You’re Doing It Wrong: Fear Face Oils No More

It's a summer essential, after all

It's hard to hate on summertime: shorter workdays, sunnier skies, beachy hair. Sign us up!

On the flip side, however, what we're not particularly fond of is excessive sweating, which, more often than not, leads to oily skin and unwelcome breakouts.

If your version of blemish control includes drying out your skin with harsh topicals, we have some news for you: You're doing wrong.

When it comes to maintaining a clear complexion, avoiding face oils is the biggest error. "You are robbing your skin of a great ingredient that will enhance hydration, control oil production, protect the skin against photo-aging and increase circulation," clarified celeb aesthetician Joanna Vargas.

So if this summer you want dewy supple skin like Hilary Duff and Gigi Hadid, the celeb expert is talking about the one product you can't afford to go without. 

Reconsider Face Oils: If you're anti-face oil, listen up. For just a minute, consider the idea that face oils are actually the one thing your skincare routine might be missing. "I love oils for skin, and we use them on everyone (even acne clients) in the salon," assured the pro.

Test Out Different Types: Especially if you're not used to using face oil, you're likely confused about what type to use. If you're a newbie, the pro recommended starting with one of the most common types, Jojoba oil or Argan oil, like Josie Maran 100 Percent Pure Argan Oil. "They are great for the skin no matter the skin condition," she shared. If you're branching out, avocado oil hydrates without clogging, Rosehip oil is great for protecting the skin against photo-aging and Neroli oil is amazing for your circulation. Feel free to mix it up!

Most Face Oils Are Universal: Like with any skin-care product, it takes a bit of trial and error to find your favorite one that jives best with your skin. Whether you choose a serum or a pure oil, Vargas assured that most oils are pretty safe for all skin types. The only oil to say clear of? Essential oils. "They are stronger and don't work for everyone," she said.

Don't Strip Your Skin, Hydrate It: We know, we know...when you're breaking out or having skin issues, it's really tempting to zap the problem with harsh topical products. It sounds counter-intuitive, but drying out your skin with glycolic acids and retinols is actually less effective than adding moisture back in with oils. "We now know that eliminating all of the oil on the surface of the skin will just signal the skin to produce more oil," pointed out the pro. This is why, if you've stop using a glycolic acid, your skin automatically reverts back to its acne-prone ways.

It's Like Food For Your Skin: Not unlike your favorite green juice, look for a serum that has oil as an ingredient, like Joanna Vargas' Rejuvenating Serum, or a straight-up oil that is cold pressed and organic. You skin needs to be fed, too, and oils are essential fatty acids that will greatly benefit your complexion, whether you are eating them or applying them. "Some oils, like avocado or Argan, contain high doses of antioxidants, which we all need in our skin care," she explained.

Get the Most Bang for Your Buck: Again, finding the oil that you like best is where the work is. Once you've narrowed in on your favorite, make sure you're applying it properly for maximum benefits. "I use mine night and day, however if your skin is on the oily side then nighttime is the best time to use it," instructed the expert. As for how to apply it, follow this layering formula: toner, serum, face oil, day cream, sunscreen, makeup.

You're glowing already! 

Josie Maran 100 Percent Pure Argan Oil, $48; Joanna Vargas' Rejuvenating Serum, $100