Oil Change: why you can’t live without facial oil
If your usual moisturiser or serum isn’t hydrating your skin as effectively as you’d like in this cold, harsh climate, then a facial oil is one of the most luxurious and beneficial ways to really spoil yourself this winter.
Facial oils are an excellent way to nourish your skin – especially if you’re suffering from the harsh environment. Cold winter weather, air conditioned offices and central heating all have a damaging effect and can lead to patches of flaky skin of your face, hands or any parts which are subjected to these pesky conditions.
The anti-inflammatory properties of some facial oils means they’re great for evening out an uneven skin tone, and they also act as an excellent barrier to city smog and other pollutants – keeping the hydration in and the toxins out.
Less is more when applying facial oil and usually just a few drops will provide enough of the oil to really make a difference to your skin and leave it feeling soft, smooth and glowing. And don’t think that just because it’s an oil that it will make your skin greasy and prone to breakouts. There are a number of dry oils on the market which will not only give you glowing skin, but will help to regulate your sebaceous glands which overproduce the oil in the first place.
Here are a few of our favourites…
Best facial oil for sensitive skin – ishga nourishing facial oil
An ultra-moisturising facial oil that’s packed with essential fatty acids and anti-oxidants to instantly boost the appearance of your skin, this amazing oil rehydrates and tones the skin beautifully.
With pure geranium oil on a base of skin softening jojoba, sweet almond oil and seaweed extract, ishga nourishing facial oil regenerates, rehydrates and leaves the skin silky smooth and glowing with health and vitality.
How to use: After cleansing and before using your usual face cream or simply on its own at night as a hydrating treatment, simply add 3-5 drops onto the palms of your hands and smooth gently onto the face.
Best all-purpose facial oil – Caudalie Divine Oil
A multi-purpose, award-winning dry oil that can be used on the face, hair and body to moisturise, nourish and beautify the skin, this multi-tasker can also be used as a massage and bath oil.
This luxurious and aromatic oil combines four exceptional plant oils including argan, grape-seed, hibiscus and sesame together with Caudalie’s patented anti-oxidant Polyphenols. This gorgeous product envelops the skin with a soft floral and sun-kissed fragrance, with subtle woody notes and what’s more, Caudalie will plant one tree for each bottle of Divine Oil sold.
How to use: Massage onto the skin using a circular upward motion.
Extra tip: This product is also ideal for using on the ends of dry hair and for massaging into dry cuticles.
Best facial oil for skin that’s exposed to harsh weather conditions – Comfort Zone Renight Oil
This nourishing vitamin oil uses a multi-vitamin plant oil with certified organic Goji berry oil and macadamia oil to promote a double nourishing and anti-oxidant action.
Recommended for all skin types but especially those that are undernourished, dry, stressed and tired, this oil boasts 97.5% natural ingredients and is rich in fatty acids and antioxidants.
How to use: Apply in the evening after cleansing. Apply a few drops onto the palms of the hand and apply using a delicate massage to the face and neck.