Face Oil: The Australian Guide to Glowing, Healthy Skin
Australian skincare has experienced a significant revival in the past few years, with facial oils emerging as the essential product in many skincare routines.
Plant oils have a long history of botanical use for skin because they have been found to have many positive physiological benefits. For example, face oils form a protective barrier to the skin allowing the skin to retain moisture.
This guide will delve into the world of facial oils. It will highlight their advantages for skin issues in Australia.
Understanding Face Oils
Face oils are concentrated plant-based oils applied topically to nourish and protect the skin. They contain vital lipids and complement the skin's natural lipid production.These beauty oils contain essential nutrients and can help with skin problems such as dryness, fine lines, acne, and inflammation.
When comparing face oils to other skincare products, it's important to note their unique ability to moisturize, lock in hydration, protect the skin, and deliver essential nutrients and lipids. This helps improve skin health. Face oils are a great addition to your skincare routine, allowing your other products to work better together.
The Science Behind Face Oils
Our skin produces various lipids. On the surface, it produces sebum and lipids that make up the skin barrier. The skin barrier is made of skin cells held together by a lipid matrix.
Lipids play a crucial role in skin health. Research has shown that most skin conditions directly relate to a decrease or depletion in the skin's lipids.
Below is illustrated the lipid composition of sebum and the lipid barrier and how plant oils can help supplement certain skin lipids.
Sebum Lipid Class Composition
Lipids Found in Sebum
| Lipid Class | Face (% of Lipids Present) | Found In Plant Oils |
|---|---|---|
| Squalene | 12% | In Small Amounts |
| Wax Esters | 23-26% | Yes |
| Triglycerides | 35-43% | Yes |
| Free Fatty Acids | 16-27% | Yes |
| Sterol Esters | 2-3% | Yes |
| Sterols | 1% | Yes |
SOURCE: 2
Skin Barrier Lipid Class Composition
Lipids Found in the Skin Barrier
| Lipid Class | Face (% of Lipids Present) | Found in Plant Oils |
|---|---|---|
| Ceramides | 50% | No |
| Cholesterol | 40% | No* |
| Free Fatty Acids | 10% | Yes |
SOURCE: 3
* Cholesterol is not 'naturally' found in cold-pressed or refined plant oils. However there
Face oils contain plant lipids which are similar to the natural lipids found in our skin. These oils blend well with our skin, helping it retain moisture and protect against environmental dangers.
Skin care oils not only contain lipids but they are also rich in antioxidants and vitamins. These ingredients help to restore skin, and protect skin cells from free radicals. Free radicals are unstable molecules that can damage the skin and accelerate aging. Using body oils helps moisturize your skin and gives it important nutrients for better overall skin health.
The Benefits of Face Oils
A tailored mixture of multiple botanical oils to simultaneously maintain natural skin-barrier function, promote repair and regeneration, and correct skin conditions such as dry, sensitve skin and age related skin concerns.
The benefits of incorporating face oil into your skincare routine are numerous and varied. Let's explore some of the key advantages
Locks in Moisture
One of the primary benefits of face oils is their ability to moisturise your skin deeply. By creating a protective barrier on the skin's surface, face oils lock in hydration and prevent moisture loss. This is especially helpful for people in Australia, where skin faces strong sun, dry heat, and cold winds.Face oils work by mimicking the skin's natural lipid barrier, helping to prevent transepidermal water loss (TEWL). This process not only keeps your skin hydrated but also helps maintain its overall health and resilience.
Repairs & Regenerates
Face oils restore and regenerate skin by delivering essential fatty acids, antioxidants, and vitamins directly to the skin. These nutrients help repair the skin barrier, reduce inflammation, and promote cell regeneration. Rich in lipids, face oils strengthen the skin's natural moisture barrier, preventing water loss and protecting against environmental damage. Their antioxidant properties also combat free radicals, supporting overall skin health and promoting a smooth, radiant complexion.
