Not all oils are made equal - they differ hugely but you can find one that suits your skin type, be it oily or sensitive. It is the chemical content, including Omega content and ratio, that can set oils apart.

If you have dry skin

Dry skin is characterised by hereditary small pores which therefore produce less protective and moisturising sebum. All oils benefit dry skin types but those that contain high oleic acid, such as Camellia Oil which contains a huge 85%, and nutritious Avocados Oil, one of the best beauty-boosting foods there is, are particularly beneficial. These oils tend to be thicker.

You can find Camellia Oil on our Universal Hyaluronic Acid and Citylife Facial Mist. Avocado Oil can be found on Cupids Bow and Citylife I-Zone Lip & Eye Balm.

If you have oily skin

Using an oil to treat oily skin often seems contradictory, but it balances over productive sebum production. Oily skin types, including acne prone, have higher levels of oleic acid (omega 9), than linoleic (omega 6), so look for oils high in linoleic acid to balance out healthy sebum production. Evening Primrose (72% linoleic) and Rosehip Seed Oil (44% linoleic) are my favourite.

We have included Rosehip Seed Oil in 2 of our moisturisers: Nutri-Active Day Cream and Bedtime Beauty Boost.

What oil should dull skin types look to for more radiance?

All oils will replenish the lipid barrier for greater luminosity, clarity, repaired barrier and a healthy gleam. Additionally the physical action or massaging an oil into the skin boosts circulation and brings fresh nutrients to the skin cells – again boosting radiance, energy and toning the facial muscles.

If you have mature skin

Rose Hip Seed Oil is fantastically high in natural Vitamin A which helps regenerate and repair. It is ideal for all skin types, but particularly brilliant for sun damaged, mature or scared skin. It’s high in linolenic acid so wont clog pores – in fact it’s pretty much the No 1 oil for everyone.

We have included Rosehip Seed Oil in our body treatment Renaissance Body Treatment Milk. 

If your skin is hormonal

Topical oils sadly can’t effect our hormone levels, but Tamanu oil can sooth and repair many of the issues associated with hormonal skin. It’s another of the ‘super oils’ as it regenerates and heals skin, ideal for all skin types, but can be used to treat most skin conditions from acne, scars & sun damage. Unlike other oils it contains some unique chemicals, including calophyllic acid, and an antibiotic lactone and anti-inflammatory called calophyllolide.

If your skin is sensitive

Echium oil is fantastic for sensitive skin, including eczema. It contains one of the highest amounts of omega 3, the anti-inflammatory omega, plus Gamma Linolenic Acid (GLA) and an amazing 14% of Stearidonic Acid (SA), which really sets it apart from other oils (the next in line is Blackcurrant Oil which has 3%).  SA reduces skin inflammation and has been found to inhibit the action of an enzyme thought to be responsible for eczema flare ups. 

We have included Echium in 2 of our skin treatments: Restoration Oil and Super-R.