the most desired outcome. It is also recommended to add a few drops to your moisturizers or serums either in the morning or evening to obtain the added benefits. Remember to be cautious in the beginning to see how your skin responds to the oils. If all is good, continue with consistent use and let the transformation on your skin be underway!

 

References: 

Lin, T. K., Zhong, L., & Santiago, J. L. (2017). Anti-Inflammatory and Skin Barrier Repair Effects of Topical Application of Some Plant Oils. International journal of molecular sciences, 19(1), 70. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms19010070

Jour, Moore, Erin M., Wagner, Charles, Komarnytsky, Slavko (2020). Review. The Enigma of Bioactivity and Toxicity of Botanical Oils for Skin Care. Frontiers in Pharmacology. https://www.frontiersin.org/article/10.3389/fphar.2020.00785

Castro Lozano JC. Biocosmetics: platform for sustainable economic development in

Colombia. Int J Phytocos Nat Ingred. 2017;4:7. doi:10.15171/ijpni.2017.07

Can You Use Oil Instead of Moisturizer? https://www.ghp-news.com/can-you-use-oil-instead-of-moisturizer/

Written by Courtney Ciandella

Previous post Next post

0 comments

Leave a comment