The Science behind Face Oils
Face oils aren’t just a new beauty trend, it turns out applying face oils is actually an O.G. beauty routine going back thousands of years. Cleopatra didn’t have Sephora, she got her perfectly smooth skin from massaging olive and sesame oil into her skin every night. Archaeologists have found that ancient Egyptians used a variety of plant-based oils for skincare and medical treatments. Essential oils are extremely hydrating and typically high in antioxidants, bringing a multitude of benefits from correcting pigmentation to smoothing out fine lines.
Face oils can be used on both dry and oily skin – anything contrary to that is a myth. With oily skin, these natural ingredients trick your skin into thinking it has enough oil, shutting off sebum production. On dry areas, the soothing plant elements help to lock-in moisture by forming a protective barrier.
There are a variety of oils to choose from: Jojoba oil is high in vitamin E, it acts as a protective layer over the skin, imparting moisture that keeps you hydrated for a long time and strengthens the skin’s defense system against free radicals. Jojoba oil, like squalene and argan oil, has a smaller molecular structure. This allows it to penetrate easily into the skin and work its magic, instead of sitting on top of the surface. Rosehip oil is a cult favorite for reducing acne scars and hyper-pigmentation, it's loaded with essential fatty acids that evens out skin tone and gives fresh faced glow. Grapeseed oil is the perfect antidote for really oily skin, it’s a natural astringent so it gets rid of excess grease and tightens your pores, leaving your skin mattified.
Castor oil can reduce swelling and puffiness in your face. It’s effective in eliminating eye bags to give you fresh and healthy skin. Lavender and evening primrose are known to increase collagen production and regenerate skin cells, making them great anti-aging ingredients. Ylang-ylang is famous for its healing properties, it’s known to rebuild the skin's proteins and fats while reducing the number of free radicals. Marula oil is one of the most hydrating oils, smoothing and softening fine lines and preventing stretch marks. Pomegranate Oil is an incredibly lightweight oil famous for acne-prone skin. It’s naturally antibacterial and anti-inflammatory, so it helps fight zit-causing bacteria in pores while also calming inflamed, broken-out skin.
You can either buy pure organic oils, like our Bareskin Facial Elixir – containing 100% organic Jojoba oil, or serums that have a combination of oils. Buying 100% pure oils is really comforting because you know exactly what the bottle contains, and you don’t have to worry about potential toxins in the ingredients list. Face oils typically don’t contain any artificial fragrance. In fact, using a face oil before bed will not only nourish your skin, but the natural fragrances will also calm you down and help you get your beauty sleep.