Is there a right time to use facial oils? Let’s find out

Facial oils are being touted as the next big thing for skincare, but what is the right way and the best time to use it? Find out all the answers here.
Facial oils can do wonders for your skin, but you should know how to use them. Image courtesy: Shutterstock
Arthi Raguram Published: 10 Aug 2021, 09:00 am IST
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If you are looking for a skincare product that can give you healthy and naturally glowing skin, then facial oils can be a great addition to your beauty routine. Facial oils are designed to provide your skin with essential nutrients, fatty acids, and antioxidants that repair and protect the skin barrier. Due to its thick viscosity, many people get confused over the correct application of facial oils and whether to use the product during the morning, night, or at both times. Since skin produces a lot of its oil (sebum) naturally at different rates throughout the day, it is important to determine the right time to apply facial oils. 

Skin is oiliest at midday, and then sebum secretion starts to reduce gradually. Sebum secretion is lowest in the night, just before your bedtime. Therefore, facial oil gives the best results when they are used daily in the nighttime skincare routine as the skin absorbs all the nutrients easily. Besides, prioritising application of sun protection over facial oils during day time can help to prevent the signs of aging and pigmentation. However, if you have dry skin and struggle with patchy makeup, then adding a few drops of face oil before layering makeup could improve the overall condition of the skin and keep makeup flawless for long hours. 

facial oils
Get glowing skin with facial oils! Image courtesy: Shutterstock
Here are some of the tips to use facial oil in your nighttime skincare routine.
Make the right selection

Face oil can be disastrous for your skin if you are using the wrong one. While face oils with lighter formulations are best for oily skin types, thick formulations are recommended for dry skin types. People with acne-prone skin must refrain from comedogenic oils rather use those oils that detoxify the face and kill acne-causing bacteria such as jojoba, squalene, and tea tree oils. People with combination skin types can opt for argan, green tea, hemp seed, or jojoba oil as these have a light texture and don’t make the face look greasy.

Don’t just rely on face oils 

Adding face oil to your beauty routine does not mean eliminating moisturizer application. Moisturizers add hydration to the skin layers, while face oils just keep the moisture in the skin. The combination of both skincare products provides plump and smooth skin. Make sure to lather moisturizer before applying oil on the face to seal in moisture and create a protective barrier that stops water from escaping from the skin.

facial oils
Rosehip oil can prove to be an elixir for your skin. Image courtesy: Shutterstock
Few drops are enough 

Be careful about the amount of facial oil that you are using on your face. Many facial oils are highly concentrated products, so a few drops are enough to provide skin with nourishment. To avoid a reflective sheen on the face, it is best to add 2-3 drops of oil to your moisturizer and then apply the mixture for added hydration

Dab or pat face oil 

The best way to apply the face oil is to pat it on the skin or use gentle circular motions. Dabbing the oil can help your skin absorb the skincare product easily, whereas rubbing or sliding them around the skin surface would encourage annoying fine lines.

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About the Author

Arthi Raguram is a skincare expert ...Read More

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