5 Benefits of using a facial oil

The thought of covering your face in oil may seem at odds with what a good skincare routine should look like, but there are many benefits to using a facial oil. The key is to choose an oil that will balance and nourish your skin without clogging pores. 

As well as providing a deep boost of hydration, facial oils can help to balance sebum (natural oil) production and reduce the appearance of fine lines.  

What are facial oils? 

Lightweight in texture, facial oils can fall into one of three groups. They can consist of only one single oil ingredient, a combination of several oil ingredients or an oil ingredient combined with a non-oil ingredient. 

What are the benefits of using a facial oil? 

Facial oils are great for locking in moisture and supporting skin barrier health, leaving the skin feeling very hydrated. Some essential oils can have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties while others can help balance the skin's natural production of oil, meaning multiple skin concerns can be targeted with one oil.  

1.Deeply hydrating 

Once applied, facial oils form a protective barrier on the skins surface, this locks in the moisture and prevents your skin from drying out. Skin will feel softer and smoother as the oil penetrates deep into the skin layers. 

2.Balances sebum production 

Sebum is naturally produced by our skin, and its main purpose is to keep skin moisturised. Sometimes the levels of sebum produced can increase, which is completely normal due to stress, lifestyle and hormonal changes. This can result in oily or acne-prone skin. A facial oil can help regulate sebum levels, meaning skin doesn’t over-produce it which helps to reduce breakouts. 

3.Reduces the appearance of fine lines 

As we age, the levels of collagen and elastin naturally produced in our bodies starts to decrease (around 1% per year from the age of 25), leading to more noticeable fine lines and wrinkles. Keeping skin moisturised will prevent the skin from drying out and those fine lines becoming more noticeable. 

4.Supports the lipid layer 

Facial oils are lipophilic (insoluble in water), which means they can help to make the skin water resistant, leading to a reduction in the amount of water loss from the skin. They can penetrate deep into the skin to the lipid layer, which acts as a barrier. This works to keep toxins out and moisture in. 

5.Reduces enlarged pores 

Some essential oils such as jojoba and thistle oil can help to clear congestion from the skin, and help to extract oils, dead skin cells and dirt, making the pores appear smaller.  

How do I incorporate a facial oil into my skincare routine? 

If you add a facial oil, choose one that is lightweight, non-greasy and easily absorbed so that it can work in harmony with your other skincare products. To get the oil working at its optimum, apply after a serum but before moisturiser. During the day, you may find applying the oil, then SPF is enough, whereas in the evening for an extra boost of hydration, apply your facial oil followed by your moisturiser. People with dry skin will find this extra step of moisturisation very beneficial for their skin type. 

ishga Nourishing Face Oil is made using our unique seaweed extract and a perfect blend of essential oils that will hydrate, soothe and heal your skin. Lightweight and easily absorbed into the skin, the natural formula will glide over your face, leaving your skin with a silky glow.