Before modern serums and creams were invented, oils were used all over the world to achieve faultless skin. Oils are also loaded with elements that can keep your skin hydrated and healthy. If you’d rather use organic skin care products over artificial ones, then choosing facial oils over synthetic cosmetics is a solid first step. But you might be puzzled how oils can effectively work on your skin. Here’s a list of 6 tips that are sure to help in choosing the right facial oil.
TIP 1. Find Your Skin Type
The first step is to determine what type your skin belongs to. Knowing your skin type can be of great help in choosing the right facial oil as well as other skincare products. Let’s take a closer look at the different skin types.
1. Oily skin :
- Pimples and blackheads will be visible
- Shiny complexion
- Large pores
2. Dry skin :
- Hard to see the pores
- Rough complexion
- Visible lines
3. Combination skin :
- Oily Chin, T-zones and forehead
- Under-eye skin and cheeks will be dry
- Change in climate can impact the skin tone
4. Healthy skin :
- Imperfections will be hard to find
- Skin will not be prone to sensitivity
- Visible Pores will be very less
TIP 2. Choose The Oil That Suits Your Skin Type 
Cosmetic products like facial creams are designed with different skin types in mind. It is no different for facial oils. In general, look out for oils that are rich in antioxidants and fatty acids such as Omega-3. If you have a sensitive skin, go for Tamanu oil and Rosehip seed oil. Jojoba oil will be of help for oily skin only. If you have dry skin, go for prickly pear oil. Grapeseed oil works the best in preventing and combating acne.
TIP 3. Pay Attention To Quality Indicators
If the bottles are labeled “cold pressed” and “virgin”, then the oil is said to be of the best quality. Cold Pressed indicates that that external heat has not been applied during the process of extraction.
Some people might discard a product by saying that ‘it doesn’t smell right’. At times, a pungent scent and intense color could be an indicator of authenticity and high quality in the case of oils. Also, keep in mind that the process of oil extraction involves skilled labor. As a result, facial oils might not come cheap. Try to purchase smaller bottles of facial oil and use a fresh one each month.
TIP 4. Look For The Right Ingredients
Most of us before purchasing a product fail to give adequate attention to the labels on the product. But, it is crucial to know what type of ingredients are present in the product you are going to purchase.
If the oil contains preservatives like parabens, phenoxyethanol, color, fragrances and alcohol, opt not to buy it. Discard oils that contain mineral oils as well. It is because these ingredients could prove toxic to your skin. It will clog the pores and make your skin duller.
Certain oils might even have GMOs and residual pesticides. So, be careful when choosing the right product. If you have dry skin, look for oils with Oleic acid. To fight acne, find an oil that contains Linoleic acid. Make sure that the product you buy is packed in a dark colored glass as it filters the Ultraviolet rays from the sun.
Tip 5. Purity
Unrefined oil means that the oil is in its original form. But, that doesn’t mean that it is completely pure. This is because many unrefined oils are made from seeds that undergo roasting. Oil might not be filtered after the process of extraction. It will not be cold pressed and might be treated with hot water. So, an unrefined label doesn’t mean that the oil is pure. It just means that the oil has not been filtered.
Tip 6. Food Grade Oils
What will you do if the ingredients and quality of the cosmetic oil are not mentioned explicitly on the label? If the ingredients are not specifically mentioned, the oil might have been blended with other cheaper oils, and we will never know. In such situations, it is safe to go for edible oils such as coconut oil. This is because all edible oils have to go through the legal regulations benchmarked by the FDA making it safe for consumption. Plus, cosmetic oil can be used only on your skin. But, you can use FDA approved edible oils for cooking purposes as well. Look at your local department store, for food grade oils that are cold pressed. Choose oils that do not have any added fragrance in it.
Facial oils are natural and can act as an effective and safer replacement for a serum or moisturizer. But, relying on them entirely to combat skin problems like acne or wrinkles might not be an ideal choice. Also, opt for the facial oil depending on your skin type. This way, you can keep your skin safe from any damage.
If you want more skincare advice and DIY tips, take a look at FixYourSkin.
