In Depth, Skincare Tips & Recommendations

The Ultimate Guide to Facial Oils

Posted on by Pascale Edwards-Labelle
Ultimate Guide to Facial Oils

Introduction

Facial oils have become a cornerstone in skincare routines worldwide. Here at Blue Labelle we’ve been hand-blending and selling these wonderful blends of oils for over a decade, and I personally have applied one to my face at least once a day for more than 15 years. Contrary to (old) popular belief, the right facial oil can be a game-changer for any skin type – from dry and sensitive to oily and acne-prone. In this ultimate guide to facial oils, we’ll explore the wonders of natural facial oils, helping you find the perfect match for your unique skin needs, as well delve into three of the best oils you can use on your skin, answer the most-asked questions on facial oils, and dispel common myths. Along the way i’ll be recommending you the best Blue Labelle facial oil based on your skin needs. Let’s dig in!

What are Facial Oils?

Facial oils are potent blends of natural extracts and essential oils derived from plants, seeds, and nuts. They are anhydrous skincare products which means there isn’t any water in them, strictly 100% oils. Unlike synthetic alternatives, organic facial oils are packed with vitamins, antioxidants, and essential fatty acids aka omega oils. They work in harmony with our skin’s natural oils to hydrate, nourish, and protect the skin. You can either use them on their own as your sole moisturiser, or layer them with the rest of your skincare routine, where they will replenish and rejuvenate your skin. As our skin naturally has a waterproof protective oil layer it readily absorbs the plant oils contained in facial oils, which have a synergy with our skin.

Benefits of Facial Oils

  1. Moisture Sealing: Facial oils excel at locking in moisture and preventing water loss, making them a boon for dry and dehydrated skin types.
  2. Balancing Oil Production: For oily skin types, certain oils can help regulate and normalise sebum production, working on the premise that it doesn’t need to over-produce oil (sebum) if some is already there!
  3. Anti-Ageing Properties: Rich in antioxidants, facial oils combat free radicals at the skins surface, and help reduce visible signs of ageing aka they keep your skin at its best as you get older.
  4. Soothing for Sensitive Skin: Gentle and derived from natural sources, facial oils are ideal for calming and soothing sensitive skin. They do not contain the preservatives or fragrances that can commonly cause reactions in sensitive skin.
Ultimate Guide to Facial Oils

Choosing Facial Oils for Different Skin Types

  1. Dry Skin:
    • Look for oils rich in oleic acid, like avocado or sweet almond oil.
    • Oils that absorb a bit slower can help keep skin nourished and protected for longer.
    • Keywords to look for: Nourishing, hydrating, rich.
    • Our Marula & Amaranth Face Oil is 100% organic, contains many wonderful nourishing oils, and is also calming.
  2. Oily Skin:
    • Opt for oils high in omega 6 linoleic acid, such as grapeseed or jojoba oil, which balance oil production and absorb very quickly.
    • Linoleic acid also works to keep our own oils (sebum) light, meaning pores don’t get clogged with thick sebum.
    • Keywords to look for: Lightweight, balancing, non-comedogenic.
    • Our Glow Facial Oil contains jojoba oil plus hemp seed and safflower, all excellent for this skin type. Or for anyone simply looking for a lightweight oil.
  3. Combination Skin:
    • Seek a balance with oils like jojoba, which mimic the skin’s natural oils keeping it clear yet moisturised.
    • Most skincare plant oils work well with combination skin, nourishing the dry areas and keeping the oilier T-zone clear and balanced.
    • Keywords: Balancing, adaptable, harmonising.
    • As well as being light our Glow Facial Oil is nourishing, perfect for combination skin types.
  4. Sensitive Skin:
    • Choose facial oils with calming properties, with ingredients such as chamomile or calendula.
    • As facial oils don’t contain preservatives or synthetic fragrances they are safe for most sensitive skin types.
    • Keywords: Soothing, gentle, calming.
    • The Marula & Amaranth Face Oil has been formulated for sensitive skin, and was short-listed in the FreeFrom Skincare Awards for this skin type.
  5. Mature Skin:
    • Go for oils rich in antioxidants like rosehip or pomegranate oil.
    • Most oils contain antioxidant vitamins like Vitamin E, meaning they fight free radical damage at the skins surface which is key to stopping the ageing damage those molecules cause.
    • Plant oils also contain omega oils vital for healthy skin to work at its best.
    • Keywords: Rejuvenating, anti-aging, restorative.
    • Our Argan & Sea Buckthorn Face Oil has been formulated to rejuvenate skin as we age, I picked every ingredient based on its properties such as replenishing lost nutrients, and protecting with antioxidant vitamins.

Application Tips

  1. Cleanse First: Always apply facial oil to clean skin, you wouldn’t eat a nice meal off a dirty plate!
  2. Warm It Up: Warm a few drops in your hands before applying, this is relevant even more in colder months when some oils can get thicker and even harden in the bottle.
  3. Pat, Don’t Rub: Gently pat the oil into your skin, don’t rub the skin hard, a light massage feels great though and aids absorption.
  4. Layer Wisely: If using with other skincare products, apply oil after water-based serums and before heavier creams.

