Facial Oils for Dry Skin

Dry skin is a skin type that lacks oil. Things are probably good in the summer, your skin can pass for normal. But dry skin can be down right uncomfortable come winter time. The heating, cold weather, wind, hot showers and baths - all of these can dry out your skin even further (that said - your skin might be dry and dehydrated. Learn to recognize the difference between two). Some of the things you might experience are that uncomfortable tight feeling, itchiness and increased sensitivity. In extreme circumstances, your skin might even crack or peel. How can you soothe your skin? By adding a facial oil or an oil-based serum to your routine. Trust us - just a drop or two of a good facial oil can make a world of difference to dry skin.

Squalane

Our bodies naturally produce Squalane (it is found in our skin and blood) and its main functions are to hydrate and protect. Similar to collagen and Hyaluronic acid, the amount of Squalane in our bodies declines rapidly as we grow older. Squalane can be sourced from plants (such as olives and rice bran) or from shark's liver. Squalane is a light, stable oil that absorbs fast. It deeply hydrates, softens and plumps up the skin. It is a non-irritating oil, which makes it suitable for sensitive skin. It is a natural antioxidant and protects the skin against environmental stressors.

Rose Essential oil

With Rose oil people tend to fall into two camps - you either love it or can't stand the scent. Look for Rosa damascena and Rosa centifola. Rose oil is one of the most expensive essential oils, but you will notice immediate results just by adding a couple of drops to an oil blend of your own. Rose oil is known for its anti-inflammatory properties which makes it ideal if you have dry and sensitive skin. It is a heavier oil that deeply hydrates due to its emollient properties. Rose oil is suitable for acne prone skin since it has astringent and antiseptic properties.

Prickly Pear oil

Prickly Pear is also known as Opuntia Ficus Indica and the oil is derived from the Prickly Pear cactus. It is a light oil that tends to absorb quickly. Prickly Pear is rich in vitamin E and K, essential fatty oils (Omega 6 and Omega 9), as well as amino acids. It deeply hydrates and nourishes the skin, which makes it ideal for more mature and dry skin. It softens, eases inflammation and has antioxidant properties that neutralize the damage done by free radicals.

Camellia oil

Camellia oil is also known as the Tea seed oil and it is derived from Camellia sinensis. High in Oleic acid, it is intensely hydrating and nourishing for both skin and hair. It is also rich in vitamin E which gives it its antioxidant properties. It soothes and eases inflammation. It should not be confused with Camellia Japonica oil or Tsubaki oil, which is different in composition and derived from wild Camellia japonica flower.

Argan oil

There are a ton of hair products that contain Argan oil. But it is one oil that will soothe even the driest of skins. Produced from a nut from the Argan tree, it is rich in vitamins A and E, essential fatty acids and linoleic acid. It moisturizes the skin and due to its anti-inflammatory properties it repairs damaged skin and soothes irritation (that is why it is suitable for sensitive skin). If your skin is more mature Argan oil is worth considering because of its antioxidant properties.