Why Face Oil is Your Skin's Best Friend

There are many myths about oil in skincare, and many hesitate to use oil on their faces. We spoke to Jaana Ailus, Head of R&D at Finnish minimalist skincare brand Laponie of Scandinavia to find out more about oil in skincare, and why oil is in fact your skin's best friend. Read on to get the truth on some common misconceptions about oil in skincare.  

Myth 1 – Using oil on your face clogs pores

For many people with clog-prone skin, the comedogenicity of an oil will depend a lot on its fatty acid profile, specifically the ratio between oleic and linoleic acid. While oils high in oleic acid, such as olive oil, can be great for when skin is dry but not prone to congestion, these oils are usually not beneficial for acne prone skin – studies indicate that acne prone skin is in fact deficient in linoleic acid, and so using an oil high in linoleic acid, e.g. rosehip oil, can improve the appearance of acneic skin. For many, the ideal base oil will be an oil which is more or less balanced in terms of oleic versus linoleic acid.

Myth 2 – Using oil on your face makes your skin oily

Skin actually needs oil to keep it protected and to prevent water loss. This is why the sebaceous glands in our skin produce sebum to begin with, to essentially water-proof and weather-proof skin. In terms of oils in skincare, there are a number that balance out oil production, i.e. they actually make oily skin less oily. A face oil can also be an excellent protectant, especially in Winter when cold weather and indoor heating dry out the skin; as when skin gets dehydrated, it will react by producing more oil, making skin more oily. Again, it's all about which oil you use. Pay attention to the fatty acid profile of the oil of your choice.

Myth 3 – You can’t use a facial oil under makeup

Using a suitable amount of the right kind of oil before applying make-up can help prep and prime the skin in the same way as a traditional cream or lotion. Some oils are thick and do not absorb easily, but a readily absorbed oil will work very well under make-up. Pure oil also has the advantage of never 'rolling' under foundation, so you get a very smooth finish. And for oilier skin, the trick is to use only a drop or two and gently pat onto your face and then let absorb for a minute. In general, go for oils that are light and easily absorbed, but still leave a nourished feel to the skin.

Laponie of Scandinavia’s award-winning Face Oil is an easily absorbed mixture of repairing argan oil, softening oat oil, soothing raspberry oil and regenerating rosehip oil for skin that feels nourished with a nearly-matte finish. 

To use it, just pat 1–4 drops onto cleansed and toner-fresh skin. Adjust the amount according to your needs; if you need to blot after application you are using too much. Use alone or together with a cream or balm for added care. It also works well under make-up.

You can see our full Laponie of Scandinavia range here.

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