Why Face Oils Work: My Favorite Treatment for Softer, Glowing Skin

by: Linda Robison / Facial Fitness Specialist

Face oils have become one of my favorite ways to hydrate and nourish aging skin—especially when dryness or dullness shows up. I avoided oils in my 20s (who didn’t?), but once I learned how the right oils work, I never looked back.

This guide is all about how I use face oils to cleanse, moisturize, and care for my skin, especially over 40.

It’s not a product roundup—just my go-to techniques and oil types I’ve tried and loved. (If you’re looking for specific clean beauty oil picks, I’ll link that too.)

benefits of face oils

Why use organic face oil

Natural plant-derived oils can soften and plump your skin—without clogging pores or making you greasy. They’re lightweight, deeply hydrating, and rich in nutrients that support aging skin.

Here’s what I love most:

  • They double as a cleanser and moisturizer
  • They calm dry, reactive, or flaky skin
  • They’re perfect after face peels or dermaplaning

Just make sure you’re using high-quality oils that are cold-pressed, wildcrafted, or organic. (And skip anything meant for cooking or synthetic fragrances.)

Plus, they offer additional comfort after scrubs, chemical peels, dermaplaning or in instances where excessive use of retinols has led to dry and irritated skin.

How to Use Face Oils in Your Routine

Woman gently wiping her face with a towel after applying nourishing face oil

Start with clean skin. Place 2–4 drops of oil in your palms, warm it up, and gently press it into your skin. No need to rub—just let it soak in naturally.

1. Hydrating Treatment

Start with clean skin. Place 2–4 drops of oil in your palms, warm it up, and gently press it into your skin. No need to rub—just let it soak in naturally. I use it after serums, morning or night.

2. Makeup Removal

Yes, oils can break down waterproof makeup and even help unclog pores. Massage gently onto your face, then remove with a warm, damp cloth. You’ll be shocked how much grime it lifts off.

3. Facial Massage Base

I use richer oils for face massage—it helps tools glide better and improves circulation. My skin always looks plumper afterward.

What to look for in a good face oil

Choose oils that match your skin type:

  • Dry or mature: avocado, almond, argan, evening primrose
  • Oily or combo: grapeseed, jojoba, hemp seed
  • Sensitive: almond, calendula-infused, or unscented blends

Look for these labels:

  • Cold-pressed (no heat = more nutrients)
  • Organic or wildcrafted
  • Formulated for facial use

💬 “Facial oils are lipophilic (fat loving), so they effectively penetrate into the dermis to trap in hydration.” — Dr. Clair Chang, MD

Want to boost your oil routine? Essential oils like frankincense or rosehip can add wrinkle-fighting power—just make sure they’re properly diluted.

Some oils I've tried and loved

There are so many oils out there, and the best one depends on what your skin needs. Here are a few I’ve come back to over the years:

  • Jojoba: balances oil and never breaks me out
  • Grapeseed: light, fast-absorbing, and loaded with antioxidants
  • Almond: super gentle and great for massage
  • Evening Primrose: calming and helps with dryness

⭐ Try These Wildcrafted Favorites from Annmarie

  • Rejuvenating Facial Oil: Rich and luxurious—perfect for face massage and dry skin
  • Herbal Facial Oil (Sensitive): Ultra-gentle, unscented, and calming for reactive skin
  • Radiate Facial Oil: Balanced and glow-boosting, ideal for combo or dull skin

Want specific face oils for glow? I’ve got a whole page on Best Face Oils for Glowing Skin with wildcrafted clean beauty picks you can trust.

Final thoughts

If you’ve been hesitant to try oils, start small. Choose one that fits your skin needs and try it at night. It may take a little trial and error, but once you find the right one, it can seriously simplify your routine.

Face oils hydrate, cleanse, soothe, and nourish—all in one step. And for women 40+, that’s a win.

Let me know if you’ve found one you love!

Looking for Ayurvedic face oils?

Consider trying iYURA Kesaradi oil if your interested in authentic Ayurveda oils that are clean and free of additives, chemicals, binders and never tested on animals. These pair especially well the Kansa Face Massage Wand.

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About the Author:
Linda Robison is a Facial Fitness Specialist and the founder of Anti-Aging Beauty Zone. She shares expert insights on skincare, facial rejuvenation, and beauty treatments—blending traditional wisdom, personal experience, and science-backed research for both at-home and in-office solutions.

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