Like me, if you have spent half of your life trying to get rid of oily skin, you may wonder why in the world you would now want to slather some on your face? I can hear you, "facial oils will cause me to breakout." After a lifetime of dealing with breakouts (and oily skin in my teens), I thought the very same thing when facial oils were first suggested...I was terrified to try anything with the word oil in the name. That said, there is no need to fear. Facial oils are not only fabulous, they should not cause oily skin to breakout. Pimples are caused by an excess of sebum, not oil (however, no matter your skin type, you should always try a small amount first to be certain of the results).
So why try a facial oil? Think of face oils like vitamins for your skin. Oils are absorbed quickly, therefore making them a great way to get antioxidants and vitamins directly into your face. For best results, apply oils in the morning after cleansing and toning, and at night before applying moisturizer. I can say unequivocally, my skin has never looked more nourished, plumped or hydrated. And yes, I have been free of any breakouts.
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Sunday Riley Luna Sleeping Night Oil is my newest obsession. This amazing oil contains high potency, purified grade lactic acid to instantly correct dullness, plump the look of lines, and exfoliate the skin. With continued use, the appearance of stubborn hyperpigmentation, and the visible signs of aging are reduced, leaving a healthy-looking complexion. Enhanced with licorice for brightening, it helps to clarify and correct the appearance of imperfections. ($105)
RMS Beauty Oil is a lightweight, yet highly concentrated multi-purpose beauty oil that contains only the finest oils and herbal extracts. Filled with antioxidants and rejuvenating botanicals, this luxurious vanilla scented oil is a powerful anti-aging treatment that also happens to be the perfect makeup primer. ($75)
Drunk Elephant's Virgin Marula Luxury Facial Oil is another great antioxidant-rich, facial oil that hydrates, preserves and heals your skin while restoring its youthful glow. This amazingly absorbent oil delivers clinically proven anti-aging benefits and advanced protection against environmental stressors and free radicals. Reduction in the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles and redness are a plus for sensitive skin. ($72)
Fresh Seaberry Moisturizing Face Oil is a precious blend of pure oils--seaberry, cranberry seed, camellia seed, grapeseed and sweet almond--packed with nourishing omegas to preserve a youthful appearance. The lightweight formula absorbs quickly for a boost of vital moisture. Seaberry oil, also known as seabuckthorn oil, is a powerful antioxidant rich in moisturizing omegas 3, 6, 7, and 9, noted for protecting the skin from aging free radicals. ($52)
Sisley Paris Black Rose Precious Face Oil is a silky-smooth dry oil that nourishes skin while providing wonderful anti-aging benefits. Rich in omegas 3 and 6, its powerful blend of plant-based active ingredients nourishes, regenerates, tones, soothes and protects skin, while helping to maintain the lipid balance of the epidermis. Black rose extract, which is at the heart of the oil, revitalizes the skin leaving a radiant complexion. ($235)
Paula's Choice Resist Moisture Renewal Oil Booster is an antioxidant-packed, soothing, lightweight anti-aging face oil that boosts skin's ability to quickly repair and replenish dehydrated skin. Reparative plant-based lipids & fatty acids heal dry, dull skin. The lightweight formula blends beautifully with your favorite moisturizer or serum. ($35)
Sources: Wall Street Journal Online, At My Vanity; Discovery Health, Tips to Banish Dry Skin; Webmd, The Skin (Human Anatomy); L'Oréal Paris