Skin Care: Facial Oils

How have I basically lived 23 years before discovering the benefits of oils in my hair and on my skin?

Well, oily and frizzy.. that's how.

The grouping of the word "oil" with skin or hair generally carries a negative connotation (think: greasy), but I've been experimenting with all sorts of hair oils in the past year with amazing results. After success with taming my lion's mane, I began dabbling into the world of facial oils during a period of volcanic skin and have been pleasantly surprised with the results as well. My skin has been rather tumultuous in the recent months, for reasons unknown but often speculated. Perhaps it's a detoxification due to my improved diet and daily green juice? Perhaps my hormones are a whack? Perhaps I touch my skin too much? Or maybe all my makeup testing is pissing my chin off? Who knows.

I've always thought the last thing my oily skin needed was MORE oil, but alas... not the case. OIL. ME. UP... but not in that two girls in a bikini and kiddie pool ready to wrestle while creepy frat-ish guys film it it on their iPhones kind of way. Natural oils (NOT mineral oil!) actually nourish skin and can help curb oil production. And while the jury is still out in the long run, adding facial oils to my morning and evening skin care routine may just be my saving grace? I can't say they are saving my chin situation just yet (I honestly think that needs to be credited to the Candida Cleanse I've been doing for the past few weeks -- more to come on that later), but the rest of my skin is looking more radiant and feels amazing!


I've started using the tiniest bit (just a drop or two) of Dr. Hauschka's Normalizing Day Oil ($42.95 for 1 fl oz) before my morning moisturizer and I really love the feeling of it has on my skin. It leaves my face feeling plump and baby soft after soaking in, something I was definitely lacking before -- perhaps my skin is oily AND dehydrated?? I caution you against over application because I found it does take a hot minute to sink in (par for the course with any oil, really). According to their site, the Normalizing Day Oil contains "Plant extracts [which] blend with plant oils to balance excessive oiliness, diminish the appearance of pores and visibly reduce blemishes. Provides protective, fortifying benefits to mature skin." It has a lot of negative reviews on MakeupAlley, which surprised me, so do your research before you explore this oil (go get a sample at Whole Foods!). Jury is still out whether this is my permanent day oil.

Since I use the Dr. Hauschka during the day, I use my Josie Maran 100% Pure Argan Oil ($14.00 for .5 fl oz) during my evening skin care routine. According to their site, "this legendary, lightweight oil, grown organically in Morocco, is rich in vitamin E and essential fatty acids. Use it as a fast absorbing daily moisturizer, or to heal and condition everything from cuticles to split ends." It's not a night oil specifically, I just use it then -- feel free to use it anytime (and anywhere on your body!). My words ain't scripture, y'all. I don't use it every single night, as there are nights when I do different AHA or BHA treatments to my skin, but I really, really love this oil. Pretty much a ditto on everything I said about the Dr. H oil -- this leaves my face feeling soft, plump, and hydrated. Without a doubt, this is the best 100-point perk I've received from Sephora!

Are you a recent disciple to the Church of Oil? Tell me your favorites in the comments!