All about facial oils

Winter is here. And has brought with it extra dryness in the air. At this time of year, your face feels dry and stretched and needs some extra pampering to retain its soft, fresh and healthy glow.

This is a good time to introduce facial oils into your skin care regimen. I don’t mean oils like coconut, sesame, jojoba, or almond – those are carrier oils and have specific other uses in skin care. Facial oils are special blends derived from natural botanical ingredients which are   rich in antioxidants, fatty acids and vitamins. These are blends which have smaller molecules infused with plants, herbs and essential fatty acids and are wonderfully effective in keeping your face hydrated and healthy even during the harshest winter season.

 

I am a self-confessed skin care junkie. I use different types of facial oils through the year. A good botanical blend will not clog your pores or cause break outs. In fact these oils will heal, soothe and hydrate your skin in ways that no regular moisturiser can. Benefits of facial oils:

• Reduce pores
• Hydrate, brightens and plumps up facial skin
• Reduce fine lines and wrinkles
• Reduce pigmentation
• Primer for makeup
• Fight free radicals
• Reduce pimples

If you have never used facial oils before and still have some apprehensions, and then I suggest you add a few drops in your day and night moisturiser and apply, to begin with. Eventually, you can replace your moisturizer with a facial oil of your choice. If you have very oily or acne prone skin and are not sure about which oil to pick up, you can always ask your dermatologist to recommend a good one for you.

 

Here are my favourite facial oils. These are easily available in India as well:

Navarasas Aromatherapy Essential Oil Blends by Nikki Kapoor– This facial oil blend has the following essential oils: lavender ,geranium, patchouli, rose, sandalwood, vetiver and ylang ylang. The oil can be personalized for your skin type, I get a personalized oil for myself.. Contact Www.navarasas.com . 011 41024839 . The oils are available in Delhi and on their website with efficient pan India delivery options.

 

Kiehls Midnight Recovery Concentrate – This is to be applied at night. It is a potent oil that helps skin regenerate and repair while you sleep It has excellent key botanical ingredients. It penetrates your skin easily is 99% natural, paraben free and is suitable for all skin type.

 

Amritam Jasmin Enriched Serum – A combination of precious oils and herbal extracts, this is labelled as serum but actually is a facial oil. This one needs to be blended with tiny bit of rosewater and then applied all over your face and neck. Or you could add one drop in your moisturiser. It is deeply nourishing, restores elasticity, and smells divine.  It is great for mature/dry skin.

 

Try some facial oils this winter let me know if they make a difference to your skin. Write to me below or using #stayrealstayyou on Instagram @shagunkhanna