OnlyOnAOL: Four face oil myths, clarified
By: Donna Freydkin
They make your face feel smooth as silk, soft as a cotton ball. Yes, we're talking about face oils, which have been anointed the beauty industry's must-have product. Here's the rub on the current crop of offerings.
Myth: Facial oils clog pores. Totally not true. In fact, quite the opposite. "Argon oil is high in linoleic acid. It is non-comedogenic and is fast-absorbing. It will actually reduce clogged pores," says dermatologist Dr. Howard Sobel.
Myth:Facial oils make you break out. Speaking from experience, we can assure you that this one is totally untrue. "Face oils and serums are a wonderfully protective and nutritive choice for skin because they so efficiently transmit a maximum dose of essential fatty acids and antioxidants through the transdermal barrier to reach every layer of skin tissue—simply put, they're optimized," says Tammy Fender, the creator of her own holistic skincare line.
Myth: Facial oils only work in the winter, when the weather is harsh. In fact, they're effective year-round. "The trend has gone from cream moisturizers to face oils, especially ones made from flax seed or olive oil. These important omega 3s help prevent free radicals from causing damage to the skin. Oils pass through the lipid layer of the skin and this helps prevent water loss and plumps up the skin," says Sobel.
Myth: Facial oil will make your skin shinier than a pan coated with butter. Again, this one is a myth. "Certain oils like argon oil and coconut oil which are non comedogenic and are fast absorbing -- they actually exfoliate dead skin cells and moisturize the skin," says Sobel.
Our favorite products out now:
Dior's Capture Totale offering is super-luxe and full of plant oils.
Clarins Blue Orchid oil has rosewood, patchouli and blue orchid extract, plus hazelnut oil to stop moisture loss.
L'Occitane Immortelle Divine Youth Oil is made with seven natural plant oils, and is yummy.
Goop enriching face oil is from Gwyneth Paltrow's just-launched skincare line, and is concocted from a pristine blend of organic oils.
La Mer renewal face oil is truly one of the most decadent products you can rub on your face. It's aromatic and extremely soothing.
Peter Thomas Roth Oilless Oil made with purified Squalane mimics the feel of oil, but makes your skin super-soft and gives it a layer of protection.
Perricone MD Chia Serum boasts chia oil as its powerhouse ingredient, which means your skin gets major nourishment and hydration.
