I have a teeny-tiny little obsession…
With oil. That I put on my face.
That’s right, I put oil on my face.
Now there was a time that I would have shuddered at the very idea. I went out of my way to scan every skincare product I purchased for “oil-free” before giving it the green light, thinking that any oil would instantly clog pores upon contact and turn me into one big walking blackhead. And when it came to dealing with breakouts, I saw oil as my ultimate enemy. I mean, I even wiped my face with rubbing alcohol at one point (*cringes*).
With oil. That I put on my face.
That’s right, I put oil on my face.
Now there was a time that I would have shuddered at the very idea. I went out of my way to scan every skincare product I purchased for “oil-free” before giving it the green light, thinking that any oil would instantly clog pores upon contact and turn me into one big walking blackhead. And when it came to dealing with breakouts, I saw oil as my ultimate enemy. I mean, I even wiped my face with rubbing alcohol at one point (*cringes*).
Well, a lot of them at least.
Needless to say, when I’m into something, I’m all in.
And because when I feel passionately about something I like to tell others about it (hence the purpose of this here blog), I’ve put together this list of the 5 oils that have helped me attain and maintain a clear, (as-close-to-)flawless(-as-I’ve-come-since-infancy) complexion.
So which oils made the list?
5 Face Oils for Naturally Clear, Flawless Skin
Jojoba oil
Jojoba oil was my first love. When I first started using it, all day I would look forward to bedtime so I could apply it again, knowing that I’d wake up the next morning with clearer skin (it’s a little sad but very true, and if you’ve ever been desperate for clear skin then you feel me).
Jojoba oil is a light oil that is easily absorbed. It mimics the skin’s sebum, tricking it to produce less oil. While it does not feel that your skin has oil on it, I do not like wearing it alone during the day since it does give my face a slight sheen. That being said, I do mix it with the following dry oil and apply during the day…
Rosehip oil
Rosehip oil is my newest obsession. I confess that I decided to try rosehip oil after learning that Rose Byrne — a.k.a. hilariously awful and beautiful Helen from Bidesmaid — Kate Middleton, Gwyneth Paltrow, and Miranda Kerr all use this oil. You have to admit, these ladies have some lovely skin.
Rosehip oil is a dry oil that penetrates to the deepest layers of the skin where it regenerates cells, increasing collagen production. It is rich in vitamin C, Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids, all of which are known to help heal scar tissue. It is also high in retinoic acid, which studies show reduces the appearance of wrinkles and brightens skin.
Rosehip oil is without a doubt an integral part of my skincare routine, but do find it too drying to wear alone. Also, from my research it seems as though there can be a large discrepancy in the quality of certain rosehip oils, and the prices do certainly rangequite a bit. It seems that it is worth spending more an a higher quality oil, such as the one I have been linking to here. This brand is the specific oil I have and have been using and with great results.
Hemp seed oil
Hemp seed oil helps to reduce the size of pores by helping to eliminate blackheads and acne. It also protects the skin from free radicals and improves elasticity. Because of its anti-inflammatory qualities, it is often recommended for to treat of psoriasis and eczema. It is made up of 80% essential fatty acids (EFAs) and is said to contain the ideal ratio of omega-6 to omega-3 EFAs, which allows it to penetrate the layers of the skin.
Hemp seed oil is a very dry oil, and works best for me when mixed with a thick oil like castor oil or jojoba oil. And since essential fatty acids are so delicate and go rancid very easily, hemp seed oil should be refridgerated.
Tamanu oil
Tamanu oil has been used in traditional medicine for ages, specifically for its ability to speed the healing of wounds by fighting bacteria and regenerating skin cells.
Like rosehip oil, tamanu oil helps regenerate skin tissue. For this reason, it is helps heal broken skin, and repair sun and acne damaged skin. It also has anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antibiotic, and antioxidant properties, making it ideal for acne sufferers. The thing that sets tamanu oil apart from the rest is a certain lipid called calophyllolide, which is not found in other oils and is a very strong anti-inflammatory.
Castor oil
I tried using castor oil long before this face-oil-love-fest you’re witnessing right now, but didn’t stick with it. It is a very thick oil, and I didn’t like the fact that it felt like I had… well, oil on my face. That and it actually dried my skin out. This is because I was doing it all wrong; I was using just the castor oil. Less is definitely more when it comes to this oil: when a small amount of castor oil is mixed with another, thinner oil (such a jojoba — clearly my go-to!) the result is wonderful.
Castor oil has anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties, making it ideal for breakout-prone skin. It is high in unsaturated fatty acids, vitamin E, proteins, and minerals. In addition to helping reduce acne-causing bacteria and inflammation associated with breakouts, it can help heal discoloration and scars from acne.
How to use these oils? Oh, the options are endless!
These face oils can be used on their own or mixed with each other in a blend that best suits your skin needs. These top 10 essential oils for skincare also make a great addition to your skin oil blend.
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