Face oils: Odds are you either swear by them, or never go near them. In reality, though, the right kind of face oil can be the answer to a plethora of skin issues -- from dry, flaky skin to greasiness and breakouts.
"The thought of smearing oil on acne-prone skin seemed blasphemous in the past," says board-certified Beverly Hills dermatologist Tsippora Stainhouse, MD. "But we are now learning that the right oils can actually be beneficial to any skin type."
With this new information, face oils have started to become trendier, and there are now dozens of products to choose from.
To help you find your way in the world of facial oil, we've put together this list of the seven most essential types -- the oils everyone should have in their skin-care arsenal. Whether you're looking to minimize fine lines, zap zits or heal cracked lips, there's a face-saving oil for you.
"The thought of smearing oil on acne-prone skin seemed blasphemous in the past," says board-certified Beverly Hills dermatologist Tsippora Stainhouse, MD. "But we are now learning that the right oils can actually be beneficial to any skin type."
With this new information, face oils have started to become trendier, and there are now dozens of products to choose from.
To help you find your way in the world of facial oil, we've put together this list of the seven most essential types -- the oils everyone should have in their skin-care arsenal. Whether you're looking to minimize fine lines, zap zits or heal cracked lips, there's a face-saving oil for you.
Dealing with parched, flaky skin? No need to head to the beauty supply store; your cure can be found right in the fridge.
"Kitchen-grade coconut oil is a great moisturizer for very dry, inflamed and sensitive skin," says Stainhouse. The product contains fatty acids and anti-bacterial properties, both of which help tame inflammation and calm itchiness and redness. What's more is that since coconut oil is solid at room temperature, it can be applied like a regular face cream.
"Kitchen-grade coconut oil is a great moisturizer for very dry, inflamed and sensitive skin," says Stainhouse. The product contains fatty acids and anti-bacterial properties, both of which help tame inflammation and calm itchiness and redness. What's more is that since coconut oil is solid at room temperature, it can be applied like a regular face cream.
There's a reason we so often hear about the boundless curative properties of argan oil: Its anti-aging benefits are dermatologist-approved.
Pure argan oil boasts high concentrations of anti-inflammatory ingredients, like omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin E. It's lightweight, fast-absorbing and deeply moisturizing, and it actively helps to repair cell membranes. Plus, it prevents oxidative damage to the DNA and collagen in the skin, says Stainhouse (aka the process that leads to environmental skin aging). With consistent use, you'll notice a decrease in the appearance of fine lines.
Work the product into your nightly skin-care routine by using a cleansing oil that contains argan oil, such as Burt's Bees Facial Cleansing Oil, $16. The product contains coconut oil for extra moisture.
Pure argan oil boasts high concentrations of anti-inflammatory ingredients, like omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin E. It's lightweight, fast-absorbing and deeply moisturizing, and it actively helps to repair cell membranes. Plus, it prevents oxidative damage to the DNA and collagen in the skin, says Stainhouse (aka the process that leads to environmental skin aging). With consistent use, you'll notice a decrease in the appearance of fine lines.
Work the product into your nightly skin-care routine by using a cleansing oil that contains argan oil, such as Burt's Bees Facial Cleansing Oil, $16. The product contains coconut oil for extra moisture.
If you have oily skin, don't write off facial oils completely. Grapeseed oil actually works to prevent oil production in the skin. This is because it has similar properties to the oils our skin produces naturally, says Stainhouse. Grapeseed oil helps create a negative feedback system, telling our oil glands that there is enough oil in the skin already and that they can stop making more.
"Grapeseed oil also has astringent properties that can make the skin feel tighter, as well as omega-6 fatty acids that can reduce inflammation and potential acne lesions," says Stainhouse. This ultimately leaves the skin feeling moisturized, but not greasy.
"Grapeseed oil also has astringent properties that can make the skin feel tighter, as well as omega-6 fatty acids that can reduce inflammation and potential acne lesions," says Stainhouse. This ultimately leaves the skin feeling moisturized, but not greasy.
Jojoba oil is great for combination skin in particular as it helps retain moisture while controlling oil production. Like grapeseed oil, it is similar in composition to the skin's natural oils, and thus prevents our glands from producing too much grease.
Jojoba oil contains anti-inflammatory properties like vitamin E, vitamin B and fatty acids, as well as copper, which helps with skin repair. Plus, the product is incredibly lightweight and easily absorbs without leaving a greasy residue.
Jojoba oil contains anti-inflammatory properties like vitamin E, vitamin B and fatty acids, as well as copper, which helps with skin repair. Plus, the product is incredibly lightweight and easily absorbs without leaving a greasy residue.