The truth about Beauty Oils
Argan, avocado, coconut, jojoba – putting oil on your face and body is a new beauty must-do. But how much does your skin benefit from this ingredient, and is it really better than your moisturiser? Here we look at the truth behind using oil as part of your skincare routine and examine which is best for which skin type.
What are the benefits?
So you’ve got your oil – what exactly can it do for you and your skin?
Oil is anti-ageing
All natural oils have some antioxidant effect – meaning they can help fight off the damage caused by ultraviolet light which ultimately leads to spots, age spots and wrinkles (we salute that).
Oil can aid absorption
Because oils are lipophilic, they dissolve and pass though the lipid layer of your skin more easily than water-based moisturisers, which can help stop water loss and in turn plump your skin (especially important when you’ve reached your late 30s and your wrinkles can start to look deeper as natural oils decrease - boo). This makes them especially effective for body moisturising too.
Because of this oil can help the absorption of your usual moisturiser (just pop a few drops onto your skin before moisturising).
Oil can prevent irritation
Oils can help prevent irritation and inflammation – try Argan, Almond, Calendula and Rose Hip. Simply smooth it on after your usual moisturising routine. A few drops should be enough to calm the skin.
Oil hydrates
Oils contain the essential fatty acids your skin needs to stay properly hydrated. They also help to lock in moisture. Just apply some straight after washing your face (or body) while your skin is damp and the oil will help lock the water into the skin.
Oil protects
Oil can also act as a barrier to those nasty winter elements, giving your skin protection against wind, snow and cold.
Oil is an acne-buster
Oil might work to clear up acne. Honest! If you’ve got oily skin, it’s easy to over-dry it which encourages your body to make more and more oil to compensate (a bit of a no-win situation). As soon as you add some oil into your skin regime, it can help calm to your body down and stop the cycle. 
How to use oils as part of your beauty regime
- A little goes a long way – just two or three drops will do. You can mix it in with your usual moisturiser and voila! But remember, don’t mix your face oil with an SPF moisturiser as it can dilute the sunscreen’s effectiveness.
- Alternatively apply the oil directly to your face (that’s the way we do it), after cleansing and toning, then follow with your usual moisturiser or serum.
- Never rub, press the oil gently into your skin.
- When using a body oil, apply it after a bath or shower to slightly damp skin – it’ll help lock in moisture.
What to look for when you’re buying an oil
- Look for pure organic oils to get the most benefit.
- As always, avoid added nasties like synthetic fragrances, often listed as "parfum" or "fragrance", and try to opt for unscented, or scented with cold-pressed essential oils.
- It's important to know how your oil is extracted, because you don't want it exposed to high temperatures or extracted using harmful chemical solvents. Cold-pressed is perfect, and CO2-extracted oils are also allowed in certified-organic products.
Which oil and why?
It’s good to know which oil is best for your skin as (while all great) they have different benefits.
Almond Oil - is gentle enough for babies and can relieve inflammation and soothe sensitive skin.
Argan Oil has received a lot of press over the last few years. It’s known to be anti-ageing – probably due to the high levels of vitamin E and antioxidants it contains – and is especially good for dry skin and fine lines (plus you should try it as a treatment on dry hair, just add and sleep on it, then wash out).
Calendula Oil is bursting with anti-oxidants that can help to fight inflammation and soothe irritated skin. Calendula also has rejuvenating properties and helps to repair skin tissue.
Avocado Oil is high in Vitamin E and Omega-3 fatty acids which can assist cell function and work against inflammation. We’d recommend it for dry, sensitive, and irritated skin.
Coconut oil is especially good for those with dry or sensitive skin, and eczema sufferers. Probably one of the world’s most talked-about oils at the moment, you can read more about it here.
Evening Primrose Oil. You might want to think about supplementing your diet with evening primrose oil. It also contains an essential fatty acid (known as GLA) that’s thought to strengthen skin cells. Evening primrose oil works inside and out and is a beneficial ingredient in many natural beauty products for dry skin conditions for instance Barefoot SOS Repair & Renew Intensive Treatment Oil.
Jojoba Oil is ideal for dry skin.
Rose Hip Oil is regenerating. We’d recommend it if you have dark spots, scars, skin discolouration, fine lines or acne-prone skin. 
So whatever your skin type, there’s an oil for you.