Anti-Aging Properties
Many face oils are rich in antioxidants, which help combat the signs of aging by neutralising free radicals that can damage skin cells. Regular use of face oils can help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, promoting a more youthful complexion.Some essential oils, like rosehip and argan, are particularly renowned for their anti-aging properties. They contain high levels of vitamin A and vitamin C, which can help stimulate collagen production and improve skin elasticity.
Antioxidant Protection
The antioxidants found in oils not only help with anti-aging but also provide protection against environmental stressors. This is particularly important in Australia, where harsh UV rays and pollution can take a toll on our skin. Face oils are rich in vitamin E, can help protect the skin from oxidative stress caused by environmental factors. This protection can help prevent premature aging and maintain overall skin health.
Balances Oil Production
Contrary to popular belief, skin oils can help balance your skin's natural sebum production. Using the right face oil can help oily or acne-prone skin produce less oil, which may reduce greasiness and breakouts. Balancing skin care is crucial for combination skin, which can be oily in some areas and dry in others. A good face oil can balance oil production on your skin, resulting in a more even and healthy-looking complexion.
Restores Microbiome
Contrary to popular belief, skin oils can help balance your skin's natural sebum production. Using the right face oil can help oily or acne-prone skin produce less oil, which may reduce shine and breakouts.Balancing skin care is crucial for combination skin, which can be oily in some areas and dry in others. A good face oil can balance oil production on your skin, resulting in a more even and healthy-looking complexion.
Face Oils for Different Skin Types
One of the most significant advantages of face oils is their versatility. There's a face oil suitable for all skin types, from oily and acne-prone to dry and sensitive. Let's break it down:
Spotlight on Holy Face Oil
Introducing our luxurious Holy Face Oil, featuring Immortelle Oil and a unique blend of 12 botanical oils. This advanced lipid complex, rich in bio-active compounds, combines squalene, triglycerides, plant esters, and plant-derived cholesterol. Expertly crafted to repair and revive your skin's radiance, this exceptional oil deeply nourishes the skin's lipid barrier. Experience plump, silky-smooth, and radiantly healthy skin with optimal fatty acid nourishment and enduring hydration.
Key Benefits of Holy Face Oil
This concentrated formula features Immortelle Essential Oil as its star ingredient, working to firm the skin, improve elasticity, stimulate collagen production, and provide protective benefits for a healthier complexion.
How to Use Face Oil
Incorporating a face oil like the Holy Face Oil into your skincare routine is simple, but there are a few tips to ensure you're getting the most out of your product:
Cleanse
Step 1
Begin with a gentle cleanser to remove dirt, oil, or makeup from your skin. Pat your face dry with a clean towel.
Toner
Step 2
If you use a toner, apply it at this stage. This helps to balance your skin's pH and prepare it for the subsequent steps.
Serums
Step 3
If you use a toner, apply it at this stage. This helps to balance your skin's pH and prepare it for the subsequent steps.
Face Lotion
Step 4
Disperse a small amount of our moisturiser onto your fingertips. Gently massage it into your face and neck using upward motions.
Face Oil
Step 5
Disperse a small amount of face oil into your palms, rub together and press/pat product onto your skin as though you are creating a seal.
Application Methods
For those looking to maximise the benefits of their face oil, consider these advanced application techniques
Facial Massage
Use your face oil as a massage medium. This can help improve circulation, promote lymphatic drainage, and enhance product absorption.
Enhancing Your Morning Routine
Add a drop of face oil to your moisture for a dewy, luminous finish. A great option if you want to encorporate a face oil into your morning routine with a moderate glow.
Enhancing Your Evening Routine
Apply a slightly larger amount of face oil before bed for an intensive overnight treatment.
Face Oils vs. Traditional Moisturisers
Face oils are a fantastic addition to your skincare routine, but they don't replace traditional moisturizers. Contrary to popular belief, face oils don't provide hydration since they lack water, but they do help seal in moisture. That's why moisturizers are essential – they either consist entirely of water-based ingredients or a combination of both oil and water. Our moisturizers are expertly formulated with a focus on Oil & Water (lipid-based) skincare, delivering both hydration and nourishing oils to repair and restore the skin barrier. Face oils enhance this by locking in the moisture from your moisturizer while providing extra lipid support for your skin.
