December 19, 2024

Best Facial Oils For Dry and Sensitive Skin

Having dry and sensitive skin is very common, especially around winter time due to the harsh temperatures and drying indoor heating. Having a weakened protective skin (or lipid) barrier is most likely the culprit behind advanced or extreme versions of this, as a compromised barrier allows moisture to escape easily, leading to dryness and making the skin more susceptible to irritation and sensitivity from external factors.

The solution? Repairing your skin’s protective barrier and restoring balance within your skin. The best way to do that is by: halting the use of any harsh products like strong acids, retinols, and Benzoyl Peroxide; using non-comedogenic, skin nourishing products; and using a facial oil.

In this blog, we are going to take a deep dive into how and why facial oils help repair your skin’s protective barrier and which ones to look for.

What Causes A Weakened Protective Skin Barrier?

A weakened protective skin barrier can result from a variety of internal and external factors. The skin barrier is the outermost layer of your skin that acts as a defense against environmental stressors, allergens, bacteria, pollutants, and moisture loss. When this barrier is compromised, it can lead to various skin issues like dryness, redness, irritation, inflammation, increased sensitivity, and even conditions like eczema, rosacea, or acne.

Here are some of the most common causes of a weakened protective skin barrier:

Harsh skincare products: Certain skincare products, especially those with strong active ingredients (like retinoids, alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs), or beta hydroxy acids (BHAs)), can be too aggressive for the skin and strip away the natural oils.
Over-exfoliation: Scrubbing the skin too frequently or using abrasive exfoliants (e.g., physical scrubs or harsh acids) can damage the skin barrier, causing microtears and compromising its ability to protect the skin.
Cold weather: Cold, dry air can strip moisture from the skin, leading to dryness and irritation. Windy conditions also make the skin more prone to damage.
Under-cleansing: Not cleansing your skin properly, particularly after exposure to makeup, sunscreen, or pollutants, can allow debris to build up, creating an environment for bacteria to thrive and disrupt the barrier.
Inadequate daily water intake
Unhealthy diet: A diet lacking in healthy fats, vitamins, or antioxidants can impair the skin's ability to repair and maintain its barrier.

Why Choose A Facial Oil for Dry and Sensitive Skin?

Facial oils are incredibly effective at delivering the hydration your skin craves while also helping to restore the skin’s natural barrier. However, not all oils are suitable for sensitive skin, and the wrong one can lead to irritation or breakouts. So, what kind of facial oil is best for super dry and sensitive skin? Let’s take a deep dive into the oils that will provide hydration, soothe irritation, and leave your skin feeling nourished without causing further issues.

The Best Facial Oils for Dry and Sensitive Skin

The key to finding the right facial oil for dry and sensitive skin is selecting oils that are lightweight, non-comedogenic (won’t clog pores), rich in soothing and nourishing properties, and don’t include artificial or synthetic fragrance. These oils should not only hydrate, but also help calm inflammation, reduce redness, and support the skin’s natural healing process.

You might often see that any skincare containing fragrance is not great for sensitive skin. A key thing to point out here is that this is usually due to synthetic fragrances. If you know our Beauty Shamans oils, you know that they have a very strong and beautiful scent, but rest assured that our formulas use natural and organic essential oils, which (unless the person is severely sensitive to them) usually HELP sensitive skin because they are naturally anti-inflammatory, antiseptic and antibacterial.

Here’s a breakdown of the top facial oils that work wonders for super dry and sensitive skin. Many of these oils are integrated into our Beauty Shamans product formulas and would be great for your skin. You can take a look at the ingredients list of each product before buying!

1. Rosehip Oil -- The Skin-Reviving Hydrator: Rosehip oil is packed with essential fatty acids (omega-3 and omega-6), vitamin A, and antioxidants that can help restore hydration, improve skin texture, and promote healing. Its regenerative properties are great for dry skin that is also irritated or inflamed. Rosehip oil is gentle yet effective, making it suitable for even the most sensitive skin types.

Benefits:

Hydrates deeply and restores the skin’s moisture barrier.
Calms irritation and reduces redness due to its anti-inflammatory properties.
Contains vitamin A, which promotes healthy skin cell turnover and helps with skin regeneration.

Best for: Dry, sensitive skin that also needs healing and rejuvenation.

You can find Rosehip Oil in our Ritual Oil

2. Jojoba Oil -- The Gentle Moisturizer: Jojoba oil closely resembles the natural sebum our skin produces, making it incredibly gentle and non-comedogenic. It works to hydrate and balance the skin without causing irritation. For dry and sensitive skin, jojoba oil helps to restore moisture while also preventing further dehydration by locking it in.

Benefits:

Hydrates without being heavy or greasy.
Balances oil production, which can be beneficial for sensitive skin that’s prone to both dryness and oiliness.
Soothes irritation and provides a barrier against environmental stressors.

Best for: Dry, sensitive, or combination skin that needs a lightweight, balancing oil.

You can find Jojoba Oil in our Cleansing Beauty Oil

3. Squalene Oil -- The Moisture Sealer: Squalene is a lightweight, non-irritating oil that mimics the skin’s natural oils, making it one of the best choices for sensitive skin. It’s a powerful moisture sealer that helps lock in hydration without feeling heavy or greasy. It’s gentle enough for even the most reactive skin, making it a perfect solution for dryness and irritation.

Benefits:

Hydrates and locks in moisture without clogging pores.
Soothes and calms redness or irritation.
Protects the skin barrier, helping to prevent further moisture loss.

Best for: Sensitive, dry skin that needs hydration without the risk of irritation.

You can find Squalane Oil in any of our Omega Oils…

Goddess Omega Oil

Clear Glow Omega Oil

C Weed Omega Oil

4. Argan Oil -- The Nourishing, Anti-Aging Oil: Argan oil is rich in vitamin E, essential fatty acids, and antioxidants, making it an excellent choice for dry, irritated skin. It’s known for its deep moisturizing properties and can help restore the skin’s elasticity, giving it a soft and supple feel. It also has anti-inflammatory properties, making it perfect for calming sensitive skin.

Benefits:

Deeply nourishes and hydrates dry skin.
Reduces inflammation and calms irritation.
Improves skin elasticity and has anti-aging properties.

Best for: Dry, sensitive, and mature skin that needs deep nourishment and anti-aging benefits.

You can find Argan Oil in our Cleansing Beauty Oil

5. Hemp Seed Oil -- The Hydrating Powerhouse: Hemp Seed Oil is packed with essential fatty acids, including omega-3 and omega-6, which help maintain the skin’s moisture barrier, repair dry skin, and reduce irritation. It also has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, making it a great option for calming sensitive skin.

Benefits:

Helps keep the skin hydrated without clogging pores
Reduces inflammation and calms irritation.
Supports the skin’s moisture barrier

Best for: Dry, sensitive, and acne-prone skin

You can find Hemp Seed Oil in our Cleansing Beauty Oil

6. Sunflower Oil -- The Redness Reducer: Sunflower oil is rich in linoleic acid (an essential fatty acid) and vitamin E, both of which help to nourish, hydrate, and protect dry skin. It’s also non-comedogenic, making it suitable for those with sensitive or acne-prone skin. The oil’s high vitamin E content helps to reduce skin redness, soothe irritation, and improve the skin’s elasticity.

Benefits: