Ten facts about cosmetic oils

1. Oil cannot moisturize the skin.

A regular cream contains three essential ingredients: hygroscopic substances, such as glycerin or hyaluronic acid, which alone can moisturize the skin, as well as occlusives and emollients. Cosmetic oils belong to the last two – they are able to lock moisture in the skin and soften it, but not fill it with moisture.

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2. When is the best time to apply oil?

An oil is not a serum, so it is best to apply it at the end of your evening skincare routine. So you seem to “seal” in the skin all the nourishing, moisturizing and beneficial ingredients from the products that you applied earlier.

3. Oil clogs pores

Fortunately, this is not the case for all oils. First on the list is mineral oil (beauticians and dermatologists advise avoiding it, but more on that later). Olive and coconut oils also differ in this property, but they, unlike mineral oils, do not always do this. “Select a tool by trial and error,” recommends dermatologist Elizabeth Tanzi (Elizabeth Tanzi). “If you have thin, sensitive skin with enlarged pores, it’s best to avoid these ingredients.”

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4. Mineral oil is not dangerous

Contrary to popular belief, mineral oil does not pose any health risks. Yes, it belongs to the category of petroleum oils. Yes, this is a kind of fast food for the skin. Yes, it’s best to avoid it. But only because it is absolutely useless. “We don’t use mineral oil in quantities that are detrimental to our health,” explains Elisabeth Tanzi. It’s just not worth wasting your time on. Fifty years ago it was a popular ingredient because we didn’t know any better. Now the cosmetic market is so rich in various oils that you can simply forget about the mineral one.

5. Oils Are Full Of Antioxidants

One of the reasons why oils are so devotedly loved by both cosmetologists and their clients is the huge amount of vitamins (especially A and E), as well as the restorative components that they contain. For example, argan oil, among other things, is valued for its super-powerful regenerating properties. But people with pigmentation should take a closer look at marula oil. It contains four times more than an orange, the main fighter against age spots – vitamin C. Rosehip oil can also boast of the same vitamin – it is great for protecting the skin from the harmful effects of the environment. And banal sunflower oil is saturated with nutritious vitamin E.

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6. Acne can be treated with oil

Studies confirm that tea tree oil has antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory effects. It kills acne-causing bacteria and reduces the size of breakouts.¹. But it can also irritate the skin, so cosmetologists advise applying it pointwise. And those who suffer from acne on the body should add 5-10 drops to the water before taking a bath. Rosemary oil can also boast anti-inflammatory properties – it is part of L’Oréal Paris Luxury Nourishing Balancing Facial Oil for Combination Skin.

7. The drier the skin, the richer the oil.

For dry skin, Elizabeth Tanzi recommends dense, thick oils that can provide the necessary level of nutrition and keep it hydrated for a long time. Choose from avocado, almond, and sunflower oils.

8. Don’t use the same oil on body and face

Face oil should always be lighter than body oil. Those that are quickly absorbed without leaving a greasy film are well suited – grape and apricot seed oil, argan, marula oil will suit any skin type. On dry skin, it is better to apply sweet almond oil, but for those who are struggling with oily sheen, jojoba oil. “It’s like telling the skin to stop producing sebum,” jokes Elizabeth Tanzi.

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9. Be sure to use hair oil

Stop your choice on avocado, jojoba, argan, almond oil. The main thing is quantity. Start with a couple of drops rubbed into your palms. Work through the ends of your hair first, working your way up the length. Don’t touch the roots. Applied before or after styling, the oil locks in moisture and adds shine to even the dullest strands. Curls completely lost their luster, become brittle and damaged? Try oil masks. Half an hour before showering, generously apply oil to the entire length of the hair, and then rinse with shampoo and conditioner.

10. Oils are good for skin cleansing

Hydrophilic oils, which turn into a gentle emulsion upon contact with water, are an ideal make-up remover for the cold season. They gently dissolve even the most persistent pigment and wash it off without injuring or drying out the skin. Running out of makeup remover? Soak a cotton pad with regular olive oil and gently press it against the eye: in a couple of minutes, the mascara and shadows will dissolve without a trace.

¹ S. Enshaieh S. et al. «The efficacy of 5% topical tea tree oil gel in mild to moderate acne vulgaris: a randomized, double-blind placebo-controlled study», PubMed, January, 2007.