Common Myths About Face Oils
1.
Single-Oil Face Products Outperform Multi-Botanical Blends
Plant oils contain diverse fatty acids in varying combinations and concentrations. While some individuals may react to single-oil products, this is often due to a sensitivity to the high concentration of a specific fatty acid rather than an inherent reactivity to botanical oils themselves.
A blended oil approach offers several advantages:
- Balanced fatty acid profile: By combining multiple plant oils, the overall lipid composition becomes more balanced.
- Reduced likelihood of reactions: The dilution of individual fatty acids may decrease the risk of adverse reactions in sensitive individuals.
- Broader range of benefits: A multi-oil blend can provide a wider spectrum of beneficial properties for the skin.
- Enhanced product performance: The balanced formulation typically results in a more versatile and effective skincare product.
In conclusion, multi-botanical oil blends generally outperform single-oil face products by offering a more balanced, beneficial, and tolerable solution for facial skincare.
2.
Daytime Face Oil is a Skincare Sin
Contrary to popular belief, using face oil during the day can actually benefit your skin. Let's debunk this common misconception.
- Face oils don't increase photosensitivity. In fact, many are rich in antioxidants that help shield your skin from free-radical damage caused by UV exposure.
- Locks in Hydration: Oils create a protective barrier, locking in moisture throughout the day.
- Application tip: For a more satin finish, try mixing your face oil with your daily moisturizer.
Remember, quality face oils can be a valuable addition to both your day and night skincare routines. As with any skincare product, choose one suitable for your skin type and concerns.
3.
Face oils can replace moisturiser.
Face oils and moisturizers serve different purposes in skincare:
- Hydration source: Moisturizers provide essential hydration to the skin, primarily sourced from the environment. This hydration is crucial for maintaining skin health.
- Oil composition: Face oils contain no water and thus cannot directly hydrate the skin. Instead, they act as occlusives, forming a protective barrier.
- Complementary roles: Moisturizers, supply vital hydration whilst face oils lock in moisture and offer additional benefits (e.g., nourishment, antioxidants)
- Risks of oil-only routine: Using face oil without a moisturizer may lead to dehydrated skin over time, as it deprives the skin of necessary hydration.
Best practice: Use both products in your routine - apply moisturizer first for hydration, then layer face oil on top to seal in moisture and provide extra nourishment.Remember, proper skin hydration is key to maintaining a healthy, balanced complexion.
Conclusion
Face oils have rightfully earned their place in the spotlight of Australian skincare. With their ability to nourish, protect, and transform the skin, they offer benefits for every skin type and concern. Whether you're dealing with dryness, oiliness, signs of aging, or simply want to enhance your skin's natural glow, there's a face oil out there for you.
Learn how face oils work, pick the right one for your skin, and use it properly to achieve glowing, healthy skin. Leitin's Holy Face Oil is a great option for anyone wanting to try face oils. It contains high-quality ingredients that work well for all skin types.
Keep in mind, skincare is a personal process, and what's effective for one individual might not be for another. Don't hesitate to try out different things and discover the ideal face oil that suits your specific skin requirements. With time and regularity, you can accomplish the glowing, robust skin you've always desired. Here's to recognizing the potency of face oils and relishing in stunning, nurtured skin, the Australian style!
Sources
- Lin, T.-K.; Zhong, L.; Santiago, J.L. Anti-Inflammatory and Skin Barrier Repair Effects of Topical Application of Some Plant Oils. Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2018, 19, 70. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms19010070
- Moore EM, Wagner C, Komarnytsky S. The Enigma of Bioactivity and Toxicity of Botanical Oils for Skin Care. Front Pharmacol. 2020 May 29;11:785. doi: 10.3389/fphar.2020.00785. PMID: 32547393; PMCID: PMC7272663.
- Coderch L, López O, de la Maza A, Parra JL. Ceramides and skin function. Am J Clin Dermatol. 2003;4(2):107-29. doi: 10.2165/00128071-200304020-00004. PMID: 12553851.