Oils have been used in professional cosmetology for decades. But they gained well-deserved respect several millennia ago, when their beneficial medical and cosmetic properties were first discovered.

For facial care, 3 varieties of these products are used: base and hydrophilic oils, as well as esters. Each of these types of products has its own application features that you need to know and take into account. Then the skin will retain its youth, freshness and beauty for a long time.

Why does the skin need oils: indications for use and useful properties

Any types of cosmetic oils have their own indications for use. In general, their use is advisable for:

1. acne rashes;

2. post-acne;

3. comedones;

4. flabbiness of the epidermis;

5. signs of skin fatigue;

6. static and mimic wrinkles;

7. dryness and peeling;

8. clogged and enlarged pores;

9. hypersecretion of subcutaneous fat.

The rich composition of oils provides its versatile effect on the skin. Under the influence of active substances in products of this category, the following occurs:

1. skin cleansing;

2. nutrition and saturation of the epidermis with vitamins, antioxidants, minerals;

3. prolongation of youth;

4. stimulation of the production of elastin and collagen;

5. improving the supply of skin cells with oxygen.

The use of oils allows you to create an imperceptible but durable film on your face. It does not allow moisture to evaporate, which ensures continuous hydration of the skin and maintains a healthy hydrobalance.

Advantages and disadvantages of oils for skin

The use of oils for skin care has its pros and cons. To begin with, about the benefits of such products. Among them:

1. fast absorption;

2. useful composition;

3. the possibility of combining oils with other cosmetics;

4. pleasant smell and good consistency;

5. a wide range of cosmetic and therapeutic effects;

6. the possibility of using as a basis for make-up.

The big minus of natural oils that have not been pre-treated and purified lies precisely in the mechanism of their action. Forming a film on the skin, they are able to clog pores over time, causing the formation of black spots and acne. However, if the epidermis is thoroughly cleansed with special cosmetics before applying the oil, the risk of side effects will be minimized.

Types of facial oils

For skin care There are several types of oils used:

1. 
   Ethers. They contain high concentrations of vitamins, tannins, minerals and other elements necessary for healthy skin. The most popular products of this line are lavender, rose, coriander, citrus, sandalwood, saffron, mint and many other oils. Such products are obtained from different parts of plants — roots, leaves, seeds or seeds, and some of its types are obtained even from pistils (for example, saffron ester). These products are not cheap, but they are effective in the fight against premature aging, increased oiliness or dryness, and many other skin problems.

2. 
   Base vegetable oils. They are extracted from different parts of plants — bones, seeds, nuts. Valuable components that make up these oils are Omega 3-6-9 fatty acids. In professional cosmetics, you can most often find argan, almond, castor, olive, sunflower oils, but this list is far from complete. With the help of special technology, such products are brought to the so-called «dry» state. Thanks to this, the oils are quickly absorbed into the skin without leaving a greasy sheen or an unpleasant sticky film on it.

3. 
   hydrophilic oils. Special adapted cosmetic products that have an oil base but are easily washed off with water. Such products are used mainly for washing, providing cleansing and long-term hydration of the skin of the face.

The first two types of oils are used in the manufacture of creams, masks and other cosmetic products. They are used both in professional and in home cosmetology.

Rules and steps for applying oils on the face

Features of applying oils for facial care depend on the purpose of the product. And specific varieties and combinations of such products must be selected taking into account the type of epidermis.

Steps for applying oils to cleanse the skin

To cleanse the skin, hydrophilic oils are mainly used. Their application is carried out according to the following algorithm:

1. Squeeze a small amount of oil into the palm of your hand.

2. Slightly warm the product and distribute it in your hands so that the same portion falls on all parts of the face.

3. Gently massage into the skin.

4. Leave the oil on for a few seconds, then rinse with plain water.

The oil is used for preliminary cleaning of the skin. After removing it, you need to wash with gel or soap, and then proceed to applying day or night care cosmetics.

Stages of applying oil to nourish and moisturize the epidermis

To provide nutrition and hydration of the skin, it is advisable to use base oils or their mixture with esters. Stages of product application:

1. Put a few drops of oil or oil mixture on the palm of your hand, slightly warm.

2. Apply the product on the face with soft circular movements, moving along the massage lines (from the central to the peripheral part of the face), without affecting the eye contour.

3. After using the oil, grease your face with a cream suitable for your skin type.

Such procedures are recommended to be done daily, twice a day — in the morning, before applying makeup, and in the evening, after removing it.

Base and essential oils: combination with skin care cosmetics

The use of cosmetic and essential oils is recommended as an addition to the main caring cosmetics. This need is due to several nuances:

1. Oils do not contain all the components needed for complete facial skin care. So, in the composition of the products in question there are no peptides, water-soluble vitamins and minerals, or fruit hydroacids. And without such components, you should not expect deep nutrition and moisturizing from oils — they will only have a superficial effect.

2. Oils are not able to overcome the fatty barrier located on the top layer of the skin. Therefore, they will accumulate on the surface of the dermis, making the appearance untidy, unkempt.

3. Oils do not contain water, which is the main moisturizing component.

In view of such features, oil products are recommended to be combined with creams, lotions, skin masks. And if there is a need for their use as independent cosmetics, then it is important to regularly thoroughly cleanse the epidermis using special gels, foams or lotions.

Best oils for skin: 5 most useful products

You can choose the right oil for daily use only if you are aware of your skin type. It is impossible to neglect this criterion for choosing a care product so as not to harm the health of the epidermis.

