A face oil is worth adding to your routine if your skin feels dry, tight or dull, or if your moisturiser alone does not seem to be enough. Oils help hold in moisture, soften the skin's surface and give a healthy-looking glow. Most people only need two or three drops at night. At Auravedic, face oils are the core of our range, from Kumkumadi Tailam to Ultra Oil with Vitamin E.
What does a face oil actually do?
Your skin makes its own oil (sebum) to protect its outer layer. Cleansing, sun, air-conditioning, pollution and age all reduce that protection. A face oil adds a thin layer of lipids that slows water loss from the skin, which is why skin feels softer and more comfortable after using one.
Oils do not add water. They seal it in. That is why they work best on slightly damp skin or over a light moisturiser.
Six reasons to use a face oil
- Dry or tight skin feels more comfortable. Oils soften rough patches and reduce the stretched feeling after washing.
- Skin looks less dull. A smooth, well-moisturised surface reflects light more evenly, which reads as glow.
- They carry plant ingredients. Ayurvedic oils such as kumkumadi tailam are made by cooking herbs into an oil base, so the oil carries the herbs to your skin.
- A little goes a long way. Two or three drops cover the face, so one bottle lasts for months.
- They fit any routine. Use alone at night, mix a drop into your moisturiser, or press over a serum.
- Massage becomes part of the routine. Pressing and gently massaging an oil into the skin for a minute is relaxing and helps it spread evenly.
Which face oil suits which skin?
| Skin concern | Auravedic oil | Why (from the product page) |
|---|---|---|
| Dullness, uneven tone | Kumkumadi Tailam 100ml | Saffron and 24 other herbs in a sesame oil and goat milk base |
| Sun tan, dull skin | Nalpamaradi Thailam | Four Ficus barks, manjistha (Indian madder), sandalwood and vetiver in sesame oil |
| Dark spots, pigmentation | Skin Brightening Oil | Turmeric, saffron, licorice and vitamin E |
| Rough, tired skin | Ultra Oil with Vitamin E | Vitamin E, rosehip, jojoba and almond oils |
| Fine lines, dry skin | Firming Age Repair Oil | Grapeseed oil with avocado and olive leaf extracts |
When should you not use a face oil?
If you have active, inflamed acne, start with a very small amount at night on a few areas, or skip oils until the breakout calms. If you have a known allergy to an ingredient such as sesame, nuts or goat milk, check the full ingredient list first. Always patch test a new oil behind the ear for a day.
Frequently asked questions
Will a face oil make my skin oily?
Not if you use the right amount. Two or three drops at night is enough. Shine the next morning usually means you used too much.
Do I still need a moisturiser?
Dry skin often benefits from both: moisturiser first, oil on top. Normal and oily skin may find an oil alone at night is enough.
Can I use a face oil in the morning?
Yes, one or two drops under sunscreen, if your skin is dry. Most people prefer oils at night.
Leave a comment
This site is protected by hCaptcha and the hCaptcha Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.