The Benefits of Skin Oils: Why You Should Add Them (and How)

I’ve worked with clients with every kind of skin concern, flaky cheeks, dullness, hormonal breakouts, those little under-eye lines that sneak up when you smile. And I can tell you one thing with full confidence:

If you pick the best face oil for your skin type and use it the right way, it can completely change how your skin looks and feels.

Let’s get into the how, why, and which oil is best for face.

TL;DR - Quick Summary

• Skin oils help repair the moisture barrier, mimic natural sebum, and lock in hydration.
• Choose oils based on your skin type:
• Dry skin: Almond oil, Avocado oil, Kumkumadi oil, Rosehip oil
• Oily/acne-prone skin: Jojoba oil, Grapeseed oil, Tea Tree oil, Hemp Seed oil
• Anti-aging: Sea Buckthorn, Argan, Marula, Kumkumadi
• Face oils are not moisturisers; they seal hydration and boost the performance of serums and actives.
• Apply 2–3 drops after toner/serum and press into the skin for best absorption.
• Face oils are effective for oil cleansing and removing makeup without damaging the skin barrier.
• With regular use, oils improve glow, smoothness, fine lines, pigmentation, and uneven tone.
• Kumkumadi oil is especially beneficial for Indian skin when used in pure, Ayurvedic formulations.

Why Our Skin Craves Oil (Even When It’s Oily)

You may not realise this, but your skin already produces oil. It’s called sebum, and it keeps your skin soft, elastic, and protected.

Now imagine you wash your face with a foaming cleanser twice a day. Then apply toner, serum, moisturiser. You think you’ve done everything right. But your skin still feels dry or tight.

That’s because you removed your natural oil... but didn’t give it anything similar back.

This is where skin oils come in. They mimic your skin’s natural sebum, fill the gaps in your moisture barrier, and help hold water inside your skin, especially at night when your skin is doing most of its repair work.

Think of face oils as your skin’s safety blanket.

So Which Oil Is Best for Face? Depends on Your Skin Story

Everyone wants to know one thing: which oil is best for face glow?

But here’s the thing. The answer changes based on your skin type, concern, climate, and even your lifestyle.

Let’s break it down like a skincare therapist would.

If you have dry, dull, stretchy skin:

You need rich, deeply nourishing oils.

• Almond oil
• Avocado oil
• Kumkumadi oil (especially good for pigmentation and glow)
• Rosehip oil (great for uneven tone)

Look for the best face oil for dry skin that contains fatty acids and Vitamin E. These oils soak in beautifully without making your face look shiny.

If your skin is oily or acne-prone:

Sounds weird, but oils can still help. You just need lightweight, balancing ones.

• Jojoba oil (very close to natural sebum)
• Grapeseed oil
• Tea tree oil (helps with acne)
• Hemp seed oil

Don’t worry, these won’t block your pores. In fact, they tell your skin, “Relax, we’ve got enough oil, you don’t need to produce more.”

If your concern is ageing or fine lines:

• Sea buckthorn oil
• Argan oil
• Kumkumadi tailam (saffron-based, brightens and softens skin)
• Marula oil

If you’re looking for the best face oils for anti aging, start here.

Real Talk: Oils Aren’t Moisturisers. They’re Better.

Here’s where many people get confused.

Your moisturiser is like your water bottle. It adds hydration.

Your face oil? That’s your bottle cap. It keeps the hydration from escaping.

So you need both, but the order matters. Apply oil after your water-based products, or mix 2 drops into your moisturiser. That way, your skin gets the drink and the seal.

Especially if you use actives like retinol or Vitamin C, a good oil can reduce irritation and lock in all the goodness.

How to Use a Face Oil Without Feeling Greasy

I hear this from clients all the time.

“I tried face oil once, and my face felt sticky.”

Let me guess. You used five drops instead of two. And didn’t press it in.

