Face oil has many benefits, from repairing the skin’s barrier to helping seal in moisture. But with it seeming counterintuitive to add more oil to oily or combination skin, it’s unsurprising that we get asked a lot whether face oil should really be used for these skin types. The short answer? YES! As although you may have oily or combination skin, it may not be moisturised, balanced or protected…
WHAT IS SEBUM AND HOW DOES IT CAUSE OILY SKIN?
There are a number of factors that can lead to oily or combination skin, including genetics, environment and lifestyle. The one thing they have in common is that these skin types are a result of the sebaceous glands producing too much sebum (the body’s natural oil). While sebum plays an important role – working with the skin’s microbes to maintain the skin barrier and hydrate – too much of it can also lead to clogged pores, breakouts and acne, as it mixes with dead skin cells, and gives you an oily complexion as the excess sebum negatively impacts the pH levels of the skin.
The skin’s pH is naturally on the acidic side – between 4.7 and 5.75 – and is created by a mix of sebum, lactic acid and amino acids from sweat. The skin’s pH needs to be slightly acidic to keep moisture in and bacteria out, but it becomes more alkaline when the sebaceous glands are over-producing sebum. When this happens, the skin’s microbiome, also known as the acid mantle (the invisible protective layer made up of billions of skin flora which keep skin looking and feeling healthy) becomes imbalanced – a process called skin dysbiosis. If the skin’s microbiome is compromised, this can cause various skin conditions, redness and irritation. Using a face oil can help combat this by locking in moisture, regulating the pH and aiding overall skin health. With many products stripping away the natural oil and prompting the sebaceous glands to produce even more sebum (which ends up drying out the skin), a face oil helps prevent that over-compensation.
CHOOSING A FACE OIL FOR OILY SKIN
“The important ratio that determines whether a plant oil is beneficial for oily skin is the ratio of essential fatty acids to fatty acids” (Source). When looking for a face oil for oily/combination skin, we recommend one with high levels of oleic acid, linoleic acid and linolenic acid – these are all essential fatty acids (EFAs) and will help to balance and hydrate skin. To identify whether a product has high levels of these or not, look at their placement in the ingredients list – the higher up in the list, the higher the concentration. For more on how these support oily skin, you might like to read our post, Let’s Talk About Breakouts and Face Oils. As well as being high in EFAs, a face oil that’s anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, regenerating and contains antioxidants (vitamins A, C and E) will help to heal skin whilst promoting elastin and collagen production. Ultimately, we’re aiming to soothe skin’s inflammation, keep the pH healthy and the microbiome happy, and help it heal in the most gentle way possible.
You might also like to read: Can You Use Coconut Oil On Your Face?
OUR FACE OIL BLEND
Rosehip oil has been chosen for its soothing and calming action, Moringa seed oil for its cleansing and moisturising action (an unusual combination for an oil), Pomegranate seed oil for its regenerating action, and Jasmine essential oil for its balancing and toning action. Combining these oils with the hydrating action of Sweet Almond oil, Marula seed oil, and Rose essential oil has resulted in a blend of face oil that is suitable for all skin types, from dry to oily, and even sensitive skin types, except those sensitive to essential oils or nuts. Discover our face oil here.
You might also like to read: Paying Homage to Our Signature Face Oil
Remember, at night is when your skin is doing its best work and is able to breathe, so treating it with an oil (only a couple of drops is needed), ensures skin can recover and regenerate. Our tips on how to use a face oil may also help you decide on what works best for you.
DO YOU USE FACE OIL ON YOUR OILY/COMBINATION SKIN? HAVE YOU TRIED OURS?
We’d love for you to tell us in a comment below!
