How do facial oils work?

Facial oils have become increasingly popular in recent years, and for good reason. Celebrities including Oscar-winning actresses Emma Stone and Gwyneth Paltrow have revealed that they love using facial oils and Nigella Lawson says "I've been using prickly pear seed oil on my face, which I love because it's not at all greasy, yet it hydrates beautifully, leaving my skin feeling silky smooth and nourished."

Oils provide a range of benefits for the skin, from moisturising and nourishing to anti-aging and anti-inflammatory properties. But how do facial oils actually work, and what makes them so effective?

We asked leading dermatologist Catherine Nolan to help unpack these questions.

First, Catherine says, it's important to understand that facial oils work by penetrating the skin's surface and delivering nutrients, antioxidants, and other beneficial compounds directly to the underlying layers of the skin. "Unlike other skincare products, which may only work on the skin's surface, facial oils can actually be absorbed by the skin and provide deeper, more long-lasting benefits."

So, how do these oils actually work? When applied to the skin, facial oils form a protective barrier that helps to lock in moisture and prevent water loss. This can help to hydrate the skin and improve its overall appearance and texture. Additionally, many facial oils contain antioxidants, which can help to neutralise free radicals and protect the skin from environmental damage, such as UV radiation and pollution.

Catherine Nolan explains that a facial oil can also help to regulate the skin's natural oil production. “This may seem counterintuitive, but using oil-based products can actually help to reduce excess oil production by signalling to the skin that it doesn't need to produce as much oil.” Nolan claims that this can help to balance oily or acne-prone skin and reduce the appearance of breakouts.

Finally, facial oils can provide rejuvenating benefits by helping to improve skin elasticity, reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, and protect the skin from damage. Many facial oils contain vitamins and amino acids, which can help to stimulate collagen production and promote skin cell turnover. 

If you are looking for a proven facial oil then our single origin wild Prickly Pear Seed Oil ticks all of the boxes and so much more! Rich in clinically proven, active ingredients, it's the multi-tasking staple of any skincare routine, for any skin type. This potent oil melts effortlessly into the skin, leaving no greasy residue.

Let’s take a deep dive into a few of the key active ingredients, the benefits and how they’ll help your skin.  

  1. High in antioxidants: Prickly pear seed oil is rich in antioxidants, such as vitamin E and flavonoids, which can help protect the skin from environmental stressors and free radical damage.
  2. Moisturising: Prickly pear seed oil is a highly moisturising oil, which can help improve skin hydration and elasticity. It is easily absorbed by the skin, leaving it soft and smooth without feeling greasy.
  3. Collagen boosting: thanks to its high content of amino acids and other nutrients that can help stimulate collagen production and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
  4. Anti-inflammatory: Prickly pear seed oil has been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties, which can help soothe and calm irritated or inflamed skin.
  5. Non-comedogenic: Despite being an oil, prickly pear seed oil has a light, non-greasy texture and is non-comedogenic, meaning it won't clog pores or cause breakouts. 

Learn more about our wild sourced Prickly Pear Seed Oil.