face oils have gained popularity in recent years, but how much do you know about them? many have the idea that face oils are meant for people with really, really dry skin only - but, is that true?

let’s look at some truths about face oils that you might not know:

  1) face oils have been used since ancient Egyptian times

(credit: Werner Forman/Universal Images Group Editorial/UIG via Getty Images) 

  oil was a prized commodity in the cosmetics realm back in ancient Egypt, they used it as a form of wages paid to workers! providing enough oil for beauty purposes was among the things they ensured each worker had. the Egyptians used about 21 different types of vegetable oils for cosmetic reasons, many of which are still used today, such as castor oil.

  2) face oils work for all skin types (yes, oily skin too!)

  face oils have compositions close to that of natural oils produced by our skin, and the two oils work together to keep the skin balanced and well-hydrated. this process is called sebum regulation, when the oil signals to your skin to balance itself. shop face oils

 squalane, a key ingredient in the finest face oils, mimics the natural oils our skin produces very well, making it an excellent emollient that is safe for all skin types. our skin naturally produces squalene, so its hydrogenated sibling performs brilliantly (hydrogenation is necessary to retain its benefits as much as possible without losing to oxidation). plus, squalane is non-comedogenic, allowing your pores to breathe. research has also shown that squalane is good for eczema and sensitive skin, as it soothes a variety of skin inflammation problems.

  another ingredient, that is similar to squalane in providing these beneficial properties, is jojoba oil, which is actually a wax ester. now, although face oils can be used on all skin types, there are certain face oils that work better for you than others. ask yourself, ‘what is my skin type?’

  oily skin (and/or dehydrated skin):

oily skin could actually be dehydrated skin that lacks water but overcompensates with oil. as such, you need a lightweight oil that can prevent moisture loss and lock in as much water as possible. applying honest & gentle’s day face oil would be beneficial in this case.

  dry skin:

that means you lack both water and oil and would require a heavier face oil to deeply nourish your skin and lock in moisture, so hydration is kept optimal. honest & gentle’s day night oil would be your choice here. to differentiate between dry skin and dehydrated skin, you can try the pinch test: pinch a little area of skin and hold for a few seconds. if your skin doesn’t snap back, you’re likely dehydrated.

  3) face oils can help in your anti-aging fight

  plant oils not only hydrate the skin; certain ones help fight free radical damage to skin cells with their high antioxidant levels. such oils include evening primrose oil, rosehip oil, jojoba oil, safflower oil, sunflower oil, among others.

  with extended usage, the face oils give greater protection against free radical damage, slowing down skin aging as well as improving the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

  for a more pampering and luxurious treatment, why not diffuse some essential oils in your room, put on some relaxing music as you indulge in a gua sha facial?