5 Tips to Help Your Skin Absorb Face Oils

Face oils leave skin brighter, firmer and younger-looking when you use them right. But you've gotta use them in a certain way to get the best results. So let's look at the most common mistakes people make when using oils, plus the 5 things you can do to get better hydration from your face oils. 

Common mistakes people make when using face oils

If you’ve tried face oils and they haven’t worked for you, it could be the kind of oil you’re using, or how you’re using it. Here are the most common mistakes we all make:

• Using comedogenic oils which clog pores and cause breakouts
• Not preparing your skin so the oil just sits on top

Do these sound familiar? You're certainly not the only one. When you try the five things below though, you’ll discover face oil is the secret to brighter, more hydrated skin.

Prepare your skin by exfoliating

Scrub a dub dub! Get that exfoliating cleanser ready! If you don’t scrub away the top layer of dead skin, face oil can’t hydrate deep into your skin. It’s like the top layer of dead skin acts as a barrier, stopping the absorption of oils and moisturisers.

By removing dead skin cells with gentle exfoliation, you take away that barrier, leaving your skin younger fresher and brighter.

Click here to learn how often to exfoliate your skin.

Exfoliating product recommendation: We recommend the Balancing Exfoliation Cleanser

Use toner to balance your skin’s pH

Your toner is incredibly hard-working when it comes to normalising your skin’s pH. After cleansing, your toner firms tightens and cleans your skin, also reducing the look of your pores. 

Toning after cleansing is the best way to prepare your skin to absorb face oil. Look for toners containing B3 as they are anti-aging powerhouses. Learn more about how Vitamin B3 works wonders on your skin here. 

Toner recommendation: We recommend the Rose Quartz Renewal B3 + Collagen Toner suitable for all skin types

Now you’ve exfoliated and toned, your skin is clean and ready to suck up whatever hydrating product you put on it. So get ready!

Apply face oil using the fingertips method

Apply a few drops to your fingertips and gently press evenly on your skin, being careful to cover your entire face, not just your cheekbone area. Gently massage the oil around your face for max coverage.

The fingertips method is also super hygienic, which is especially important at the moment. Most face oils come with a pipette applicator. Once this has touched your skin or hands, it sits back in the jar of product and can introduce bacteria into it. By squeezing a small amount of oil from the pipette onto your fingertips, you keep your face oil cleaner. 

Pro tip: Dampen your hands with warm water, then apply two drops of oil to your fingertips. Then, gently press the oil onto your face and massage it onto your face until it is absorbed.

Moisturise after applying face oil

Even after getting your skin ready for face oil application, you may find some oil still sits on top of your skin. Climate, heating, your skin’s pH and plenty of other things can play a part, but adding moisturiser can help.

This double layering of hydration amps up your skin’s ability to suck in the moisture. This works thanks to the active ingredients in moisturisers. These ingredients help oils absorb into your skin deeply.

Select the best face oil for your skin type/condition

Different skin types and even different times of the year mean some oils will suit your skin better than others. 

Common face oils usually include one or a blend of the oils below:

•         Caprylic/ Capric acid oils and are saturated fatty acids which exhibit strong antibacterial, antifungal, and anti-infection properties.

•         Linoleic acid-rich oils are fast-absorbing oils that help build the all-important skin barrier, helping to reduce acne, breakouts and balance sebum production.

•         Oleic Acid Rich Omega 9 is ideal for dry aging skin as it easily penetrates the skin’s layers, replenishing lost moisture and stopping additional moisture from evaporating. Oleic Acid restores the skin’s natural oil without clogging pores.  

Pro tip: Only use non-comedogenic oils. This snazzy word means they won’t clog your pores and cause breakouts. All high-quality face oils are non-comedogenic.

How Samson & Charlie Face Oils Work 

Our skincare philosophy is all about balance. All our facial oils are crafted to create maximum hydration. We use a balance of Linoleic and Oleic Acids for best results. Knowing your skin type helps you choose the best face oil. In winter climates, plus the impact of hormones on your skin, you may find you need to use different face oils month to month.

Which face oil is right for your skin?

• Face oil for normal to dry skin

Famous 24K Glow Facial Oil is a balance of oleic rich oils of camelia, marula and Abyssinian. It’s high in linoleic acid-rich watermelon, blueberry, kiwi and cacay oils.

Ideal Skin Types and Conditions; Normal, Dry, Mature and Rosacea

• Face oil for oily and breakout-prone skin

The Gift Balancing Facial Oil is conversely rich with caprylic/ capric acid in fractionated coconut. The azulene compounds from blue tansy work to clear and balance sebum and breakouts. These elements are balanced with marula oil to brighten and improve your skin's texture.

Ideal Skin Types and Conditions; Oily, Acne, Breakout Prone skin, hormonal and Eczema

• Hydration for anti-aging and damage repair

Vibrant C Brightening Facial Oil is a super fast-absorbing oil rich in caprylic/capric acid and linoleic acid-rich oils of sunflower and grapeseed oil. The potent Vitamin C is harnessed from mangosteen and pomegranate, which support the rapid absorption of the THD Ascorbate. Sound too sciencey? It’s just the stable lipid form of Vitamin C that provides maximum protection and benefit.

Ideal Skin Types and Conditions: All skin types, Hyperpigmentation, anti-aging

So if you've tried face oil and hated it, or you're scared it's going to make you break out, now is the time to get back on the horse. But this time, choose the right face oil for your skin and apply it with our top tips. You'll be amazed by how bright and fresh your skin looks.