What facial oil is and what it's for
Facial oil is a product with an oily texture formulated to deeply nourish and hydrate the skin of the face, while also adding radiance and helping improve the appearance of elasticity. Contrary to what is often thought, a non-comedogenic facial oil doesn't necessarily clog pores, and there are formulas designed for almost any skin type, including oily or shine-prone skin.
How to choose facial oil according to your skin type
Not all facial oils provide the same benefits, and choosing the right one depends on your skin type and the goal you're aiming for.
- Dry skin: oils like argan, apricot or rosehip oil, rich in nourishing fatty acids.
- Oily skin: lighter oils such as jojoba or grape seed oil, which regulate without overloading.
- Combination skin: balanced formulas, applied in smaller amounts on the T-zone.
- Sensitive skin: gentle oils such as rose or lavender oil, with a lower risk of irritation.
Facial oil or serum
Although they're sometimes confused, they don't serve the same purpose. Serum usually has a more water-based formula and concentrates specific active ingredients, while facial oil provides nourishment and helps seal in hydration on the surface of the skin. Many routines combine both, applying the serum first and, as a final step, the oil to lock in everything applied before.
How to apply facial oil
It's applied as one of the last steps in your routine, onto clean, slightly damp skin, either on its own or together with your moisturiser. Just a few drops are enough: warm the product between your hands and press it gently onto your face, without rubbing too much. In your night-time routine, it can be the final step, taking advantage of the resting hours for the skin to better absorb the fatty acids.
Types of facial oil according to their origin
Facial oils can be classified according to their origin. Vegetable oils, such as argan, jojoba or rosehip oil, are extracted from seeds or fruits and are usually rich in essential fatty acids. Nut oils, such as almond oil, provide a silky texture and intense nourishment. There are also blends specifically formulated to combine several oils and enhance different benefits in a single formula, designed for specific skin needs.
Common benefits of facial oil
Among the most sought-after benefits are deep nourishment, especially useful for dry or dehydrated skin; added radiance, as it helps improve dull-looking skin; and a visible improvement in skin elasticity and flexibility. It can also help reduce the feeling of tightness in cold or dry climates, when the skin loses water more easily.
When to use facial oil: day, night and season
Facial oil can be used both day and night, although each time has its own nuances. In the morning, a few drops mixed with your moisturiser add radiance and prepare the skin before sunscreen. At night, applied alone or as the last step, it makes the most of resting hours to nourish deeply. In summer, it's usually preferred in a smaller amount or in lighter formulas, while in winter, when skin is more exposed to cold and heating, it can handle slightly larger amounts and richer textures.
Common mistakes when using facial oil
Using too much is one of the most frequent mistakes, as a few drops are usually enough for the whole face. Applying it to completely dry skin, without any prior moisture, also reduces its effectiveness. And choosing an oil that's too dense for oily skin can create a heavy feeling that's uncomfortable throughout the day.
Final tips
Doing a patch test on a small area of skin before introducing a new facial oil helps make sure it doesn't cause irritation. Storing it away from direct light helps preserve its properties better, as exposure to heat and light can alter some of its components over time. And using it consistently, worked into your morning or evening routine as needed, is what allows you to see its benefits in your skin's overall appearance over the weeks, without needing to combine it with too many other products at once.
