Facial Oils

There are numerous benefits to replenishing the skin with some of the best plant oils made commercially available in the cosmetic industry. The relatively recent interest in facial oils is just one of the many examples of the powerful benefits of these amazing plant oils in the quest to preserve skin health and promote skin beauty.
Contrary to the recent interest in facial oils here in the West, they have been utilised in other parts of the world far longer and embedded in some of the most ancient global beauty traditions (see my earlier posts on global beauty: http://centella-skincare.blogspot.co.uk/2013/09/global-beauty-traditions.html). Modern technology and science has given us a greater understanding of these plant oils notably their chemical constituents. This has enabled many of the commercial high street brand to replicate them and produce synthetic alternatives which sadly hold a fraction of the benefits but preferable to those who are cash-strapped and want a cheaper facial oil product.
Plant oils are a favourite of aromatherapists too - see the chart below to appreciate their full benefits and some are chosen over others particularly in the treatment and management of a host of skin problems (too many to mention here!). The properties of jojoba oil has been discussed in an earlier post: http://centella-skincare.blogspot.co.uk/2013/12/jojoba-oil.html

It may seem counter-intuitive to apply more oil to already shine-plagued skin, but it turns out that not all oil is evil. Oil-based facial products can actually work wonders on all skin types, even the most sebaceous. Here are four surprising things you may not know about face oils, plus our product picks.

How face oils work: Oil products contain essential fatty acids your skin needs to stay properly hydrated, but your body can't produce them on its own. Oils also act as the skin's lipid barrier, protecting against extreme temperatures, dry climates, and over-cleansing.

Switch from a cream to an oil (especially in winter): Cream moisturisers are usually water based, or a mix of oil and water. They're great for keeping problem-free skin balanced and moisturised. Face oils, however, contain a more powerful, purer, and often more expensive form of nutrients that are the perfect solution for skin in distress. And that lipid barrier we mentioned helps skin heal and repair itself much more quickly. They also lock in hydration better than water-based creams. So when the air gets cold and dry this winter, making the switch to a heavy-hitting face oil can save your skin from irritation, redness, dryness, and breakouts.

Fight oil with oil: The oil your skin produces is much different than the pure plant oils in a facial product. Your skin starts pumping out sebum (the stuff that clogs pores and causes breakouts) when its oil content isn't balanced. So if you strip your skin's natural oils by over-cleansing, your body will actually produce more oil to compensate. But a quality face oil will replenish your skin with the essential fatty acids and moisture it needs. When balance is restored those overactive sebaceous glands take a breather, leaving skin healthier and clearer.

Why quality oils are worth the price tag: When buying a face oil, you really get what you pay for. Cheaper oil products often contain less refined, more processed ingredients with fillers and additives, whereas more expensive oils tend to be purer and more effective. Look for pure organic oils of rosehip, argan, jojoba, apricot kernel, avocado, macadamia nut, and calendula to get the most benefits. And remember, although a good face oil may seem pricey, it's highly concentrated, so a few drops go a long way. 

Facial oils made my Centella have been formulated with sound knowledge of these properties in mind. Designed to be used for intensive moisture treatment so can be applied sparingly after cleansing in the morning or more popularly at night either on its own or before applying Centella’s Replenishing Night Cream. This product has been formulated with carefully chosen plant oils containing a wealth of skin-nourishing benefits including camellia, argan, baobab and marula oils, all with excellent skin restorative and moisture-retentive properties. Enriched with the aromatic fragrances of rose, geranium and lavender.It is a rich, botanical facial oil to nourish, replenish and protect. Active ingredients include: peach kernel oil, evening primrose oil, cotton seed oil, rosehip oil marula oil (Sclerocarya birrea), baobab oil (Andansonia digitata), argan oil (Argania spinosa), camellia oil (Camellia sinensis), geranium essential oil (Pelargonium roseum) and lavender essential oil (Lavandula angustofolia). There are numerous other natural and organic facial oils that are comparable but it is best to see advice from a skincare specialist or a skin health specialist before purchasing. Ultimately, choice may be dictated by price but there are superior alternatives which can be reasonable priced and price does not always guarantee quality! Given the many cosmetic and health benefits of plant oils, it is undoubtedly a valuable investment in any skincare regime.

For more information on how best to apply facial oils and how to incorporate them into your daily skincare regime go to: http://oneloveorganics.com/blog/2013/09/how-to-best-apply-facial-oils-and-serums/