Facial Oils and Skin Health: Understanding When They Help — and When They Hinder
Facial oils have become one of the most talked-about skincare products in recent years. From social media trends to luxury beauty campaigns, oils are often promoted as the secret to glowing, youthful skin.
While facial oils can be beneficial when used correctly, they are also one of the most misunderstood products in modern skincare. At Skinportant Clinic, we frequently see clients whose routines are unintentionally working against their skin — simply because oils are being used in the wrong way.
Understanding how facial oils interact with the skin is essential for achieving long-term balance, hydration and barrier health.
How Facial Oils Work on the Skin
Facial oils are primarily made up of lipids — fats that sit on the surface of the skin. Their main role is not to hydrate, but to reduce moisture loss by forming a protective layer.
This layer helps slow down transepidermal water loss, the natural evaporation of moisture from the skin. In doing so, oils can help keep skin feeling soft, comfortable and supple.
However, because oils contain no water, they do not increase hydration levels within the skin. Without adequate hydration underneath, oil alone cannot improve skin health — it can only seal in what is already there.
This distinction is crucial when building an effective skincare routine.
Why Facial Oils Can Prevent Products from Absorbing Properly
When facial oil is applied too early in a routine, it creates a water-repellent barrier on the skin’s surface.
Most serums and moisturisers are water-based. When applied over oil, these products struggle to spread and absorb evenly. Instead, they may sit on the surface, feel greasy, pill, or appear ineffective.
This often leads clients to believe their skincare “isn’t working”, when in reality the layering order is preventing the skin from receiving what it needs.
Used incorrectly, facial oils can unintentionally reduce the performance of otherwise excellent products.
The Role of Facial Oils in Barrier Support
Your skin barrier relies on a balance of water and lipids to function properly. When this balance is disrupted, the skin becomes dry, sensitive and reactive.
Well-formulated facial oils can support barrier repair by replenishing lost lipids and improving surface smoothness. This is particularly beneficial for mature, menopausal, post-treatment or environmentally stressed skin.
When the barrier is supported, the skin becomes more resilient, less inflamed and better able to retain moisture.
At Skinportant, barrier health is always prioritised before introducing more active treatments.
Recognising When Oils Are Not Suitable
Facial oils are not suitable for every skin type.
In clients who are prone to congestion, acne, milia or excessive oil production, facial oils can trap debris within the pores and worsen breakouts.
Signs that oils may not be serving the skin include increased congestion, persistent shine, textured bumps, recurring breakouts and a heavy or suffocated skin feeling.
This is why personalised consultation is essential. Skincare should always be guided by how the skin behaves — not by trends.
The Correct Order for Using Facial Oil
When facial oils are used, they should be applied as the final step in the evening routine.
The correct sequence is:
- Cleanse
- Hydrate and treat (toner, serum, targeted products)
- Moisturise
- Facial oil (lightly pressed into the skin)
Used last, oil acts as a protective seal that locks in hydration and strengthens the barrier overnight.
Applying oil before moisturiser disrupts this process and reduces overall effectiveness.
In most cases, we advise limiting oil use to the evening and avoiding it in the morning, particularly when sunscreen is applied.
Benefits of Facial Oils When Used Correctly
When selected and applied appropriately, facial oils can offer valuable support to the skin.
They can improve surface smoothness, enhance comfort, reduce moisture loss and give the skin a healthy, rested appearance. Many natural oils also contain antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds that support repair processes.
For dry, mature or barrier-impaired skin, oils can be a helpful addition when used thoughtfully and in moderation.
They are not essential — but they can be supportive.
Simplicity Over Excess
One of the most common mistakes we see is layering too many products without understanding their function.
Healthy skin is built through balance, not overload.
A well-structured routine focusing on cleansing, hydration, barrier repair and protection will always outperform a complex routine filled with unnecessary steps.
Facial oil should complement this foundation — not replace it.
Choosing the Right Products for Your Skin
Not all oils are equal. Some are lightweight and skin-compatible, while others are heavy and highly occlusive.
Selecting the right product depends on skin type, lifestyle, climate, hormonal changes and existing conditions.
At Skinportant, product recommendations are always based on detailed analysis and ongoing review. Your skin’s needs today may not be the same as they were six months ago — and your routine should evolve accordingly.
Supporting Long-Term Skin Health
Skincare is not about chasing trends or quick fixes. It is about understanding how the skin functions and supporting it consistently.
Facial oils are neither miracle products nor unnecessary extras. Used correctly, they can enhance comfort and resilience. Used incorrectly, they can slow progress and create imbalance.
Our role is not to sell products — it is to educate, guide and protect your skin’s long-term health.
With the right knowledge, structure and professional support, your skincare routine becomes a tool for resilience, confidence and lasting results.
