With 10 step routines being popularized and a multitude of different products being touted it can be confusing adding a new product to your skin care regimen.  Where do you use facial oils in your routine and how?  Why should you add a facial oil when there are already a zillion different moisturizers on the market?

Think of skin cells as bricks.  Oils and lipids are the mortar that help hold the bricks in place.  In healthy skin, this “brick wall” is solid and keeps out irritants, pathogens and prevents loss of water and other substances.  The lipids are responsible for maintaining skins hydration, firmness, and smoothness as well as maintaining a strong barrier function which is a key to healthy, radiant skin. 

Using targeted and balanced facial oils can help strengthen and replenish the skins barrier lipids while helping to keep moisture from evaporating.  Preventing moisture loss keeps skin plump and supple.

There is an endless selection of facial oils on the market.  All with diverse ingredients, targeting various skin concerns and offering different degrees of performance.  Some facial oils are simply great moisturizers while others can offer skin a whole lot more. 

We think you should expect more from your facial oil which is why we spent over three years in development perfecting The Clarity Oil.    

Benefits:

Helpful for balancing skin fatty acids.  Often times, acne-prone skin is higher in oleic fatty acids.  Oils high in linoleic (omega 6) and alpha-linolenic (omega 3) fatty acids can be helpful to restore balance and clarity to skin.  Cucumber, hemp and milk thistle seed oils provide an ideal balance of omega 3, 6 and 9. 

Vitamin & Antioxidant Boost.  Studies have shown acne-prone skin to be deficient in Vitamin E.  This leaves sebum vulnerable to oxidation and can set off inflammatory cascades that worsen skin.  Topical application of Vitamin E and our other antioxidants like carotenoids (annatto and calendula extracts), and Vitamin C help to give broader protection from UV exposure and other environmental stressors (though does not replace the need for SPF).  

Moisturizing & Replenishing.  Our Meadowfoam Estolide is structurally similar to ceramides and functions as an effective barrier to moisture loss.  Oleic/Linoleic/Linolenic Polyglycerides has serious water binding action and has been shown to hydrate multiple layers of the epidermis leaving skin remarkably plump and smooth.  Fatty acids and phytosterols from our plant oils replenish skin and leaves it feeling nourished.       

Brightening dull complexions.  Our Vitamin C derivative, Ascorbyl Tetraisopalmitate combines with Bakuchiol, and Bisabolol to help diminish dark spots and create an overall luminous glow.  Calming ingredients also help to reduce redness and make skin feel balanced and soothed.        

How to use in your routine:

Facial oils are a great last step to your routine to seal in moisture from water-based serums, toners and other products in the evenings.  In the morning, use your facial oil as your last step before SPF.  It’s helpful to let your oil absorb before you apply your sunscreen. 

For best results, apply facial oils on damp skin.  This can be from water-based serums or toners or simply tap water.  Applying to damp skin helps to seal in moisture and helps skin to absorb the oil much better, making for a more luxurious and even application.  Breathe deep and take a moment to gently massage into skin and make it a relaxing bookend for the day.      

Other ways to use facial oils:

Under eye moisturizer - The Clarity Oil has been clinically tested for safety around the eyes and works wonderfully to soothe, smooth and moisturize around the eyes.  It can be used in place of eye creams or layered after eye creams for an extra moisturizing boost.  

Mix a drop or 2 with your foundation for more natural looking coverage.  You can also mix with powder to create your own moisturizing foundation. 

You can boost your favorite moisturizer by adding a couple drops of oil to your moisturizer. 

Moisturizes and adds shine to brows and lashes.

Even if you can’t use The Clarity Oil we still think you should give facial oils a try in your routine.  Choose blends over single oils as they have more diverse benefits and look for oils that have added vitamins or antioxidants like Vitamin E, Vitamin C derivatives, COQ10, carotenoids, etc.