Why Are Face Oils So Popular?
Why Are Face Oils So Popular?
Let's Start with the Basics
If you are like me, the first time you saw a Face Oil ad, images of oily-faced teenagers flooded your memories. One of the many fears I had as a kid was a greasy face. I blotted and cleansed to prevent this nightmare situation, little knowing those habits were actually making things worse! Rather than the glow of youth, I spent 8th and 9th grade pimply and oily (yuck!).
Needless to say, as an adult I needed a little bit of convincing before giving today's Face Oils a try. Part of that convincing was doing a bit of research as to why women were diving into this product and how oil could possibly help my complexion.
Needless to say, I needed a little bit of convincing before giving today's Face Oils a try.
What I found is that Face Oils are formulated to gently supplement your natural oil production and basically help balance overactive sebaceous glands. The way these oils interact with your skin actually can provide many different benefits to a variety of skin conditions which is why they have become so popular.
Pay Attention to Ingredients
Not all Face Oils are created equal, however. If you are looking for a product that is going to provide you with optimal results and work in harmony with your skin, you definitely want to investigate ingredient lists.
This is how I look at it, our ancestors evolved with the natural plant and animal world. Our cells are designed with and by nature and if we can find products that contain ingredients that come from nature and provide demonstrable benefits for our health and skin, give it a try to see if it works for you. At the same time, I am not completely anti-technology, anti-synthetic or anti-pharmaceutical and I acknowledge the wonders of modern medicine. If there is a particular synthetic ingredient or medicine that your doctor is recommending, give that a try too.
But for the purposes of Face Oils, I believe plant-based is the way to go. Plants provide vitamins, minerals and other nutrients that our bodies need and why not go straight to the source?
Here's the important thing, though. Try to find Certified Organic if you can. Like our Makes 3 Organics® Ultra Hydrating Organic Face Oil. As you know, Certified Organic Ingredients can only come from producers who do not use pesticides, herbicides, fertilizers of concern and farming practices that are harmful to the environment. Let's try to be as close to nature as possible.
Improving and Augmenting the Nature of Your Skin
Our skin naturally produces oil in order to protect the outer layer of skin and to help retain moisture. Sebum is the waxy oil produced by our sebaceous glands that is designed for this function. Sometimes, however, our sebum production gets out of whack and we can end up with skin that's out of balance.
We all yearn for the innocent, dewy glow of childhood and the sweet, smooth skin of our youth. Life marches on, however, and the look and texture of our skin can change. It might become too oily due to stress, hormones, genetics, diet, even humidity. Conversely, skin can become too dry from lack of humidity, over-exfoliation, lack of proper nutrition, and certain ingested or topical medications. Some acne medications can over-dry the skin and trigger extra sebum. It can be a real challenge to bring your skin back into balance after one of these triggers.
We all yearn for the innocent, dewy glow of childhood and the sweet, smooth skin of our youth.
A good Face Oil can help bring about this balance because they act as an:
- Emollient to strengthen the skin from within
- Antioxidant to get in the way of those free radicals
- Occlusive to protect the outer layer of the skin
- Humectant to hydrate the skin
Know first that Face Oils do not provide high-performance anti-aging effects that a carefully designed synthetic or pharmaceutical moisturizer would. If you are using a Face Oil you aren't looking to dramatically reduce your wrinkles or firm up your neck (like an Instagram filter would do for you). But you will be surprised at how much a Face Oil can improve the texture of your skin and enhance your natural glow.
Specific Skin Conditions and What Can Help
Different plant oils have different properties, so when you are looking for a Face Oil, know first what you are looking for and follow some simple tips for which plant oil might provide you with the best results. As noted above, some oils can penetrate the outer layer of the skin to bind, repair and strengthen or to hydrate. Other oils have a larger molecular design and sit on top of the skin to protect.
Probably most of us could use a little help in several different ways, here's what to look for:
Rosehip
- Coconut oil and rosehip oil are known antioxidants and help to hydrate and reduce dry skin.
- Jojoba oil and tea tree oil each have antimicrobial and antibacterial properties help control oily skin and acne.
