I have oily skin – should I be using face oils?

Skin slicker than your average? You’d be forgiven for thinking that adding oils is the last thing you need. But it can be helpful for some oily skin types, says consultant dermatologist Dr Thivi Maruthappu. ‘Your skin might be producing oil in an effort to combat dehydration and prevent further moisture loss,’ she explains. So, face oils – which are occlusives, acting as sealants on the surface of your skin – are useful for sealing in hydration and helping to balance oil production. That said, most experts advise against face oils if you’re prone to breakouts. ‘When used on acne-prone skin, they have a tendency to block pores and encourage comedonal acne (ie, whiteheads and blackheads),’ adds fellow consultant dermatologist Dr Sharon Wong. For those with dehydrated skin, she recommends lighter oils that contain a greater percentage of essential fatty acids and vitamin E – as well as avoiding essential oils if your skin is sensitive. Oh, and always do a patch test before trying any type of facial oil – botanical or synthetic – and stop using the product immediately if any irritation occurs. Clear?