Why you should add oils to your skincare routine –all the benefits:

• Pure natural organic plant oils can nourish, heal and rejuvenate the skin. They are much more readily absorbed by the skin and are less likely to block the pores compared to lotions.
• Nearly all pure organic oils are high in vitamin E, which means they are packed with antioxidants, and also contain essential fatty acids. All of these are essential for cell renewal, moisturizing and harmonizing the skin.
• Facial oils are helpful for keeping skin’s vital hydration locked in, and even people with oily skin can benefit from using them.
• Oils are gentle and natural, and they will not irritate your skin. Using oils on oily skin can help regulate sebum production (just make sure they are the types of oils that will not clog your pores).
• A lot of people don't want to use natural oils as part of their skincare routine because there is a misconception that all oils will clog the pores. This is not true. Oils can help stabilize and regulate the overproduction of sebum and actually help get rid of acne.
• All oils are not equal. The quality of the oil you choose to put on your face is extremely important. GOB Skincare oils are selectively assessed and selected – they are in their purest form – meaning organic or wild crafting, non-GMO, and without additives, preservatives, fragrance, dyes or chemicals. All GOB Skincare oils are 100% pure, natural, organic, cold pressed and unrefined.

How do you determine which oils to use for your skin type or skin concern?

There are many amazing benefits from using oils as part of your skincare routine, but the key is to use the oils that are right for your skin type and can address your specific skin concern. How to select the right oil for you depends on your skin type and your skin concern. You need to consider two aspects of the oil's composition when choosing an oil for your skin:
1) the level and type of fatty acid; and
2) the comedogenic level.

There are two main fatty acids usually found in plant oils: linoleic acid and oleic acid. Generally, oils higher in oleic acid are better for dry skin types; they are heavier and richer than oils high in linoleic acid. Oils high in oleic acid can clog the pores of those susceptible to acne. Non-comedogenic oils tend to have a high linoleic acid content. The skin epidermis and sebum are made up of lipids, and oils and fats are made up of these lipids. Lipids are composed of fatty acid. So if you skin needs more lipids, you give it more fatty acids. Oils are a rich source of fatty acids, which makes them highly nourishing for the skin. When you lack lipids, your skin loses strength and softness. Your skin barrier becomes more susceptible to damage and irritation.
It is the combination and percentages of these fatty acids in the composition of each oil that will make it suitable for one skin type over another.

Oleic acid – highly moisturizing, absorbs well, regenerative, anti-inflammatory (richer and heavier)

Linoleic acid – helps reduce acne, retains moisture, strengthens the skin's barrier function, anti-inflammatory

Oily skin types will prefer lighter oils higher in linoleic acid such as Safflower, Rosehip and Jojoba. Dry skin types will prefer oils higher in oleic acid such as Sweet Almond or Argan.
The other thing to consider when using oils on the skin is their comedogenic rating. This indicates how likely it is that your pores will become clogged when using a moisturizer. A zero rating equates to zero likelihood clogged pores, while a higher rating means there is more of a chance of clogging and possible irritation and inflammation of the skin. Generally, the higher the rating, the richer and thicker the oil, the better it is to use as a moisturizer, but also the more it can clog the pores. Thus, these higher rated oils are better options for body care than for face care. Click here to find out the comedogenic level and acid types for all GOB Skincare oils.

10 important rules when using organic oils on your skin:

1. Always conduct a spot test to see if your skin reacts adversely to any new product.
2. Start out by trying non-comedogenic oils.
3. Buy pure organic oils rather than infusions (to avoid any negative reaction to preservatives or additives). Look for good quality organic, cold/hand pressed, extra virgin and, even better, CO2 extracted oils.
4. Pay attention to shelf life and avoid rancid oils (keep your oils refrigerated or in a cool/dry place to prevent rancidity).
5. Essential oils (distilled plant oils) can be harsh and should be diluted with a carrier oil (vegetable oils) before they are applied to the skin.
6. Those who are pregnant or might become pregnant should avoid external and internal use of certain essential oils.
7. Select one main carrier oil and try it out for at least 2 weeks. It's all about trial and error – try using amounts and ratios to find out which oils work best for your skin type.
8. For facial oils – buy a maximum of 30 to 50 ml of the highest quality oils. You only need to use few drops, so a bottle will normally last about 6 to 12 weeks.
9. Use the right type of oil for your skin type – and, even more importantly, use it the right way.
10. Facial oils should not replace a good natural organic cream but should complement it.