A Guide to the Best Oils for Your Skin
Written by Lauren Arent (Lo Clark)
Owner of Bewitched Esthetics & Licensed Esthetician since 2013
February 3rd, 2023
Hello my darlings,
Oils are THE best for your skin. I absolutely LOVE oils on my skin. When I was younger I suffered from horrendous and painful cystic acne. One of the only things that cured my cystic acne then and something I still consistently use to this day is The Facial Recovery Oil from Eminence.
Why Oils are the Best for Your Skin
Some of my favorite things about oils:
#1. Our skin naturally produces oils to hydrate itself, often carrying surface contaminants into our pores causing acne and breakouts. By replacing our oils with clean & beneficial oils, we can keep our skin hydrated in the most efficient way.
#2. Oils have a heavier molecular density than your average skin care product. Which means if we layer them on top of our other products we can lock in moisture through a technique often called slugging.
#3. Oils make your skin GLOW. These days it is all about having a healthy glow. I am so thankful we have come so far from the matte days of my youth. Oils can be applied under makeup to enhance beauty or worn on bare skin for a youthfully delicious look. So versatile.
Best Oils for Your Skin
Oils are becoming more and more popular in skincare these days (thank goodness). It fills me with joy when clients ask me about the best oils to use on their faces. So what I will open with today is an overview of my favorite types of oils. Then I will get specific and share my favorite oil products I recommend you look into using on your skin. Understanding the blend of oils will help you choose the right product for your needs. For as Byrdie says, “Not all oils are created equal.”
Jojoba Oil
Jojoba is such a basic bitch when it comes to oils and I mean that as the highest of compliments. Most common of oils and the one that most closely mimics our natural sebum (oil), excellent for optimal hydration, which will turn off the urge for your body to produce sebum and lead to clogged pores. It contains antioxidants which can aid in collagen production, an antibacterial which will keep your skin clean and clear!
Who is it best for: those with dry skin or who are prone to acne and redness
Olive Oil
This one is fun because it is derived from the fruit of the olive, not the seed or the nut! Hydrating and versatile, olive oil is also one of the easiest to find, most of us have it in our kitchens at all times! Rich in vitamins, antioxidants, and fatty acids, this oil also makes for a great makeup remover!! Direct application is not recommended for those with acne as the fatty acids might end up becoming food for the bacteria and yeast that cause it.
Who is it best for: dehydrated skin, most skin types except acneic or comegenic prone
Almond Oil
Another basic oil here, however the one precaution would be those with nut allergies. Hydrates, evens the skin tone, and is quite excellent for reducing stretch marks because of its vitamin E content as almond oil is a very softening oil. While it can not be called a cure quite yet, it does prevent the spread and formation of stretch marks. I will absolutely be carrying a bottle of this around when I get pregnant!
Who is it best for: pregnant women, anyone with stretch marks, those with acne scars
Rosehip Oil
Recently I have started to refer to this as the Queen of oils. You can find it used in my Valentine’s promotional facial, The Queen of Rose as I use the Rosehip Triple C & E Firming Oil with the gua sha stone for facial sculpting. Rosehip oil is gold for anti-aging. It brightens the skin, refines and evens out the texture, regenerative with high contents of vitamin A, C, and E, boosting collagen and elastin production. Excellent for scars and acne, combating inflammation and dehydration.
Who is it best for: EVERYONE but especially for anti-aging
Argan Oil
Excellent for hydration although a cautionary word to those who suffer from seborrheic dermatitis, it can be aggravated by this oil. It prevents trans-epidural water loss (TEWL) which is a process in which the skin becomes dehydrated when your skin barrier is “broken”. Contains antioxidants, is rich in fatty acids, and has anti-inflammatory properties.
Who is it best for: Those suffering from dry or dull skin
Marula Oil
Contains antioxidants that can aid in collagen and elastin production but also inhibit the degradation of elastin, so duo protection in the anti-aging process. Triple it if you want to add in the hydration delivered by this emollient.
