If your grandma used almond oil as her moisturiser, she was ahead of the curve. Facial oils are firmly on trend, thanks to the likes of the Duchess of Cambridge and model Miranda Kerr, who are said to be big fans.
‘Consumers used to think that oils meant greasy skin and breakouts, but we’re now more open minded,’ says facialist Michaella Bolder. ‘There’s a facial oil for every skin type, and they have the edge over moisturisers because they have smaller molecules and penetrate the skin more deeply, whereas creams sit on the surface.’
Facial oils are best applied after your evening cleanse, so they have time to nourish and hydrate your skin overnight, and can be used on their own or underneath moisturiser. Bolder combines different oils when she does facials – however, she recommends single-ingredient oils for personal use. See below to discover the one best suited to your skin type:
Almond Good for eczema and psoriasis, but avoid if you have nut allergies.
Argan A hydrating oil that is good for normal skin types
Abyssinian Beneficial for ageing skins, thanks to its fatty acid content.
Coconut Antibacterial and antifungal, so helps prevent breakouts.
Jojoba Fast-absorbing – best for greasy or acne-prone skin.
Rosehip Use on sensitive skins (it rebuilds your skin barrier) or to even out pigmentation.
How to use your oil
The way you apply oil is as crucial as the product you use, says Bolder. Try her daily facial massage:
1 Massage a smidge of the oil into your skin using your fingertips in circular motions.
2 Aim to move the muscles under the skin, rather than the skin itself.
3 Push the muscles upwards and outwards, never inwards. The aim is to lift the face.