Oils for combination and normal skin

To care for this type of skin, it is better to give preference to the following varieties of oils:

1. sunflower;

2. coconut;

3. argan;

4. almond;

5. olive;

6. melted butter.

Universal options suitable for this type of skin are grape and apricot kernel oils.

Oils for dry epidermis

Dry skin is prone to irritation and flaking, plus wrinkles appear on it earlier. Therefore, due attention should be paid to it, and the use of oils will be a good auxiliary method. To retain moisture inside the skin cells, castor, cornflower oil and wheat germ oil are suitable.

Oils for oily skin

Oily epidermis is often also problematic. That is, it is prone to the occurrence of rashes, blackheads, blackheads and enlarged pores. Ugly oily sheen, alas, is not uncommon, because in this case there is an excessive production of subcutaneous fat.

To combat the problems characteristic of this type of epidermis, base and essential oils of lavender, jojoba, peach, grape seed, mint, lemon balm, lemon, macadamia, orange are used.

Oils for hypersensitive skin

For the epidermis, which is easily inflamed and prone to frequent allergic reactions, oils should be selected especially carefully. You can try the product obtained from the processing of apricot kernels, which acts gently and gently, without leaving a sticky film and without causing discomfort.

However, it is often impossible to use the product in question; it will need to be replaced with another oil. The best option is a coconut product that can be used for 2-3 weeks.

Oils to fight wrinkles

The skin ages prematurely with excessive insolation or lack of moisture. Women who do not follow the principles of rational nutrition and have bad habits are also prone to the early appearance of wrinkles. Olive, castor and almond oil can reduce the likelihood of such unpleasant consequences.

An overview of the 5 best hydrophilic oils for different skin types

Base and essential oils in professional cosmetology in their pure form are not used. But there is an exception, nevertheless, — hydrophilic oil formulations. They have passed all the necessary stages of processing, thanks to which they can be used for washing, removing makeup and other purposes. The best, according to buyers and experts, are the following oil-based cosmetics.

Take The Day Off Cleansing Balm by Clinique

Rating: 4.9

Cosmetic oil from the premium segment. Suitable for all skin types, has the consistency of a balm. Easy to apply and rinses off just as well. Does not cause a feeling of tightening of the skin or, on the contrary, the formation of a greasy, sticky film.

Oil-balm is designed to remove makeup. Its formula is designed in such a way that it allows you to remove the remnants of even the most resistant make-up. The composition of the cosmetic product contains only natural ingredients. They provide nutrition and hydration to the epidermis, and make the base of the balm hypoallergenic. Buyers consider the price, which ranges from 2,500 rubles, to be a significant disadvantage of the funds.

Huile Lavante Cleansing Oil by Uriage

Rating: 4.8

Oil-gel universal, deep cleansing and well-foaming. It has moisturizing and nourishing properties. It can be used for both simple washing and make-up removal.

The composition of the product contains thermal water, which softens the skin and cleanses it, relieving irritation and removing black spots. Glycerin makes the epidermis velvety, gives it a haze, protects against the negative effects of external factors. As a supplement, the cosmetic product contains several substances from the category of surfactants, but they have a gentle effect, so they do not harm the health of the epidermis.

NYX Stripped Off Cleaning Oil

Rating: 4.8

A make-up remover that has established itself as a highly effective make-up remover. Easily removes make-up residue, does not overdry the skin and does not make it oily or sticky.

High quality goes well with a reasonable, affordable cost of a cosmetic product. It does not have a pronounced smell, which is also a plus. In addition, the oil is consumed sparingly, so it lasts for a long time. And the volume of the bottle is optimal — 100 ml.

MIZON NATURAL GRAIN REAL SOYBEAN DEEP CLEANSING OIL 200ml

Rating: 4.7

Korean hydrophilic oil, which has several mechanisms of action at once. It cleanses, moisturizes, nourishes and refreshes. It can be used as a face wash or as a make-up base. The product is quickly absorbed into the skin, leaving no traces on its surface. Another plus is that the product does not stain clothes.

During application, the oil components penetrate deep into the dermal layers and remove even old impurities from there. The tool literally washes out sebaceous plugs and removes blackheads. Thanks to the use of oil on an ongoing basis, the face becomes clean and radiant.

Kose Softymo Deep Cleansing Oil

Rating: 4.7

A high-quality Japanese product from a popular company belonging to the middle price segment. For a jar of hydrophilic oil, you will have to pay about 750 rubles.

During application and distribution on the skin, the oil turns into a light foam. Its components are weightless, so they easily penetrate into the pores and effectively cleanse them. After a few days, a light brightening effect can be noted. Oily sheen and dullness disappear, the epidermis becomes soft, moisturized, well-groomed in appearance. Foam oil is economically consumed, one bottle is enough for several months.

Skin Oil Tips

Oils will give more positive effect if you use the following tricks and expert advice when using them:

1. before applying to the skin, natural products should be slightly warmed in the palms, then it will be better absorbed;

2. oils must be combined with moisturizing cosmetics, otherwise the epidermis will lose moisture and, in the end, will be completely depleted;

3. some types of products can clog pores, causing rashes: this can be prevented by regular cleansing of the face with a scrub or peeling;

4. oils are applied only in a thin layer;

5. esters are not used as independent means — they are necessarily combined with base oils.

It must be remembered that each oil has contraindications for use. They cannot be neglected, since the safety of using a particular product depends on it. If for some reason it is not suitable, a replacement should be sought for it, taking into account the individual characteristics of the body and the possible reaction to a new product.