The secret to scoring skin that glows?
Face oils. Sure, the idea of slathering oil all over your face may seem counterintuitive, especially if you are oily to begin with or prone to clogged pores, but it’s exactly what you should be doing if you’re on the quest for a clearer complexion, smoother texture or more radiance. “Oils have a lower molecular weight than a lot of creams, so they’re absorbed deeper into the skin,” explains Dendy Engelman, MD, a dermatologist in New York City. This allows them to deliver nutrients deeper into the dermal layer where skin renewal takes place. That’s why the trick is selecting the best oil for your skin’s specific needs. To help you get started, here’s a helpful guide to finding the best face oil for every skin type.
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1 For dry skin:
Marula oil will leave you with silky-smooth skin all day long, thanks to the presence of oleic acid, an essential fatty acid that restores and locks in moisture. To achieve maximum moisture, massage it in over your serums and creams to lock in hydration.
Try:Drunk Elephant Virgin Marula Luxury Facial Oil ($72; sephora.com)
2 For acne-prone skin:
Acne is the result of overactive oil glands, so keeping skin hydrated is key to slowing your natural production of oil. “Someone who’s acne prone is like, ‘You want me to put oil on my face?’ but then they try it, and find that it does hydrate better,” says Dr. Engelman. Opt for lightweight oils like jojoba, meadowfoam, and squalene that moisturize while also targeting the bacteria behind your breakout.
Try:Jouer Daily Clarifying Treatment Oil ($36; dermstore.com)
3 For sensitive skin:
Moringa oil is chock-full of anti-inflammatories that calm redness and irritation, plus fatty acids that help repair a damaged skin barrier. Also nice? It’s lightweight and absorbs quickly, making it ideal to layer under makeup.
Try:MARA Algae + Moringa Universal Face Oil ($72; credobeauty.com)
4 For aging skin:
A gentle retinol oil is great for anyone who wants to wake up looking a little more youthful. Look for trans-retinoic acid ester, a newer form of retinol that's a bit milder than typical formulas. It works to minimize pores, lighten dark spots, and improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
Try:Sunday Riley Luna Sleeping Night Oil ($105; net-a-porter.com)
5 For combination skin:
Rosehip oil is a great choice for combo skin. It deeply moisturizes while its astringent properties help tighten pores and brighten skin. Fun fact: Miranda Kerr swears by rosehip oil to even out her complexion and says it does wonders to minimize blotches — in fact, Kate Middleton is another loyal fan.
Try: Rosehip Almond Oil Face Set ($10; tjmaxx.com)
6 For normal skin:
Normal skin? Lucky you! Go for good ole argan oil. It's nourishing and soothing and high in vitamin E, an antixodiant that fights against the free radicals that cause premature aging and inflammation, making it an amazing all-in-one option.
Try:Acure Organics The Essentials Moroccan Argan Oil ($13; birchbox.com)
7 For the body:
Go for an oil that both smooths and soothes. Think coconut, jojoba, and vetivert. As an added bonus, look for blends with aromatherapy benefits, like mood-boosting ylang-ylang or calming lavender.
Try:Aromatherapy Associates Relax Body Oil ($68; net-a-porter.com)