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Jojoba Oil: The Skin’s Natural Ally

Jojoba oil, extracted from the seeds of the jojoba plant, is a remarkable natural ingredient for skincare. Its unique composition closely resembles the sebum naturally produced by our skin, making it an exceptional moisturiser that’s suitable for all skin types.

Skin Compatibility: Jojoba oil’s molecular structure is similar to human sebum, which allows it to penetrate deep into the skin, providing nourishment without clogging pores. This makes it particularly beneficial for those with oily or acne-prone skin, as it helps regulate oil production, thus reducing the likelihood of breakouts.

Nourishing Properties: Rich in vitamins E and B, as well as minerals like chromium, copper, and zinc, jojoba oil nourishes and protects the skin. Its antioxidant properties help in fighting oxidative stress caused by everyday environmental pollutants and toxins.

Versatility: Its gentle nature makes jojoba oil a versatile choice, suitable for sensitive skin types and for use in a variety of skincare products. From facial oils to moisturisers and serums, jojoba oil can be a foundational ingredient that enhances the efficacy of skincare regimes.

Hydration and Healing: Jojoba oil is also known for its hydrating properties. It forms a protective barrier on the skin to lock in moisture, keeping the skin hydrated and supple. Additionally, its natural healing properties aid in skin repair and rejuvenation, making it a go-to choice for those looking to maintain healthy, youthful skin.

Argan Oil: Liquid Gold for Your Skin

Argan oil, often referred to as ‘liquid gold,’ is a precious oil extracted from the kernels of the argan tree, native to Morocco. This luxurious oil is renowned for its extensive benefits and is especially suitable for mature and dry skin types.

Rich in Nutrients: Argan oil is packed with essential fatty acids, antioxidants, and vitamin E, making it a powerhouse of nourishment for the skin. These nutrients work together to moisturise, soften, and add a natural glow to the skin.

Anti-Ageing Benefits: One of the most celebrated benefits of argan oil is its anti-ageing properties. The antioxidants in argan oil help in reducing the visibility of wrinkles and fine lines, promoting a youthful complexion. It also helps in restoring elasticity and firmness to the skin, making it appear more vibrant and rejuvenated.

Soothing Dry Skin: Its intense moisturising capabilities make it a saviour for dry or flakey skin. Argan oil can deeply hydrate and nourish the skin, providing relief from dryness and leaving the skin feeling soft and smooth.

Olive Squalane: A Hydration Powerhouse

Squalane, usually derived from olives, is a highly effective emollient and natural antioxidant. It’s known for its exceptional hydrating properties and is compatible with all skin types, including sensitive and acne-prone skin.

Mimics Skin’s Natural Oils: Squalane is similar to the skin’s own oil, making it an excellent moisturiser that’s easily absorbed without leaving a greasy residue. It’s particularly effective for improving skin elasticity and flexibility.

Hydration and Protection: Olive squalane provides superior hydration, keeping the skin moisturised and plump by locking in moisture with a protective layer, supporting the skin barrier. It also helps in protecting the skin from the harmful effects of environmental stressors, reducing the risk of premature ageing.

Non-comedogenic: Unlike some oils, olive squalane is non-comedogenic, meaning it doesn’t clog pores. This makes it ideal for those with acne-prone or oily skin types, as it provides hydration without exacerbating acne concerns.

Soothing and Healing Properties: Squalane is known for its soothing qualities, making it beneficial for irritated or sensitive skin. It can aid in calming redness and reducing the appearance of inflammation. Furthermore, its healing properties promote skin regeneration, helping to repair damaged skin and improve texture.

Versatility in Skincare: Olive squalane is a versatile ingredient in skincare, used in a variety of products from facial oils to creams and serums. Its lightweight, non-greasy texture makes it a popular choice in formulations designed for daily use.

Incorporating olive squalane into your skincare routine can significantly enhance skin hydration, elasticity, and overall health. It is particularly effective when used in combination with other hydrating and nourishing ingredients, offering a comprehensive approach to skincare that addresses a range of skin concerns.

Answering Questions, Dispelling Myths

Most Asked Facial Oil Questions, Answered by Blue Labelle founder Pascale

Yes indeed! Facial oils deeply nourish skin, and help it to stay moisturised by locking in moisture, helping skin to perform better, and strengthening the skin barrier. Skin does also need hydration, so apply your oil to damp skin or better yet on top of a facial mist, to aid absorption and bring both hydration and nourishment to the skin.

You definitely can, twice a day if you like! I use our Glow Facial Oil in the morning under my SPF, then i’m currently using our Marula & Amaranth Face Oil in the evening after I’ve cleansed.

