This article was written for Annabel & Grace, which is now part of Rest Less.
As we age, our skin moisture levels decline, causing dry, dehydrated skin, which makes fine lines and wrinkles more noticeable. Oils not only hydrate the skin but because they are rich in antioxidants, they also fight free-radical damage to cells, thereby preventing further ageing. The oils keep skin layers soft, seal in hydration, and can even protect the skin by keeping the outer layer of skin, the stratum corneum, intact.
To use a face oil, it is suggested that you apply once or twice daily for at least 12 weeks to see results. It takes at least three months for your body to produce new collagen and elastic tissue. If you see results immediately, it is not due to new collagen and elastic tissue but rather due to the hydrating effects of the oil. When your skin is well hydrated, the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles is improved. It’s important to note that face oils aren’t for everyone. They can cause breakouts in people who have acne-prone skin.
Firstly look for the words “cold-pressed,” which means that they have better nutritive properties than those that have undergone the refining process. This is because the cold-pressing procedure does not involve heat or chemical treatments, which may alter their composition and therapeutic effects.
So here are our pick of the best:
Argan Oil:
Argan oil comes from argan fruit trees that are indigenous to Morocco. It boosts skin elasticity and contains essential fatty acids, namely omega-3, -6, and -9s, which can improve hydration, hyperpigmentation, and the health of the skin barrier.
I love the Argan Oil from The Ordinary as it is simple and purse-friendly – £6.20. It is 100% Organic Cold-Pressed Argan Oil. Utilising a pure Moroccan Argan Seed oil formula, the oil is rich in fatty acids, vitamins and carotenes, which combine to deliver hydrating and nourishing properties to skin, hair, lips and nails.
Frankincense Oil:
Treat all skin types to the benefits of the Neal’s Yard Remedies Rejuvenating Frankincense Facial Oil; a luxurious formula infused with organic omega-rich botanical oils to nourish and revitalise.
Fortified with Frankincense, Macadamia and Evening Primrose Oils, the quick-absorbing blend helps to minimise the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, and has been clinically proven to moisturise for up 12 hours. Ideal for shielding from the damaging effects of cold, dry weather, or during the summer months for skin that feels sun-parched.
Almond Oil:
Almond oil has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant benefits. It’s also hydrating. This light oil is rich in Essential Fatty Acids and is a great all-purpose massage oil. Helping to soothe delicate skin and prevent moisture loss, it’s extremely mild and gentle enough for babies, children and people with sensitive skin. Obtained from the ripe seeds of the almond tree, this sweet smelling organic oil is cold-pressed to help retain its skin-conditioning properties.
Rosehip oil:
Rose-hip oil stimulates collagen and elastin production while brightening and evening out your skin tone. It’s also high in vitamin A, an antioxidant, and contains hydrating essential fatty acids.
Trilogy Certified Organic Rosehip Oil is clinically tested, it is shown to help minimise the appearance of wrinkles, smooth skin and dramatically improve skin moisture levels.
Trilogy’s lightweight, non-greasy, golden Certified Organic Rosehip Oil contains omega 3, 6 and 9, essential fatty acids and antioxidants to restore optimum skin health, leaving the skin’s appearance radiant and glowing.
Prickly Pear:
Or Barbary Fig as it is also known. Of the Cacataceae family, this plant originated in Mexico and has become common in the Mediterranean region and South Africa. The Prickly Pear produces a fruit whose seeds are cold-pressed to obtain a rare and high quality oil. Very rich in Vitamin E and Omega 6, this oil is known to be a powerful tensing agent. The Prickly Pear has an important place in the Mesoamerican mythology of central Mexico.
Unlike Argan Oil, Prickly Pear Oil has the richest source of vitamin E and is full of essential fatty acids as well as antioxidants and polyphenols. Its Vitamin K content helps to brighten age spots and hyperpigmentation areas. I really like it and it is definitely helping with the hydration of my skin. I wake up in the morning with lovely smooth skin.
Apricot Oil:
Apricot oil is made from the seed not the fruit. It has high levels of the antioxidant vitamin E and linoleic and oleic acids (which help the oil penetrate the skin).
Apricot oil is Mother Nature’s blend of many different ingredients. There are vitamins, antioxidants, fatty acids, essential fatty acids and more. Each is unique and each is beneficial for skin. Out of each group, apricot oils high content of antioxidants makes it especially strong in protecting, preventing and rejuvenating all skin types.
Apricot oil benefits your skin with a high content of vitamin E. Vitamin E is an antioxidant naturally found in your skin’s own sebum. Being skin identical means it’s especially soothing. Using potent and precious Vitamin E rich facial oil it replenishes your skin’s natural antioxidant reserves. It is also known to help to prevent blackheads.
Rosemary Oil:
Rosemary oil can increase circulation and reduce overall inflammation. It’s antioxidant and antibacterial. Since it’s an essential oil, you’ll want to dilute it with a carrier oil before you apply to your skin.
This oil from VOTARY is combined with mint and is used for cleansing. It is perfect for oily, blemish-prone skin, this cleanser is made from 100% natural plant oils. A joy to use, it stars lightweight and non-clogging rice bran oil to gently exfoliate, plus rosemary to deeply cleanse and lift impurities. The result? Your skin won’t be triggered into producing more sebum (and starting the whole congested, sore cycle all over again) and instead, will feel clean, calm and healthy.
Rose Oil:
Rose oil this product contains a blend of oils to soothe, nourish, and rejuvenate skin. It’s recommended to apply to clean skin morning and night.
I discovered this one, Radiance botanical blend with white rose from TYPOLOGY – a new skincare range from France. It has 5 botanical extracts to revive the skin’s radiance and promote regeneration overnight. The main active ingredients: White rose cells – Rosehip botanical oil – Geranium rose essential oil.
I love rose fragrance and in this oil it is very gentle so not overpowering. It is the next oil that I am going to try. It is currently out of stock due to high demand but fill in the Notify Me box for when it is back in stock. I think it will be worth the wait if the 5* reviews are anything to go by.
Other face oils that we recommend:
Alexandra Soveral Forever Young face oil can be your daily Free Radical Terminator (apply am)! It’s powerful cocktail of antioxidants and natural vitamins fight towards a healthy glow, even complexion and firmer skin. The Omega-3 fatty acids protect the outer layer of the skin whilst a synergetic blend of active essential oils penetrate deeper to stimulate the detoxification and regeneration of the skin.
Drunk Elephant’s popular face oil is rich in antioxidants and omega-6 and -9. The vegan formula absorbs quickly into the skin to hydrate and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. It’s good for all skin types, too.
Tata Harper’s face oil has vitamin A from rose-hip oil to prevent signs of aging and calendula for calming. It’s recommended to apply after your moisturizer in the morning and at night.
Sunday Riley’s sleeping oil works overnight to exfoliate, revitalize, and reduce the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and enlarged pores. It’s also infused with retinol but doesn’t leave skin irritated.
Kiehl’s Midnight Recovery Concentrate Face Oil – this is one of my personal favorites. Applying just a couple of drops leaves my skin looking so refreshed and hydrated the next morning. It contains botanical oils like lavender, squalane, and evening primrose, and is paraben-, sulfate-, and phthalate-free.
Ren Clean Skincare Bio Retinoid Anti-Wrinkle Concentrate Oil is formulated with vitamin A and retinoid analogue. This powerful oil protects against and fights the signs of aging. It also boosts collagen, hydrates, and firms skin.
Many of these oils can be used on cuticles and hair. As you get older it is likely that all of these areas need some extra help with hydration. I hope that you can find one that you love.