The festive celebrations are on their way and even though it might be not as cold, battling with dry skin is quite common.

Of late, facial oils, the newest additions of the ageing arsenal, are making their presence felt. Face oils plump your skin with moisture, resulting in hydrated and balanced skin without exposing it to chemicals found in moisturizers. Natural oils like almond, olive and coconut have been known to offer many benefits. Here are some of them-

- Oils keep skin from drying and helps avoid 'trans-epidermal water loss', which is a lot better than creams. The idea behind picking the right face oils is to choose something light and layer it with your regular moisturizing lotion.

- Cosmetic dermatologist Meghna Gupta, says, Good skincare regime combines both creams and oils, and how they perform differently on the skin. Oils are not necessarily more natural and organic than creams, it completely depends on the type of oils and the cream one uses. Facial creams are better when it comes to smooth and spreads better. In that regard, sesame, sweet almond olive and jojoba blend are perfect for super parched skin. While it quenches your skin fast, it's also light and can double up as a good winter makeup base if want to go for the dewy glow.

- If you apply an oil at the start of your day, dust and pollution will interact with the skin more than it would with a cream. The best time to apply the same thus, is post the morning shower after cleaning your face. At night, a little oil after cleansing also helps.

- If you have ultra-dry skin, massage in some face oil and layer over it with rich moisturizer.

- Make face oils a part of your beauty regime if you are looking to have healthier and younger-looking skin without exposing it to chemicals, toxins or harsh treatments.

- Oils have a more tangible effect on the skin. Dermatologist Geeta Oberoi says, Natural oils contain fatty acids that are important in maintaining the skin barrier. Linoleic acid, an omega-6 fatty acid present in sunflower, safflower, and other oils, is an example of an essential fatty acid that must be obtained from the diet or through topical applications.


Source: Times of India

BDST: 1549 HRS, DEC- 24, 2015
Edited by:  Sharmina Islam, Lifestyle Editor