6 Face Oils For Dry Skin That Moisturize & Improve Texture
If you suffer from dry skin, you’ve probably tried tons of moisturizers and skin-quenching formulas to try and hydrate your thirsty skin. But did you know that many natural oils can penetrate your skin to restore moisture below the surface even better than creams? Adding an oil to your skincare routine can help deliver much-needed antioxidants to repair your skin’s barrier and hydrate for the long haul.
“The right skincare oil will function as an emollient to soften skin and an occlusive by coating the top layer to lock moisture in without leaving you feeling greasy,” says Jessie Cheung, MD. The reason why some oils are more effective than face lotions and creams? It all comes down to the molecule size. “When the fatty acid molecules in oils are small enough, they can penetrate deep into the skin and help repair the skin barrier,” says Dr. Cheung.
Meet the Expert
Jessie Cheung, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist at Cheung Aesthetics and Wellness in Chicago.
Whether you always suffer from dry, sensitive skin or simply find yourself looking for a solution to seasonal dryness, we’ve rounded up the 6 best face oils for dry skin to get your skin healthy, glowy, and hydrated.
6 Best Oils for Dry Skin
1. Coconut Oil
One of the best oils to alleviate dry skin might be hiding in plain sight in your pantry. Enter coconut oil. The plant-derived oil is chock-full of essential fatty acids that boast a bevvy of skincare benefits if you suffer from skin irritation. “Coconut oil is rich in lauric acid, which is antimicrobial and helps reduce inflammation,” says Dr. Cheung. It also contains linoleic acid, which works as an emollient to soothe and repair. As a body oil or a moisturizer, there are a variety of ways you can use coconut oil on its own to hydrate and nourish your skin. If you aren’t sure where to start, check out our guide on incorporating coconut oil into your skincare routine, or reach for a product like the SHEAMOISTURE 100% Virgin Coconut Oil Daily Hydration Glow Priming Moisturizer that’s made of a nourishing combination of coconut oil, coconut milk, and acacia senegal that leaves your skin feeling soft and smooth.
2. Argan Oil
Argan oil is the holy grail of natural oils in skincare, and for good reason. Derived from Morocco’s argan tree and rich in soothing vitamin E, this lightweight, non-greasy oil moisturizes and increases skin elasticity, all while reducing the appearance of scars and fine lines. “It’s rich with antioxidants and has an almost equal ratio of oleic and linoleic acids, which may explain why argan oil is good for breakouts, since low levels of linoleic acid are common in acne patients,” says Dr. Cheung. If you’re ready to reap the benefits of this natural nourishing miracle worker, reach for JOSIE MARAN’s 100% Pure Argan Oil. Bonus: You can apply it from head-to-toe to moisturize everything from your hair to your skin and even your cuticles.
3. Olive Oil
Another kitchen staple that could restore much-needed moisture to your skin is olive oil. “Among the antioxidants that olive oil contains is squalane, which is a very effective emollient,” says Dr. Cheung. It’s also made up of oleic acid, linoleic acid, and palmitic acid. “Palmitic acid is one of the fatty acids that make up the skin’s lipid barrier,” adds Dr. Cheung. Not only does olive oil make an amazing moisturizer, but it can also double as a makeup remover, cleanser, or face mask. We rounded up all the ways to incorporate olive oil into your skincare routine here. You can also opt for a skincare product that incorporates olive oil, like the APHRODITE SKIN CARE Olive Oil Deep Cleansing Face Mask, that’s also packed with witch hazel and spirulina to leave you with a glowing, clear complexion.
4. Jojoba Oil
If you have combination skin and find yourself dealing with dry patches, you should start incorporating jojoba oil into your skincare routine. “Jojoba oil is a wax ester, similar to the sebum that we produce naturally, so it balances the oil in our skin to help reduce excess oil production, all without clogging pores or causing acne,” says Dr. Cheung. It also boasts anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, which make it great for those who suffer from eczema or have acne-prone skin. “Jojoba is the safest and most versatile oil for all skin types because it is biomimetic,” says Dr. Cheung. (For more about jojoba oil, check out our list of the benefits of jojoba oil.)
If you want to start using jojoba oil, you don’t have to dilute it with a carrier oil. Instead, use it on its own by applying a few drops on your face (or wherever you suffer from itchy, dry skin), or add a few drops to your shampoo to soothe a dry scalp. You can also reach for a product that contains the natural oil like SKIN&CO ROMA Truffle Therapy Ultra Pure Facial Oil which delivers a nourishing combination of Umbrian sunflower oil, Siclian sweet almond oil, jojoba oil, calendula, and black truffle extract that work together to replenish moisture.
5. Maracuja Oil
The amount of linoleic acid found in maracuja oil makes it a skin-savior when it comes to hydrating and repairing the surface of the skin. “Linoleic acid is an essential building block for ceramides, which moisturize and maintain our skin barrier,” says Dr. Cheung. It’s also packed with antioxidants and contains quercetin, which delivers soothing and anti-inflammatory properties. If you want to achieve glowy, dewy skin, simply reach for the TARTE Deluxe Maracuja Oil. Whether you suffer from seasonal dry spots or are dealing with chronic bouts of dehydrated skin, it can help transform your thirsty complexion into healthy skin that’s soft and smooth.
6. Grapeseed Oil
Since grapeseed oil is naturally antimicrobial, it’s a great natural remedy to get rid of acne-causing bacteria on skin. Grapeseed oil is particularly helpful for anyone dealing with dry skin because it helps lock in moisture within the skin’s surface and even helps extend the effects of vitamin C and E. Translation: Grapeseed oil will help your skin’s texture improve and appear more elastic over time. This face oil blend from PIXI BEAUTY contains jasmine oil and grapeseed oil that work together to correct dullness, dryness, and more.
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