a bit of oil

the bottom line

Forget everything you thought you knew about skincare - oil is not the enemy. When layered into your daily skincare routine, nourishing facial oils work in harmony with your body to reveal your skin’s natural glowing beauty.

first layer: busting the myths

Oils are literally everywhere right now – all over social media on gorgeous Instagram feeds, on the shelves in every beauty shop, and in your best friend’s cabinet (we know you peeked – we won’t tell). But after decades of considering oil to be the enemy, especially for oily and combination skin types, slathering oil onto your skin can seem counterintuitive. So, what’s the deal?

Secreted by sebaceous glands, sebum – the oily substance on our skin - lubricates and waterproofs the skin. But it’s all a question of balance. When you have the right amount, your skin is protected. Too much, and you may have acne. Too little, and your skin will be dry and cracked. In these cases, working a facial oil into your skincare regime can nourish dry skin, help to diminish the appearance of fine wrinkles, and replace natural oils lost during cleansing.

second layer: spot the difference

You may need to sit down for this one…natural oils are not responsible for breakouts. When applied to clean skin, naturally derived oils can actually regulate your sebum production. So, using a lovely facial oil can actually help to balance skin and soothe inflammation. Look for natural ingredients including sweet almond oil which is moisturizing and rich in vitamin E and oleic acid (great for restoring your skin’s natural oil balance without clogging pores), and safflower oil, a natural anti-inflammatory which possesses linoleic acid for stimulation of cell regeneration.  

third layer: seal in the goodness

The sensation of a facial oil on your skin is unlike anything else. Apply 2-3 drops to clean fingertips and massage directly onto damp skin. For a smoother application, add a few drops of water. It’s a simple base layer that’s meant to be worked into your daily routine, after cleansing and toning, and right before moisturizing.

fourth layer: holiday romance

Ah, airplane skin…dry, dehydrated, flaky. The lack of moisture (and leg room) on a long-haul flight can sap both your soul and your skin’s moisture.  Do yourself a favor and smooth on a thin layer of oil just prior to boarding. Disembark looking refreshed, bright, and ready for that tall cool one on the beach.

fifth layer: complement your complexion

Not all skin types are the same and neither are facial oils. Choose one with the right properties to complement your complexion.

oily: Opt for a product that regulates sebum production and helps to prevent irritation. Look for lavender oil - highly fragrant, elegant, and capable of fighting acne, inflammation, and infection in a single bound.

combination: Balance things out by replenishing natural oils lost during cleansing and preventing irritation and sensitivities. Jasmine oil will help to soothe and moisturize.

dry: Parched skin needs a product that both nourishes and hydrates. Look for a facial oil that can help to diminish the appearance of fine wrinkles. Neroli oil is your friend here; its antioxidant properties will help to calm skin and combat the elements responsible for the visible signs of aging.

A little plug: anokha Ayurvedics facial oils are carefully crafted by hand in small batches to nourish both your skin and your spirit. Each one is customized with naturally derived carrier and essential oils to suit your specific skin type.

All this and more at www.anokhaskincare.com .

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xx

anokha