Try face oils for healthier skin

Dermatologists often talk about keeping your skin ‘oil-free’ and endorse and recommend skincare products that are free of oil. But dermatologist Dr Apratim Goel says, “As I get a deep understanding of face oils over the years, I admit that it is an amazing world with so many ingredients and most of them are therapeutic. Not only are face oils a cure for dry skin, but they are also effective at treating a wide range of skin conditions, right from hyperpigmentation, stretch marks to acne.”
What is it
Experts say that face oils are soft and light preparations that have natural oils like avocado, argan, olive, sesame etc, as their base along with therapeutic ingredients.Dermatologist Dr Soma Sarkar says, “We recommend argan, almond and olive oils for the face. These oils have mosituring properties, are used in many face products and are great for dry skins. Women who have oily, acne prone skin can use tea-tree oil — avoid applying on the entire face — use an ear bud to apply a drop of tea tree oil on the acne.”
Why use face oils
Face oils have many benefits thanks to the different ingredients. Here are a few of them... w Rich in antioxidants Many botanical oils, including argan, passion fruit etc are potent antioxidants. A few drops can be used under your sunscreen or foundation. It works as a moisturizer as well as a primer.
Prevents inflammation
Some oils like argan oil have anti-inflammatory properties and prevent inflammation caused by other active ingredients. Hence, they are ideal bases for skin formulations.
Great hydrants
These oils are lipophilic in nature and they penetrate through the lipid layer of the skin and prevent water or moisture loss. For example olive oil, coconut oil etc.
Anti-ageing properties
Since the oils are combined with anti-ageing ingredients like retinol, glycolic acid and vitamin C, they help in faster and deeper penetration of these molecules into the skin, thereby augmenting the anti-ageing benefits. It also counters the irritation caused by these molecules.
Combats rosacea
Certain aroma oils like orange, tea tree, peppermint etc actually help in reducing acne and rosacea. However this should be done after consultation with an expert.
Anti blemish Rosehip oil is very useful for marks and blemishes on skin.
Soothing and calming
Owing to the faster and deeper penetration of the anti inflammatory ingredients of oils, they are also soothing and calming. They protect the skin from free radical as well as UV damage.
Mood elevators
Remember how you felt calm and peaceful when you step into a spa therapy room. Rose, lavender, lemon grass etc are perfect for relaxation. w
Stretch marks
The age-old remedy for stretch marks is to rub olive oil twice a day. Though it will not clear the stretch marks, it definitely helps in lightening them.
Cosmetologist Dr Jamuna Pai says, “Regular application of sweet almond and olive oil twice daily throughout your pregnancy, can give you absolutely stretch-mark free skin.” w Cleansing and makeup removal Oils are super-effective make-up removers. They break up and dissolve make-up and other dirt and oils for a totally fresh and clean face. incorporating face oils into your skincare regime Choosing a facial oil primarily depends on the type of oils and its purpose:
Oils containing silicon, hyaluronic acid, argan oil etc can be used on skin under your make-up. They bind the make-up to skin for longer, prevent cracking of the make-up as well as works like a primer to even out the skin.
Oils with active ingredients like aroma (tea tree oil, peppermint, calendula, chamomile) as well as vitamins and nourishing agents, should be best used on face and neck at night for therapeutic benefits.
Dry skin oils can be used over the sunscreen as well as above the make-up. w However, another way is to use oils mixed with tint or mix foundation cream and oil and apply as a base on face.