- You can try marula oil which has properties to hydrate and control oily skin.
- Oils that contain chamomile and lavender are gentle on the skin and reduce irritation and calm inflamation.
- Rosehip oil and olive oil are nutrient-dense and may help prevent signs of premature aging.
Olives
Our Makes 3 Organics® Ultra Hydrating Organic Face Oil has ingredients that you will know and recognize:
Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil*, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil*, Rosa Canina (Rosehip) Fruit Oil*, Punica Granatum (Pomegranate) Seed Oil*, Cannabis Sativa (Hemp) Seed Oil*, Cananga Odorata (Ylang Ylang) Essential Oil*, Citrus Grandis (Grapefruit) Essential Oil*, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Essential Oil*, Vanilla Oil*. *Certified Organic Ingredient
We chose Sunflower Seed Oil as our main carrier oil because it is a proven emollient that can get into your skin. It naturally contains Vitamins E, A, C and D, which help retain moisture, limits the absorption of allergens and environmental contaminants, regenerates new skin cells and helps clear pores and prevent acne. This incredible oil also contains Omega-6 fatty acids which is naturally healing. Sunflower Seed Oil may not be trendy or fancy sounding, but it is a powerhouse for your skin.
As noted above, Jojoba Oil is also an emollient. It contains Vitamins E and B-complex, zinc, copper, selenium, chromium, and iodine. Because Jojoba Oil has a high amount of ceramides, it helps your skin stay soft and smooth. Ceramides cover skin cells and help with hydration, creating a powerful skin barrier to environmental toxins, allergens and irritants. This oil is quickly absorbed into the skin and does not clog pores. It balances your body's own oil production which helps keep away acne. It helps firm your skin, reduces inflammation and promotes a youthful appearance.
Rosehip Oil contains Vitamins A, C and F as well as oleic acid, palmitic acid, linoleic acid, and gamma linoleic acid. It's an antioxidant and can help repair damage to the skin caused by the sun. It can help reduce hyperpigmentation, reduce inflammation, brighten your skin and boost collagen production.
Pomegranate Seed Oil has a significant amount of Vitamin C and K and like Rosehip Oil can help brighten skin, reduce hyperpigmentation and sooth inflammation. The Fatty Acid content is high and it is a powerful antioxidant that fights free radicals while fading fine lines and wrinkles.
We use Hemp Oil because it is helpful for all types of skin, doesn't clog pores, absorbs quickly and is an effective humectant. This oil contains an omega-6 fatty acids called gamma-linolenic acid which acts as a powerful anti-inflammatory and encourages skin growth and new cell generation.
Our collection of Essential Oils not only provide a wonderful, yet subtle aroma, they are also packed with Vitamins.
Plus, our Organic Face Oil is Certified Organic which we provide for you for peace of mind. I personally love this oil and was one of our product testers as we were developing it. I use it every night in combination with our Shea-Cred Organic Shea Butter and at 53, I really am in love with my skin!
How to Use
Now that we have established that contrary to your fears, Face Oils are designed to work in harmony with your skin and balance your natural oil production to provide a supple, youthful glowy appearance. We think organic plant oils are the best and knowing the ingredients you are looking for will help in your search for the perfect product.
Note, though, that some people may have allergies to some of this nature. Just like seasonal allergies are caused by pollen spores in the air, you may have a sensitivity. So do your best to be aware of any adverse reactions to any of the ingredients and move on to a new Face Oil if you do.
For the most effective results, use your Face Oil morning and night, right after cleansing and before or with your moisturizer. When I use my Face Oil at night in combination with my Shea Butter, I give myself extra self-care treatment with a nice, light face massage at the same time with my Gua Sha to relax my muscles and promote lymphatic drainage and I ad a few minutes with my Jade Roller for maximum relaxation. It's a spa treatment every night!
Not me (I'm still working up the courage to be our model)
So go ahead and hop on this popular trend and give a Face Oil a try. See for yourself if it is the right product for you. Try them, test them and ultimately give your oil at least 3 months to show results. I hope you have as much luck with them as I have.
Thoughtfully,
Kristine Sperling
