There is an oil suited to every skin type
FACIAL OILS
Although they moisturise and protect, oils are not just for dry complexions – in fact, there is one suited to every skin type, including oily, sensitive or those prone to break out. Natural plant oils work to slow moisture loss, enhance barrier function and can have an anti-inflammatory action, says chemist and founder of Nourish skincare Dr Pauline Hili. Her favourites for dry skin include argan, rosehip, evening primrose and borage oils – try Nourish Argan Skin Rescue (£25, nourishskinrange.com).
Oils are particularly good for combating the signs of ageing. As well as helping to reduce the appearance of fine lines, they may also work to ‘super-charge’ other active ingredients in your skincare. “If you apply an oil before anti-ageing cream, the oil molecules behave like tiny Trojan horses, tricking the skin into letting actives such as retinol, glycolic and vitamin C in deeper,” says dermatologist Dr David Colbert. Try Korres 3D Sculpting, Firming & Nourishing Active Oil (£45, marksandspencer.com), a concentrated blend of black pine extract with jojoba, sweet almond and apricot kernel oil to firm and increase elasticity.
Breakouts and congestion can appear at any age, caused by stress and hormonal changes, but the right oil can actually slow sebum production while keeping skin hydrated. Decléor Aromessence Ylang Cananga Anti-blemish Oil Serum (£48, decleor.co.uk), for example, can help restore skin’s equilibrium.
CLEANSING OILS
For a fresh-faced complexion, try a cleansing oil. They work because oil attracts oil, so make-up, sebum and any other dirt is gently lifted from the skin’s surface. Surfactants, such as soap, do that as well, but they can be very harsh and drying. L’occitane 5% Shea Cleansing Oil (£19, uk.loccitane.com) has a silky texture that leaves skin feeling super-soft and hydrated.
You can even turn your evening cleanse into a mindful ritual by taking time to massage aromatic cleansing oils or balms into dry skin before removing with a warm, damp muslin cloth. De Mamiel Pure Calm Cleansing Dew (£50, demamiel.com) uses raspberry seed oil and prickly pear seed oil to scavenge for tiny pollution particles in the skin, as well as the heady scent of cypress and blue tansy extract to quieten the mind.