There are so many benefits of facial oils, especially correctly formulated ones with targeted and high quality ingredients. The benefits of facial oils often go overlooked and almost all skin types can benefit from their use. They’re incredibly versatile and a little goes a long way. They’re best used at the end of a skincare routine and should be applied on damp skin.

Facial oils are a great addition to a skincare routine at any age, they are incredibly helpful for women their perimenopausal and menopausal years, because they really help to support the skin during these years of hormonal change. To read more about how to care for perimenopausal skin, read this. 

Benefits of facial oils for the skin.

They help us age well

Our skin naturally produces oils, but as we age the production of oils significantly declines, making it harder to keep our skin barrier healthy. Lack of oils can lead to dry skin that has a harder time retaining water and is more prone to irritation and inflammation. 

They deliver fat-soluble vitamins, antioxidants, and phytonutrients deep into the layers of your skin. Due to their natural lipid content, oils can penetrate deep into the skin and help with the absorption of other ingredients. 

Repair and protect the skin barrier

Some plant oils are high in ceramides which help to protect and repair the skin barrier. The skin barrier is fundamental to healthy looking skin that ages well. Facial oils help prevent water loss from the skin and help keep it smooth, soft and glowing. 

Slow aging through high antioxidants 

Facial oil with added bio-actives such as astaxanthin, co-enzyme Q10, and oils like rosehip, milk thistle and plum are high in antioxidants that help to protect the skin from pollution and irritants.

Can help regulate sebum production and reduce acne

One of the biggest myths around facial oils is that people with acne-prone skin can’t use oil. In fact, rapidly absorbing oil can regulate sebum production and help to control inflammation. This helps to lessen breakouts over time. 

I’ve formulated my serum and facial oil for different skin care needs, Botanical Vitamin C Serum is for protection and day use, while Phytonutrient Recovery Face Oil is for nightly repair and regeneration. 

Botanical Vitamin C Serum 

Botanical Vitamin C Serum is the first skincare product I formulated. I love this oil so much and I use it every morning. It’s soothing, controls inflammation, and is full of antioxidant plants and actives. It absorbs instantly and never leaves my skin feeling greasy or looking shiny, I always use it under sunscreen. I am so proud of this high-performance oil and how healthy and resilient it’s made my skin in my 40s. 

This is a waterless formula and it contains the very best cold-pressed oils. The base is made from rice bran oil which has been used for centuries in Japanese skincare. I’ve added a number of antioxidant and skin-protecting actives that make this a high-performing, protective serum for day use. 

I use this every morning after cleansing. I always apply waterless products to damp skin, because skin needs both water and oil for optimal function. 

Why it works

Ascorbyl tetraisopalmitate (ATIP) is a heat and light stable oil-soluble vitamin C known for its superior absorption by the skin. It promotes collagen synthesis, prevents collagen breakdown, and has skin brightening effects. Vitamin C is a potent antioxidant that protects skin cells from free radical damage and from UV radiation.

Schisandra is one of my favourite plants to work with. It’s an adaptogenic berry that contains a high concentration of lignans that show potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity. Schisandra helps to strengthen the resilience and elasticity of the skin. 

Astaxanthin is one of the most underutilized ingredients in skin care. Clinical studies show that it has potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties and helps to mitigate cellular damage due to UV light. It promotes collagen production and maintains smooth and youthful-looking skin. It’s derived from the microalgae Haematococcus pluviali, and is incredibly sustainable. It is widely available and can be harvested with minimal impact on ecosystems.  

Tomato seed contains a carotenoid called lycopene This powerful antioxidant shields the skin from oxidative stress and over-exposure to UV light. It also helps to prevent the breakdown of collagen.

CoQ10 is backed by decades of clinical research.  As we age, levels of CoQ10 decrease, resulting in the reduced ability to produce collagen and elastin. CoQ10 helps to keep skin firm, elastic and can help diminish the signs of premature aging.

Calendula is an emollient and soothing plant used for its anti-inflammatory and regenerative properties. The European Scientific Cooperative on Phytotherapy lists its therapeutic indications for inflammation of the skin and mucosa, and as an aid for healing minor wounds.

Hibiscus extract is high in vitamin C and antioxidants. It is rich in flavonoids that have been shown to protect skin from UV light. Hibiscus also increases circulation and can enhance the skin's appearance by improving elasticity.

Phytonutrient Recovery Face Oil

I use Phytonutrient Recovery Face Oil at night for barrier repair. As we age, the skin’s barrier becomes less resilient and it becomes more prone to irritation, redness, and inflammation. For more on the importance of the skin barrier, read this. 

If you are prone to dry, stressed, reactive skin that needs soothing and calming, this is the oil for you. I always recommend it for perimenopausal and menopausal women, because of the profound changes the skin undergoes during this time. The facial oil helps to keep their skin moisturized, supple, and irritation free. 

I use a number of exfoliating actives, including retinoids on a regular basis. They’re great for revealing younger looking skin, but can compromise the skin barrier. They can leave my skin feeling dry, tight, and more irritated. While this can be a normal part of using exfoliating actives, it is always a sign to pare back on their use and introduce products that can help repair the skin barrier. I use Phytonutrient Recovery Face Oil the night after retinoid use. 

Why it works

Date seed extract is a patented active ingredient that has been clinically shown to reduce the appearance of lines, strengthen barrier function, and boost the skin's natural defenses against oxidative stress.

Algae oil is a nutritional powerhouse rich in vitamins, minerals, and trace elements. It helps to replenish the skin's delicate lipid balance and restore moisture levels, leaving the skin plump and supple. 

Plum oil is rich in antioxidants and omega fatty acids. It reduces transepidermal water loss in all skin types and leaves skin feeling soft and silky.

Milk thistle is a powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant that promotes collagen production and calms irritable skin conditions. 

Astragalus is an adaptogen used in Traditional Chinese Medicine for millennia. It soothes and heals damaged and stressed skin due to its anti-inflammatory, and regenerative properties.

Dipalmitoyl hydroxyproline is the main amino acid in collagen and plays a key role in collagen and elastin production. This plant-based amino acid helps to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. 

Squalane is a moisturizing and protecting oil that is found naturally in the skin. It helps to keep the skin smooth and soft.

To get the most out of your facial oils, they should be used for at least six to eight weeks on a regular basis.

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