If you’re anything like me, then you probably grew up hearing that oils were to be avoided in your skincare routine because they could clog your pores and break you out. For the longest time, I avoided using oils in my routine and went as far as looking for products that specifically said “oil-free” to make sure not a single drop of oil would touch my skin. After dealing with extremely dry skin in college that came with rough texture, flakiness, redness, and sensitivity, I was willing to try anything, even oils.
Fast forward to now, I use oils up to twice a day every single day and my skin has never looked better. I regret not incorporating oils in my routine earlier as I probably wouldn’t have struggled in the past as much. I can’t take credit for the discovery of oils for your skin though, Ancient Egyptians were using all kinds of plant based oils for youthful skin, such as olive and castor oil. Then, Ancient Greeks also picked up the use of oils to fight off infections and for healing battle wounds for soldiers.
Don’t believe me or history? Here are six good solid reasons why oils are a must in your skincare routine:
1. They are amazing for protecting and repairing your moisture barrier.
You’ve probably already heard how important your moisture barrier is-very. After the use of so many exfoliants, acids, etc. your moisture barrier is screaming for some hydration and moisture! When used as the last step in your routine, oils do a phenomenal job of locking in all those hydrating ingredients your skin needs. Transepidermal water loss (when water evaporates from your epidermis to the environment, which causes dry/dehydrated skin) is your moisture barrier’s enemy. Oils can fight off this enemy and keep your moisture barrier happy all day long.
2. Oils are good for all skin types! Yes, even oily skin types.
People with oilier skin types tend to avoid oils and think that is the solution, but what if I told you oils are your solution? Hear me out, if your skin is over producing oils it might be trying to compensate for dry skin. Think of it as your skin going “hey, your skin is way too dry, here are some oils that can hopefully fix that!”. Therefore, adding oils to your routine will stop this process and hopefully balance out your oil production, therefore minimizing oiliness. There is almost no explanation needed for why oils are amazing for dry skin. They have naturally nourishing properties that are going to not only moisturize the skin, but also lock in hydration from other products applied before your oil!
3. Oils can reduce acne and texture
Yep. You heard right, some oils can actually reduce acne. A lot of oils contain linoleic acid, which is an omega-6 fatty acid that many people with acne-prone skin tend to have a lower percentage of in their skin. Linoleic acid is a naturally occuring fatty acid that is considered one of the building blocks for ceramides, which is essential for your skin’s moisture barrier. Linoleic acid is also an anti-inflammatory agent that reduces acne and retains moisture, hence why a deficiency in it can cause acne. Adding an oil into your routine that is rich in linoleic acid, such as Grapeseed Oil and Rosehip Oil, can reduce acne along with deeply moisturize the skin!
4. Oils look great under your makeup
We all want that natural glowy and dewy look that looks so youthful… oils can help with that. Seriously, just press in a few drops into your skin before your primer or foundation and not only will your makeup look natural and glowy, but it will also sit better on your skin! Even if you don’t like the dewy looks, foundations tend to apply better when your skin (the base) is smoother and silky, which oils can help with.
5. Oils can protect your skin
We already discussed how oils can aid in protecting and repairing your moisture barrier, but some antioxidant oils can also protect you from free radicals that are in the air. Free radicals are what cause a loss of elasticity, aging, wrinkles, etc. Antioxidants in your skin can protect you from these and keep your skin youthful! This is especially important for those who live in big cities where pollutants are extra prominent.
6. Oils are skin healers.
Scars? Hyperpigmentation? Inflammation? Oils can help with that! There are a number of oils out there with healing properties that can reduce the appearance of scars, dark spots, inflammation, and more! As mentioned before, Ancient Greeks even used oils to heal wounds, so who’s to say they can’t heal scars? Rosehip Oil is one of the most popular oils known to deeply heal wounds, scars, and dark spots. Don’t believe me, here’s a study that was done proving that! Tea Tree Oil is another oil commonly known for its healing abilities due to its antioxidant and antimicrobial properties.
Hopefully after reading all this you too believe that oils are great for your skin! If you’re looking to incorporate some into your routine, here are two products that we believe would be great for you! Enjoy and thanks for reading <3