Rubbing oil into oily skin – it sounds counterintuitive right? Oils have had a bad rep, especially with oily, combination or acne-prone skin types. We’ve been conditioned to fear oil-based products, and with salicylic acid – an astringent chemical exfoliant that deeply exfoliate blocked pores – being crowned as the top searched-for skincare ingredient of 2024, it seems we’re a long way from embracing oil into our skincare routine. But the truth is that oils can be incredibly beneficial for all skin types – yes, even oily and acne-prone skin. The key is to incorporate the right ones into your beauty routine, and this is why.

1. Oils Help Balance Sebum Production

This seems counterintuitive, but using facial oils can actually help regulate your skin’s natural oil production. When you strip your skin with harsh cleansers or alcohol-based toners, it responds by producing even more sebum to compensate, leading to clogged pores and breakouts.

The perfect oil: jojoba oil closely mimics the skin’s natural sebum, so it can signal to your skin that it doesn’t need to overproduce oil, keeping it balanced and healthy. Try Neal’s Yard Remedies Jojoba Oil, simply 100% pure certified organic oil that not only works well as a facial oil, but also as a nourishing scalp treatment.

Who is it for: ideal for oily and acne-prone skin as it’s lightweight and non-comedogenic.

2. Oils Provide Deep Hydration

When my skin feels really dehydrated, I boost my moisturiser with a hit of extra hyaluronic acid, then follow up with a layer of rosehip oil, to deeply hydrate. Unlike traditional water-based moisturisers that evaporate quickly, oils create a protective barrier that locks in moisture for long-lasting hydration.

The perfect oil: argan oil nourishes and locks in moisture. Try Neal’s Yard Remedies 100% organic Moroccan argan oil as a multi-purpose facial, hair and cuticle oil.

Who is it for: particularly beneficial for dry and mature skin types, but even oily skin benefits from proper hydration to maintain a healthy complexion.

3. Rich in Antioxidants and Nutrients

Many plant-based oils are packed with antioxidants, vitamins, and essential fatty acids that help protect the skin, helping to fight free radical damage and reduce signs of aging.

The perfect oil: rosehip oil – my favourite! Try Neal’s Yard Remedies certified organic Rosehip Oil: as well as being rich in antioxidant vitamin E, it also contains added vitamin E and reduce the appearance of hyperpigmentation.

Who is it for: antioxidants are essential for all skin types, as they protect against environmental stressors like pollution and UV damage.

4. Gentle and Non-Irritating for Sensitive Skin

For those with sensitive skin, finding products that don’t cause irritation can be challenging. Synthetic ingredients, fragrances and preservatives can trigger redness and inflammation.

The perfect oil: natural oils such as chamomile, calendula and squalane are gentle and soothing. These oils help strengthen the skin’s barrier function, reducing sensitivity over time. Try Evolve Beauty Kalahari Dream Cleansing Oil which contains olive squalane. This lightweight cleansing oil melts away makeup without leaving an oily residue.

Who is it for: ideal for combination and sensitive skin  

5. Non-Comedogenic Options for Acne-Prone Skin

If you suffer from acne-prone skin you might avoid oils out of fear they will clog pores. However there are lightweight, non-comedogenic oils out there with antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties that can help fight acne while keeping the skin hydrated.

The perfect oil: grapeseed oil and tea tree oil have antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. Try Neal’s Yard Remedies Wild Rose Glow Facial Oil, a light organic oil featuring grapeseed oil and clinically proven to moisturise skin for up to 12 hours.

Who is it for: acne-prone skin or anyone looking to achieve a radiant complexion

6. Naturally Supports the Skin Barrier

A healthy skin barrier is essential for keeping moisture in and harmful bacteria out. Oils play a crucial role in reinforcing the skin’s protective barrier by replenishing lost lipids.

The perfect oil: avocado and almond oils contain essential fatty acids that help repair and strengthen the skin’s barrier. Try Evolve Beauty’s Bio-Retinol Gold Mask – containing cocooning sweet almond oil – for a radiance boost.

Who is it for: anyone with eczema-prone or dry skin conditions

7. Multipurpose and Versatile

One of the best things about oils is their versatility: from cleansers to moisturizers, lip balms, scalp treatments, hair masks and all over body nourishment with a glowy finish, they deserve a place in your beauty routine.

The perfect oil: beyond skincare, Tabitha James Kraan Organic Hair Oil contains a blend of nutritious oils to feed and restore both your hair and the skin on your scalp, which doesn’t get nearly as much attention as the face.

Who is it for: ideal for dry and damaged hair, but really everyone can benefit from a scalp massage or as a pre-wash treatment applied to the ends of the hair

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