What are facial oils?

For those not familiar with this fantastic skincare product, face oils are purely formulated from natural essential oils, botanical oils and extracts. Active ingredients, such as Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate or Retinyl Palmitate, are usually added for a benefit boost.

A facial oil replenishes the natural oils present in the dermal barrier, which help regulate sebum production and keep moisture locked in. This keeps your skin nourished and moisturised longer. A damaged dermal barrier is the cause for dry skin, especially during winter.

The key difference between face oils and moisturisers is that moisturisers can contain up to 90% water and their main function is to hydrate the skin. Just as on any surface, moisture evaporates from the skin, so it is important to lock it in by applying facial oils.

As always, the rule of thumb is to apply your skincare from thinnest to thickest. More often, facial oils are the heaviest/thickest consistency and can penetrate the moisturiser, so it’s best to apply them after your moisturiser or water-based serums.

Facial oils are also loaded with vitamins and minerals and have antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties.

Why is Vitamin C important for skin health?

Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant, which helps fight free radicals – toxins created from pollution, make-up, extreme weather, stress – that weaken the dermal barrier and are a major cause for premature aging. It is also essential for the production of collagen in the body.

Ascorbic acid (another name for Vitamin C) is a water-soluble vitamin and cannot be absorbed by the skin on its own. This is why it’s combined with ascorbate acid and palmitates to help with the absorption.

Vitamin C may cause irritation depending on the concentration of L-ascorbic acid in the product. It all comes down to the skin and formula’s pH levels. L-ascorbic acid is a highly unstable water-based molecule, so the more acidic the more stable the formula. This is when Vitamin C product becomes potent and can cause irritation.

Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate, is a stable and therefore a less irritating form of Vitamin C that can be mixed with oil-based products, such as facial oils. As an oil soluble ingredient, it penetrates deeper into the skin where it is then converted to Vitamin C in its purest form.

Where to find Vitamin C face oils?

Our ADVANCED-C Face Oil Serum is boosted with Vitamin C (Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate 1%) and is formulated with an anti-ageing essential oil blend of 22 oils, including: Jojoba oil, Marula oil and Black Cumin oil. Its blend is high in antioxidants, which repair and protect skin from free-radicals that cause wrinkles and fine lines.

Summary

Face oils are a fantastic product to add to your skincare routine. They are great for keeping your skin nourished and moisturised during winter. A Vitamin C face oil, like our ADVANCED-C Face Oil Serum, adds antioxidant skin protection from free radicals (pollution, makeup, dust, toxins), boosts collagen production, improves skin elasticity, refines skin tone, and reduces the signs of ageing.

Every skin is unique. Your skin care needs will depend on a range of personal factors. It’s advisable to have your skin checked by a professional every 3 months.