Debunking 4 Facial Oil Myths

The right facial oil has the potential to transform your complexion, and re-wire the way you think about oil on your face. There are a number of myths around facial oil, that can sadly discourage people from trying this skincare gem. The truth? That plant-based oils contain a wide range of nourishing and antibacterial active ingredients. They can be used to: cleanse, moisturize, and even to spot treat blemishes or dry patches.

Facial oils are extracted from plant fibers and flowers, and contain the beneficial ingredients present in the original plant. In order to maintain the integrity of vitamins and minerals present in the oil, we use cold pressed oils in our Puristry products. What does this mean? It means that the oil has been extracted through a process that doesn’t use heat or chemical solvents. Cold pressing uses a mechanical press in order to retain the original aroma and nutritional benefits of the plant. Cold pressed facial oils provide a vital contribution to healthier skin, so don’t let facial oil myths get in the way of giving them a try. Here we’re debunking the top four most common facial oil myths.

Myth 1:

Acne-prone Skin Types Can't Use a Facial Oil

Although one of the symptoms of acneic skin is overactive oil production, this doesn’t mean that all oils are going to worsen your acne. The addition of facial oils to your skincare regime can actually be extremely beneficial in battling acne. Adding facial oil to your regime can balance your natural oil production through enhancing moisture in your epidermis – and because one of the triggers for overactive oil production is actually dry and stripped skin, enhancing lipid-based moisture in your face can actually reduce total oil production. On top of this, acne-prone skin can benefit hugely from the antimicrobial and antibacterial properties present in a variety of oils, including coconut oil and jojoba oil. The verdict? Facial oil can be one prong of an effective anti-acne regime.

Myth 2:

Facial Oils Are Only for Aging Skin

Since facial oil is largely thought of as an intensely hydrating product, many people make the mistake in thinking that it’s only helpful for ultra-dry and mature skin. However, facial oil can be beneficial for skin at a variety of ages. Facial oils mimic the naturally occurring lipids present in the skin (aka sebum), and are highly effective at repairing skin’s natural barrier function.

The concentrated dose of omega fatty acids provided by facial oil are also necessary for skin of all ages. Omega 3s are a known anti-inflammatory that are beneficial for younger skin types dealing with acne and irritations, as well as dryness and flaking sometimes dealt with by aging skin. Younger skin types also require products that repair skin barrier function. Facial oils keep the outermost layer of skin fortified against high temperatures and environmental pollutants -- skin foes which must be battled by pores of every age.

Myth 3:

You Can’t Use a Facial Oil AND a Moisturizer

Since both facial oils and moisturizers are used to add hydration and adequate moisture levels, they’re often viewed as a “one or the other” option. In reality, they’re completely different products with different functions, and can be combined for maximum benefits. Facial oils are concentrated products made entirely of plant derived lipids, whereas moisturizers combine plant oils with water and other active ingredients.

Water in moisturizer helps to hydrate skin (because dehydrated skin is a result of a lack of H2O), but without adequate oil-based protection, the water in moisturizer will simply evaporate from the skin. This is where facial oil comes in. Applied over moisturizer, facial oil creates a protective barrier around your epidermis, preventing water and other active ingredients from evaporating, and preventing toxins from infiltrating skin. So, used together, moisturizer and facial oil will work synergistically for maximum skin health.

Myth 4:

Facial Oils Replace a Facial Serum in Your Routine

Although facial oils and facial serums are both highly concentrated products, they have different functions and compositions, and can be smartly combined for maximal results. Serums are formulated to be small in size molecularly, increasing their ability to penetrate the deepest layers of skin. Serums combine water with antioxidants, vitamins, sometimes resurfacing ingredients like glycolic acid, and active ingredients like peptides, which increase collagen production. On the other hand, facial oils are entirely made up of lipids, which help fortify your skin’s moisture barrier and prevent toxins and environmental damage from wreaking havoc on your skin’s topmost layers. Put simply, serums are about treating, while facial oils are more about protecting and fortifying.

The bottom line? Facial oils are an important part of a daily skin routine for all ages and skin types. When strategically combined with other products, they’ll leave you with healthy, vibrant, and nourished skin -- period.