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Article: A Beginner’s Guide to Balancing Oils in Skincare

A Beginner’s Guide to Balancing Oils in Skincare
skin care rituals

A Beginner’s Guide to Balancing Oils in Skincare

Introduction

Whether you have dry or oily skin, there are a multitude of ways you can incorporate oils into your skincare routine. Depending on your skin type, some oils are more beneficial to healthy, glowing skin than others. In our comprehensive guide, we will cover the basics of balancing oils in skincare, how to choose the perfect oils for your skin, and tips on how to incorporate oils into your routine. Let’s dive in!

 

Understanding Oils in Skincare

What are they?

Skincare oils are emollients that mimic the oils already found in your skin. These oils can be labeled as organic, natural, and/or synthetic. 

Organic oils are oils that have a certain percentage of organically derived ingredients, usually specified by the percentage on the label. Natural oils are not FDA regulated, so ingredients can vary based on what the company’s definition of “natural.” Synthetic oils are also not regulated, and they are usually composed of chemically, lab-derived ingredients.

None of these three options are necessarily harmful, but it is important to look at product labels before deciding on a product. Some ingredients CAN be toxic in any formulation based on their recommended amounts.

Different types

  • Carrier Oils: carrier oils are extracted from plants or seeds and are cold pressed to extract oils. Carrier oils are safe for your skin because they are full of nutrients and moisturize naturally.

  • Essential Oils: essential oils are commonly used for fragrance within the skincare realm. Because they are extremely concentrated, essential oils should not be directly used on the skin and can potentially cause irritation.

  • Dry Oils vs. Heavy Oils: both of these types of oils are suitable for the skin. Dry oils are quick to absorb, while heavy oils take their time to absorb but provide deeper nourishment.

 

Skin Type

What Main Skin Type do I Have?

  • Dry: tightness and flakiness are two of the main indicators of dry skin. If you wear makeup, it might start to flake off or appear uneven. 

  • Oily: oily skin types usually appear greasy toward the end of the day due to excess sebum production. Your pores may appear larger, and if you wear makeup, it might start separating or slipping.

  • Normal: normal skin is characterized by stability; your skin will appear mostly clear and not sensitive to most skincare products.

  • Combination: combination skin is characterized by having certain areas of oiliness on the skin, while also having some dry areas. 

  • Sensitive Skin: sensitive skin is typically more noticeable through product usage. If your skin reacts negatively, such as redness or itchiness, to most new products you introduce into your skincare routine, you most likely have this skin type.

While everyone’s skin type falls into one main category, it is common to have multiple skin types, especially throughout your skin’s journey.

 

What Oil is Best for My Skin Type?

Any carrier oil is a great option for dry skin, as they work to seal in the moisture that is typically lost throughout the day. We recommend jojoba, rosehip, or castor oil for dry skin.

Because oily skin is due to an excess of sebum, a drier oil works best for this skin type. This is also the best option for combination skin because drier oils work to moisturize dry areas, while preventing pore clogs in oily areas. We recommend rosehip, jojoba, or argan oil for this skin type. While you might believe that your skin doesn’t need the extra oil since it is already overproducing, many times, your skin produces the excess sebum due to dryness. 

Normal skin is the easiest to work with. You are able to try a variety of oils on your skin without risking pesty breakouts. We recommend trying any of the oils recommended for dry, oily, and combination skin types. 

Sensitive skin might be the hardest skin type to work with, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t be using skin oil. We recommend trying jojoba oil as your first option because it is known to be gentle and the least irritating of all the oils.

When choosing an oil for your skin, make sure to look at comedogenic ratings for the oil you are wanting to use. The lower the rating, the less likely it is to clog your pores. Conversely, the higher the rating, the higher the risk of pore clogging. 


When to Use and How to Layer

If you have oily skin, we recommend only using oils at night. Even if the oil is lighter, it has the potential to make your skin look greasier throughout the day. With other skin types, you can apply oils morning AND night or as you see fit in your skincare routine.

You should always apply your skincare routine starting with the lightest product, such as serums, and ending with the heaviest products, such as sunscreen. Usually, oil is applied after serums and before moisturizer (depending on the thickness). 

The best way to apply oil to your skin is to pump a small amount onto your fingers and gently rub a layer onto your skin. Once you have the layer spread, use your hands to pat or dab the oil into your skin for optimal absorption.


Common Mistakes

  • Using too much oil: a little oil goes a long way; using too much oil can overwhelm the skin, leaving residue or greasiness.

  • Using oil in place of moisturizer: oils are great for locking in your skin’s moisture, but don’t forget to use a moisturizer for better hydration.

  • Using oils during the day without sun protection: some oils can make the skin more UV sensitive; make sure to follow up with sunscreen if you are using oils during the day.


How Uazu Skincare Balances Oils

Üazú Skincare’s Vitamin E Formula offers benefits for all skin types through a mix of organic, non-comedogenic oils. Containing jojoba, sacha inchi, and castor seed oils, our formula is ideal for deep hydration without a greasy finish. The balance of oils ensures that the formula is packed with nutrients and antioxidants without being too heavy or light on the skin. 

Our organic ingredients are sustainably harvested from ethical producers, ensuring that our limited-ingredient formula is the highest quality. The formula is made from only the ingredients necessary to aid your skin as you continue your life’s journey and balance your skin. 

 

 

Sources

(2024, August). Identifying your skin type: A guide by Dr Jonathan Kentley. British Skin Foundation. https://www.britishskinfoundation.org.uk/blog/identifying-your-skin-type-a-guide-by-dr-jonathan-kentley

(2022, August 25). Are Face Oils Good for Your Skin?. Cleveland Clinic. https://health.clevelandclinic.org/are-face-oils-good-for-your-skin

(2021, September 03). Natural Oils for Skin Care. Integris Health. https://integrishealth.org/resources/on-your-health/2021/september/natural-oils-for-skin-care

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