Who is it best for: aging skin
Honorable Mentions
I really can’t get into all of the beneficial oils for your skin, I merely wanted to provide you with some of the best! A few of my other favorites include: seabuckthorn, grapeseed, apricot kernel, evening primrose, clary sage, and camellia. When purchasing any oil, it is important to remember to find organic, first cold pressed, virgin oils. I know that is a lot but truly the way the corporate world works these days…I highly recommend finding your oils on Etsy if you want the individual oils. There are so many sellers who offer bulk selections and many who make the oils themselves.
What is Not Mentioned Here
I can hear a few people already asking, “why not coconut oil??” You see, it’s not that coconut oil is bad for your skin per say (*although it is important to note it can bad for acne and congestion) however it is a very dense oil, an “occlusive,” and it actually can’t permeate through your skin barrier so it has no hydration properties for your skin. HOWEVER it can be quite excellent for slugging and therefore providing hydration.
What Is Slugging
Slugging is the process in which a denser product is placed over all your other products to seal them in. So basically, apply your products and seal them in with oils. My favorite being the Camellia Solid Glow Face Oil because it is a solid, buttery texture until melted by between your fingers, contains crystals and feels warm when applied to the skin.
Many people remember the days when lotion would be applied to hands and a layer of paraffin wax, or even gloves, would intensify the hydration you received. Tip: if you have dry or cracked feet, apply the Strawberry Rhubarb Hyaluronic Body Lotion and then any one of the oils we discuss here today finally layering your socks atop the skin care products. You can thank me later.
Optimize Your Ritual With These Oils
As I mentioned, I first wanted to mention the individual oils and how they benefit your skin, now I want to briefly dive into specific products that contain oil blends to optimize your skincare ritual.
Stone Crop Cleansing Oil
Yes. oils are for cleansing too! This product creates obsession with clients, they love how hydrated their skin feels even in this early stage of their skin care ritual. The oils grab and pull dirt and toxins from the pores leaving the skin glowing in their wake. The Stone Crop Cleansing Oil contains jojoba and sunflower oil.
Camellia Glow Solid Face Oil
The buttery texture of this product makes it utterly unique. It is excellent for locking in moisture, both at night and during the day. The Camellia Glow Solid Face Oil contains the unique oils camellia, marula, and hemp seed.
Rosehip Triple C & E Firming Oil
Again, this is liquid gold for anti-aging. A warm glow radiates from The Rosehip Triple C & E Firming Oil. Within can be found rosehip, seabuckthorn, and jojoba oils.
Facial Recovery Oil
I mentioned this one at the very beginning, it is one that changed my skin forever. The Facial Recovery Oil was given to me as a gift and I didn’t use it for a long time because I was unaware of the power of oils at that time. After the very first use, I was a believer for life. In this product you’ll find clary sage and olive oils.
The Goddess Beauty Oil
I am so proud to announce I have begun making my very own line of skincare. Taking my love & knowledge of organic skin care ingredients to the next level. Within this mouthwatering oil you’ll find argan, rosehip, and jojoba oils (as well as 24K gold). Your skin will glow AND you’ll smell like a snack…actually more like dessert! Can be used on the face, body or to elevate your next self care bath. *Not available for purchase yet. You can get it by booking one of my Valentine’s Day Packages during the month of February and receive this as part of your complimentary gift!
Apricot Body Oil
This a perfectly delicious body oil. I love adding it with my body lotion for a lovely glow in the summer time. Works great for a massage too! The Apricot Body Oil contains apricot kernel, grape seed, pomegranate seed, and jojoba oils.
Wildflower Ultralight Oil
For your hair, skin, and nails, I refer you to the Wildflower Ultralight Oil. It’s a dry oil that absorbs quickly, leaving you glowing without a slick feeling. This product is a blend of evening primrose, echinacea, and primula oils. Smells like walking into a greenhouse.
In Summation
There you have it, not only a cheat sheet to check the products you already love for the best oils for your skin, but a place to start if you want to begin incorporating oils into your skin care ritual. I can not advocate enough for this addition to your at home products. If you want to give any of these products a try you have two options. First option: schedule a consultation where we can talk together about your options. If you come in person you can even give these a test drive on your skin! Second option: schedule a facial and request I incorporate any of these oils you would like to try, so you can feel them on your skin first hand.
Wishing you a life full of beauty and blessings!
