The options for facial oils out there are endless. Serums and oils in pretty little bottles, some making claims, some widely popular and to be found in every boutique. How do you know which one is right for you?
We are here to help you decipher some of the key ingredients in the products we carry to hopefully steer you in the right direction towards selecting a formulation that will best support your skin barrier function. At the end of the day however, it is best to try a product and see how your skin responds.
A general guideline is to try a new skincare product for at least one month to see how it feels. It takes about that long for your skin cells to regenerate, the deeper layers cycling up to the stratum corneum layer. For those new to oils, it may seem counterintuitive to apply to oil to your skin, weren't we taught all those years that oily skin is the enemy? However, plant oils and butters are very compatible with our skin, and they support the skin barrier function. With supportive oils, the skin can function optimally to maintain the health of the cells, renewal and regeneration. The skin is resilient. Oils play a supportive role so that are skin can do what it does best - and as a result we can see it in improved skin tone, hydration and flexibility.
Super Green Oil by The Studio Beige is formulated for challenging skin. Burdock root is loved by herbalists for it’s skin soothing and anti-oxidant properties. It is often infused into oils to use on acne-prone skin. Abyssinian Oil is a non-greasy, long carbon chain oil which makes it very stable and resistant to oxidation. Argan oil is moisturizing and nourishing. There is also Squalane in here which absorbs quickly for a non-greasy feel.
Rosehip Enzyme Oil contains Rosehip Oil, famous for it’s protective Vitamin C content (more than oranges!). Also included is Raspberry oil, a lightweight oil that supports skin structure and a healthy barrier and Cranberry Seed Oil which is a lovely balanced oil rich in antioxidants and fatty acids. Has a soft rose petal scent.
Prickly Pear Serum contains the most exquisite oil - Prickly Pear Seed Oil - non-greasy and high in Vitamin E, antioxidants and linoleic acid. Paired with lightweight and fast absorbing Jojoba Oil and popular Seabuckthorn Berry which is loved for mature skin. Calendula (the skin herb) and Creosote are infused into the oils, and Alkanet Root gives this oil it’s rosy-red color.
Desert Care Face Oil is another formulation with Prickly Pear and Jojoba Oils, but what differentiates this oil is Evening Primrose Oil. EPO is rich in Gamma-Linolenic Acid which calms inflammation. Protective ingredients Yarrow extract and Rosehip Oil are also in this formula. Creosote extract makes a cameo here too! Subtle camphor-herbal scent.
Cactus Flower Serum is a water-based serum. Aloe Vera water hydrates and Jojoba Oil helps lock in the moisture. This formula also contains glycerine, a humectant, which draws water to the skin. This is one that would be great with an oil layered on top for extra moisture. Our local desert customers love this one!
Castor Oil is a thick viscous oil. Some people like to cover their face with it before bed á la slugging. However, the quartz roller-ball on this applicator make it easy to spot apply around eyes, neck or even lips. Castor oil has many uses, but us desert dwellers love it for the humectant properties of the ricinoleic acid. Apply before bed and don’t be surprised if your skin feels plumper in the morning. This is good layered on top of any of the above facial oils.
*Remember, oils do not hydrate. To get the most benefits from face or body oils, apply to lightly damp skin. Applying immediately out of the shower, or to a freshly washed face (pat dry) is ideal - or mist face with a hydrosol and then apply oil on top for extra therapeutic plant powers.
