Facial oils have become a beloved addition to skincare routines across the globe, currently an essential part of the popular 10-step K-beauty routine. So, why not add it to your routine as well, especially to add life to your skin during the busy but glamorous festive season? They're concentrated blends of various plant-based oils like almond oil for face, packed with nutrients and antioxidants that work wonders for the skin. These oils have gained popularity due to their ability to nourish, hydrate, and address specific skin concerns without clogging pores.
What is a Facial Oil?
Facial oil is a skincare product formulated with various natural oils, such as jojoba, rosehip, argan, or almond oil for face, among others. These oils are lightweight and easily absorbed, designed to hydrate the skin, lock in moisture, and provide essential nutrients that support a healthy complexion. However, you don’t have to turn to any fancy product to use oil! Whether you have a stock of different oils at home or don’t want to burn a hole in your pocket, you can easily enjoy a DIY concoction of face oil.
Benefits of Facial Oils

Enhances Skin Nourishment: For those battling extremely dry skin, integrating face oil for dry skin into your skincare routine before applying moisturizer can deeply nourish and lock in hydrating components. However, those with oily skin might prefer using it just once daily, especially as we enter the chilly Christmas season.
Promotes a Radiant Complexion: Dull skin can result from various factors like inadequate sleep, insufficient exfoliation, and ageing. Facial oil proves to be a remedy, instantly restoring moisture and revitalizing your skin's natural radiance, making your skin festive-ready! Ageing often leads to decreased natural oil production, leaving the skin lacklustre, but facial oils can help counteract this effect.
Abundant in Omega Fatty Acids: One of the fantastic attributes of facial oils is their richness in omega fatty acids. Omega-3 fatty acids, found in facial oils, possess powerful anti-inflammatory properties, safeguarding the skin from free radicals and addressing skin concerns such as acne, eczema and rosacea. They also combat premature wrinkles caused by factors like pollution and sun exposure, while maintaining skin hydration.
Seamless Application of Other Products: Applying makeup on dry skin can be challenging, disrupting the flawless finish. Prepping the skin with a face oil for dry skin before makeup application resolves this issue, ensuring a smooth canvas for makeup application without clumps.
Shields Against Environmental Pollutants: Our skin constantly battles harsh environmental elements. While SPF protects against UV rays, facial oil acts as an additional barrier against pollutants, safeguarding the outer layer of the skin and preventing pore congestion.
Types of Facial Oils

Argan Oil: Random oils can mess up your skincare if you have oily skin, acne or large pores. However, with a non-comedogenic rating of 0, argan oil is highly unlikely to clog pores. This face oil for oily skin is rich in vitamins, minerals and nutrients, making it an excellent choice for protecting all skin types, reducing fine lines, providing moisture and combating acne.
Sunflower Seed Oil: Ideal for oily, acne-prone skin, sunflower oil is super non-comedogenic and is rich in essential fatty acids, offering superb moisturization without clogging pores or causing skin irritations.
Jojoba Oil: Particularly beneficial for extremely oily skin, jojoba oil's similarity to the skin's natural sebum helps control excess oil production. This face oil for oily skin can be used as a night treatment or mixed with foundation for a natural, radiant finish this festive season.
Almond Oil: Almond oil is a popular choice for facial oil due to its rich emollient properties. It's packed with vitamins E and A, antioxidants and fatty acids that deeply nourish and moisturize the skin. Almond oil for face can also help soften the skin, improve its texture, reduce inflammation and even out skin tone, making it an excellent choice for dry or sensitive skin types.
How to use Facial Oil

Prep Your Skin: To prep, make sure to thoroughly clean your face. Opt for a gentle cleanser to prevent the facial oil from mixing with the buildup on your skin, which can lead to clogged pores.
DIY Facial Oil: There are three ways to add a facial oil to your skincare routine. You can either buy a facial oil, simply use a single carrier oil on your face, or make your own face oil mix. For the last option, you can mix a couple of oils like almond oil, argan oil, vitamin E oil and hemp seed oil. When adding essential oils, see that you only use 1-2 drops in the mix. Store it in a clean and airtight bottle.
Apply as the Final Step: Facial oil always goes in the end no matter what products you use. So, after your usual skincare routine—toner, serum, moisturizer, etc.—apply facial oil as the last step. Of course, if it is daytime, don’t forget your sunscreen.
Application Technique: Warm a few drops of facial oil between your palms and gently pat onto your face and neck. Avoid rubbing to prevent unnecessary skin pulling that might contribute to premature wrinkles.
FAQs on Facial Oils

What is facial oil in K-beauty?
Facial oils in K-beauty refer to lightweight, nutrient-rich oils often used in Korean skincare routines. These oils are used to hydrate, balance, and nourish the skin, typically applied after serums or essences in the skincare regimen.
Can I apply facial oil daily?
Yes, you can! Facial oils can be used daily, but the frequency of use might vary depending on your skin type and the specific oil you're using. For many, like using face oil for oily skin once or twice a day, typically in the morning and/or evening, can provide optimal benefits without overwhelming the skin.
Which oil is best for glowing face?
Several oils contribute to a glowing complexion, including rosehip oil, argan oil, jojoba oil and marula oil. These oils are rich in antioxidants, vitamins and fatty acids that nourish the skin, help with cell regeneration, and impart a healthy radiance. Coconut oil for face helps as well but if you have oily, acne-prone skin with large pores, you may want to avoid it. Facial oils are versatile skincare products that can work wonders for various skin types. They provide hydration, nourishment and numerous other benefits, making them a valuable addition to anyone's skincare routine. Whether you seek to combat dryness, uneven skin tone or simply aim to achieve a natural glow for the festive season, incorporating the right facial oil can be a game-changer in your skincare regimen.
Written by Lopa K on 18th Jan 2024