Think of skin care steps as going up in thickness. In a full skin care routine the facial oil would go near the end under any creams, for example: cleanse your skin, use a facial mist, apply any watery serums or active products, then mist again if you wish, then facial oil, finally cream (or SPF if in the daytime). Of course you don’t have to do all of these skin care steps! Quite often I just cleanse my skin, mist with rose water then apply my facial oil.

This shouldn’t be a problem, and will help your skin by nourishing it after the potentially drying affects of the retinol. It’s a good idea to leave your retinol to absorb for at least 15 minutes before going onto your next steps. Why not mist your face with rose water before applying your oil, to calm and hydrate the skin too.

It is very unlikely that a facial oil will cause acne. Acne is mostly caused by hormonal changes, dietary triggers, and a build up of sebum and dead skin cells in the pores. There are however certain skin care ingredients that are thick and may cause blockages in pores, so these should be avoided on the face. These include coconut oil and cocoa butter, used at 100% concentration on the skin. If the facial oil has been formulated correctly, this pore blocking will not be an issue, and in fact using oils on skin can help your face to become healthier, with clearer sebum and less blocked pores, reducing the chance of breakouts.

Facial oils don’t require a preservative as they don’t contain water – it is water that can go mouldy / off, as it is the breeding ground for life, good and bad! This is why facial creams contain preservatives as they would go mouldy without them, your facial oil won’t go off like that. But it will oxidise, which is when free radical oxygen in the atmosphere breaks down the oils and they no longer smell fresh and of their lovely essential oil perfume. If you’ve had your facial oil longer than 6 months and it smells different, like a cooking oil rather than a fragranced oil, then it’s maybe time to replace it. You can prolong the life of your facial oil by: putting the lid or overcap back on after using it, keeping it cool and away from direct sunlight, and you can even keep it in the fridge in summer months, but this may cause it to solidify if it contains ingredients such as jojoba or argan which do go solid when cold. You should get at least 6 months from the date of purchase for the facial oil to be at its best (and it will most likely have a 6M jar symbol on it, all of ours do), but most will give up to 30 months shelf life, which should be more than enough for you to use the bottle up.

Facial Oil Myths

A long time ago (like the 1980s) it was bandied about that oils were bad for oily skin. Cleansers entered the market that stripped the skin of all oil leaving it tight, and oil-free moisturisers to be used on top, without any oil in. The result of using these products? Skin produces even more oil to compensate for the stripping and starving of natural oils. I know first-hand about this because I did this to my oily skin in my teens and early 20s! Then I learned about plant oils and facial oils and guess what – my skin became more balanced than it had ever been, my skin stopped over-producing sebum (oil), as it had a nice amount on my skin already. And if you think about it, giving your skin what it needs makes a lot more sense than stripping and starving it.

Compared to facial creams you can argue that facial oils are actually a lot more cost effective. Creams can be up to 70% water, then preservatives, emulsifiers and other ingredients necessary for the emulsion to stay stable are added. You may only get a small percentage of active ingredients in the cream, and you may get through the pot in a couple of months. Facial oils contain 100% active ingredients that will replenish, rejuvenate and help your skin to perform at its best. You might find just 3 drops is enough to use every day, meaning one of our 30ml facial oils will last you up to around 5 months used every day. They are also 99.9%+ organic using the finest plant-based ingredients which are expensive to source compared to say the water that makes up most of a cream, so the price they are is totally worth, and we are sure your skin will agree!

You can start using a facial oil even in your teens, as they help to balance skin and keep it nourished and silky soft. So all ages can use facial oils, and benefit from them greatly!

Light facial oils are perfect for summer months! They keep skin nourished, and protected from the drying nature of hotter weather. Oils like rosehip and argan are actually excellent for skin that has been out in the sun, they replenish and calm skin, with essential nutrients.

All oils are completely different to each other! They all have their own unique profile of vitamins and nutrients, depending on which fruit, nut or seed they come from. Some are thick, some and thin, some are odourless, others have a distinct scent. There’s also the way they are extracted – cold-pressed or extracted gently at a low temperature to get a full nutrient profile, these normally have a richer colour because of these nutrients, or expeller pressed at high heats which makes a cheaper refined oil with less nutrients and is normally clear of colour. So it’s definitely worth reading about any oil you’re about to put on your skin, and choose based on your skin type and need.

Conclusion

Embracing the right natural facial oil can transform your skincare routine, offering a tailored solution to your skin’s unique demands. Whether you have dry, oily, combination, sensitive, or mature skin, there’s a facial oil out there that’s perfect for you. They deeply nourish skin, increase moisture levels of skin by locking in moisture, and replenish with essential vitamins, protective antioxidants and omega oils.

I hope you enjoyed this indepth guide, now you know a lot more about facial oils and how they are the secret to a radiant, healthy complexion!

Here’s to you & your best skin,
Pascale

Pascale at Blue Labelle Boutique

Shop Blue Labelle Facial Oils

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