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How To Use Oils In Skin Care

Oils are a necessity in my skin care routine. But if you’re new to using body and facial oils you might wonder how they work and how to use them.

OILS ARE OCCLUSIVE

The main function of a beauty oil is to seal in moisture, which is why you always want to use oils on damp skin.

Oil is naturally occlusive, meaning it forms a protective layer on top of skin to seal moisture in and prevent trans-epidermal water loss (TEWL). So, because of its occlusive nature, oil works better when your skin is wet (since it helps lock in that water). It helps to prevent water from being lost from external sources like wind and dry air.

Adding hydration is key. What’s the best way to do that? Apply body oil directly after showering while the skin is still damp. As an alternative, you can spritz water, toner or hydrosol onto the skin and then apply oil, or you can add a few drops of moisture to the palm of your hand along with a drop or two of oil, rub your hands together and then apply to skin.

OILS ARE EMOLLIENT

Another function of beauty oil is that it softens and smoothes skin. Oils do this because they are emollients, meaning they fill in the little gaps where skin is flaky or cracked. Plant-based oils that are high in oleic, linoleic and gamma-linolenic acid (GLA) are great emollients. Think olive, avocado, evening primrose and borage oil. They easily penetrate the skin’s surface to replenish lost moisture.

THE RECIPE FOR MOISTURIZED SKIN

So, here is the recipe for baby smooth skin: OIL + WATER = MOISTURIZED SKIN

THE QUIZ

When you look closely at oils that are pressed from plants, each has a unique chemical make-up, a mixture of different natural fatty acids. The distribution of these fatty acids is what makes particular oils better suited for different purposes or skin types. But, how do you know which types of plant oils and ingredients are best matched to YOUR skin type? Take my quiz to get personalized recommendations.

MORE TIPS

Keep it light. Don’t smother your skin with oils. A little goes a very long way.

Try this washcloth trick and follow with facial oil serum.

Read my post Why I made the shift to body oil.

PRODUCT RECOMMENDATIONS

To happy, healthy and baby soft skin,