Here’s the correct way:

• Wash your face with a gentle cleanser
• Apply your toner or mist
• Use your serum (optional)
• Take 2 to 3 drops of oil, rub between your palms, and press onto face. Don’t rub. Just press.
• Seal with moisturiser if needed

At night, oil can be your final step. In the morning, if your skin is dry, mix a drop of oil into your sunscreen or BB cream.

And yes, oils sit beautifully under makeup if you give them 5 minutes to settle.

The Surprising Secret: You Can Clean Your Face With Oil

Yes, really. It’s called oil cleansing.

Your makeup remover wipes may be ruining your skin barrier. Try this instead:

• Take 3–4 drops of a lightweight oil like jojoba or grapeseed
• Massage onto dry skin for 60 seconds
• Add a little warm water, massage again
• Wipe off with a soft, damp towel

You’ll be shocked how well this skin oil cleanser removes waterproof mascara, sunscreen, pollution, and gunk, without leaving your face dry.

Benefits of Using Face Oils Daily (Not Just Sometimes)

If you’ve ever wondered what real difference a face oil makes, let me tell you what I’ve seen in clients over the years.

Within 1 week:

• Skin feels less dry and tight
• Makeup goes on smoother
• Overall softness improves

Within 3 weeks:

• Fine lines begin to look softer
• Dark spots start fading
• Skin tone evens out
• That natural glow shows up even without cream

Within 2 months:

• Skin looks fresher even after long days
• You need less concealer and foundation
• People start asking, “What are you using?”

And you won’t get this from oils full of fragrance, mineral oil, or harsh preservatives. You need something pure. Ayurvedic if possible. Cold-pressed. And suited to your skin’s needs.

Let’s Talk Kumkumadi: The Heritage Hero of Face Oils

There’s a reason why every serious skin expert swears by Kumkumadi oil.

It’s a classical Ayurvedic blend that has stood the test of time. Packed with ingredients like saffron, almond oil, sandalwood, and licorice, it’s designed to:

• Lighten pigmentation
• Reduce dark circles
• Even out uneven skin tone
• Improve skin texture
• Give you a golden glow over time

If you’re looking for the best kumkumadi oil for face, make sure it doesn’t contain added perfumes or fillers.

So, Which Brand Can You Trust?

You’ve heard the horror stories. People buying fancy oils only to realise it’s diluted with paraffin or perfume.

Here’s one I do trust, Soulflower.

Their Kumkumadi Tailam Oil is:

• 100 percent pure and vegetarian
• No parabens, silicones, or mineral oil
• Made with real saffron and cold-pressed almond oil
• Designed for all Indian skin tones

It also smells like real Ayurvedic herbs, not some artificial rosewater.

💡 Tip: If you’re new to oils, start with night-time use. Apply 2–3 drops of Soulflower Kumkumadi after cleansing. Let your skin drink it in while you sleep. Within two weeks, you’ll see a softness and clarity that no cream can fake.

And if you’re someone dealing with pigmentation from past acne or sun damage, this oil can become your new best friend.

Quick Recap for the Curious Mind

• Face oils are not optional. They’re essential if you want glowing, healthy skin.
• Choose your oil based on your skin concern. Don’t blindly follow trends.
• Layer oils the right way, always on clean, damp skin
• Oils are amazing for cleansing, anti-aging, repairing and glow
• Kumkumadi is ideal for Indian skin. Just pick a pure, trusted brand like Soulflower.

Final Words: Don’t Be Afraid of Face Oils. Be Curious.

Oils are not just for dry skin or grandmas. They are the future of simplified, powerful skincare. You don’t need ten products and a fridge full of sheet masks.

You need to understand your skin’s signals. And sometimes, all it’s asking for is a few drops of balance.

If you’ve tried everything and still feel your skin isn’t listening, give it an oil that speaks its language.

Start with the right one. Start small. And let your skin tell you the rest.

And if you're looking to start strong?

Soulflower Kumkumadi Tailam Oil is that one bottle I’d happily recommend to anyone starting this beautiful skin oil journey.