Optima Magazine

Mary Linehan reports on the wise choice for peachy skin

Decleor was my introduction to facial oils. At the time, my combination skin was particularly sensitive, and my T-zone was pretty active, so when the beautician recommended applying aromatherapy oils, I baulked. Oil-on-oil – I didn’t think so. It was probably the best piece of beauty advice I’ve ever had.
Decleor was one of few brands with facial oils then. In these skincare-enlightened times, there are plenty more. And I couldn’t be happier.

Usually, facial oils are formulated using plant or fruit oils as a base to which all the wonderful pure aromatherapeutic oils and plant extracts are added. Most common of these bases are jojoba, sweet almond oil, olive oil and coconut oil. Jojoba is considered to be closest to sebum, the skin’s own natural lubrication, so it’s most easily absorbed. But there’s also a raft of fantastic newer oils such as hemp, or marula.

One beauty of these various base oils is their chemical composition. Rich in antioxidants, omegas and GLA (gamma linoleic acid), they nourish and protect against environmental damage and aging, are a rich lubricant and help the skin retain moisture. With regular use, you’ll find your skin is much more plumped up and silky.

The added blends of essential oils, absolutes and botanicals such as evening primrose oil, and the particular benefits they provide really bring facial oils into their own. And is anything quite as uplifting and euphoric as beautifully blended pure essential oils and absolutes?

According to skincare experts, facial oil molecules are very small, so they are more easily absorbed and less likely to clog pores – great even for oily skin. Just remember, use them sparingly as instructed.

My top ten personal favourites, including contacts for stockist details

Darphin Rose Aromatic Oil (£37.19): slightly ‘drier’ texture, recommended for use under your moisturiser to boost efficacy. Made with GLA-rich evening primrose and sweet almond oil.

Call 0870 034 2566

Clarins Blue Orchid Face Treatment Oil (£28.38): with rosewood and patchouli to revitalise and soften.

Call 0800 036 3558

Ole Henriksen Blackcurrant Complexion Oil (£40): boosts the skin’s metabolism and provide environmental protection.

Call 020 7235 5000

Nude Replenishing Night Oil (£42): an eco-star, rich in omegas 3,6, and 9, with cranberry, nigella, vanilla and rose absolute.

Call 0800 634 4366

This Works Active Oil (£35.00:a rich blend of Fair Trade marula oil, sweet cherry and essential oils of tuberose, jasmine and chamomile to rehydrate, calm and tone.

Call 020 7584 1887

Neals Yard Orange Flower Facial Oil (£19.95): a blend of evening primrose oil, pomegranate, orange flower and mandarin essential oils to protect and regenerate.

Call 0845 262 3145

Wuchi By Maks Rose Facial Oil (£25.90): a truly beautiful and very rich oil with rosehip and rose otto, so especially good for dry or mature skin.

Call 0870 413 2685

E’Spa Replenishing Face Treatment Oil (£46): neroli, rose otto and patchouli are beautifully blended to rejuvenate, soothe and replenish neglected skin.

www.espaonline.com

Cowshed Cranberry Seed Rejuvenating Facial Oil (£35): rich in antioxidant vitamins and omega oils, rose absolute and neroli.

www.cowshedonline.com

Aromatherapy Associates Balance Lavender & Ylang Ylang (£25.90): balancing, reparative and regenerative with lavender, ylang ylang and the ubiquitous rose

Call 020 8569 7030