Did you know that there are a lot of things we learn as kids that are very helpful for us, and protect us…as children. But then over time, it’s important that we outgrow those ideas. If we try and keep living the same way, with the same thoughts and perspectives we had as kids, we can actually end up hurting ourselves as adults.

Now, of course, we’re not talking about throwing out the baby with the proverbial bathwater. A hot stovetop is still as hot now as it was then and you don’t need to relearn that lesson. But what are some lessons we could stand to reevaluate, especially as the days of our youth get further and further in the rearview mirror?

Well, from the skincare perspective, let’s reevaluate our relationship with oil. 

When we are teenagers, a lot of time and money is spent warning us about the dangers of oily skin. And true, it’s a problem then, and it can remain a problem for many people in the years to follow.

But for many, the concern with oil production can be a lesson we take on that ends up working against us.

This is similar to lessons we learn about fat. It’s no coincidence that oils and fats both have a bad rap, they are both lipids! As it turns out, lipids are an important part of your body. If your body is like a machine, then it needs all its parts to function properly. 

So you can’t hate oil, and you can’t hate fat! It is the excess of oils and fats that lead to problems, not their mere existence. So trying to scour them from your body could be doing you more harm than good. Your brain is made at least in part of lipids, and you certainly don’t want to lose that!

4 Benefits of Facial Oils For Your Skin

So here is what naturally occurring oil does for your skin. These are things you wouldn’t want to be without!

• A Protective Barrier - It may be contrary to what you have been told, but naturally occurring oil can actually protect you against acne! The oils in your skin mix with small amounts of sweat forming what is called a hydrolipidic barrier. This barrier repels dirt, bacteria, water laden with pollutants, and other factors from your environment. This keeps the porous membrane of your skin free from these potentially harmful outside influences, and that in turn, keeps you healthy.
• Moisturization - As much as oil holds water out, it also locks water in. This ability to retain water is what keeps your skin soft to the touch and strong. Thin, dry, papery skin is not as healthy and actually begins to suffer in its ability to serve as a protective barrier.
• Anti-aging power - It turns out that deep, richly colored oils are a great source of antioxidants. And what do antioxidants do for us? That’s right, they push out the harmful free radical build-up that leads directly to visible signs of aging such as wrinkles. This may encourage you to try putting a small amount of oil on your face. What if your teenage self could see you now?
• Avoid signs of aging - And what happens if we skimp on oils? Or, if we use a lot of overly drying products that leave our skin feeling “tight” in a way that we conflate with being “clean”? Well, the absence of oil can lead to dry skin that flakes, peels, or breaks easily. It also leads to more wrinkles and we think that’s something that everyone is trying to avoid.

Ways to Incorporate Oils into Your Skincare Routine

If you aren’t already, try experimenting with some oils in your routine! Skin Actives has a wide range of oils for every step of your skincare process.

Skin Cleansing Oil - If you wear make-up, you know you need to remove it with oil, not just to get the pigments off, but to help your skin below to recover! Consider trying cleansing with oil, even if you don’t wear make-up! Adding the extra hydrating step to your ritual will help keep your skin dewy and fight the small patches of dryness that become more and more discouraging as we age.

Complete Lipid Restoring Oil - If you suffer from patches of skin that are dry, or persistent or intense itch, then you owe it to yourself to check out our Complete Lipid Restoring Oil. This oil-rich formula is filled with nutrients for your skin. This powerful formula is perfect for aging skin, so we placed in the Advanced Ageless collection, as it replenishes every lipid your 55+ skin craves.

Every Lipid Serum - The title says it all: our classic foundational lipid product contains 100% active ingredients and no fillers! All the healthy lipids you need in one place at a price that can’t be beaten for its emollience and ability to absorb into your skin. Great for spot treatment of stubborn dry patches, or daily use on your arms, legs and body. Try one today.