Facial oils for all skin types

• Shine be gone

  Don’t be scared to use a facial oil if you have an oily skin type - Aromatherapy Associates Refining Facial Oil, £39 (020 8569 7030) includes ylang ylang, which can bring skin into balance by regulating sebaceous activity, while lavender has antiseptic and cell regenerating properties.  

  Use morning and night after cleansing and toning; massage one to two pumps over the face and neck with fingertips.

• Home and dry

  Treat stressed, dry skin to instant hydration with Champneys Spa Facial Moisturising Facial Oil, £15 (Boots stores nationwide), which contains rejuvenating rosehip seed oil as well as safflower and raspberry seed oils to nourish while leaving skin looking fresh and radiant.

  This luxurious oil is packed with the Essential Fatty Acids needed for improving moisture retention and elasticity; for extra hydration, apply and leave overnight.

• Damage limitation

  If skin is aged, damaged or dry, it could well benefit from Natio Ageless Organic Rosehip Oil, £13.60 (available from Debenhams and Tesco). 'This oil contains a powerhouse of rich antioxidants and vitamins,' says Susheel Gandhi, Natio Product Development manager.

  'Clinical tests show that rosehip oil can play a vital role in the repair and regeneration of skin cells, and used regularly fine lines, wrinkles, pigmentation and sun damage can be diminished.' It’s also ideal for sensitive skins.

• Delicate flower

  Many of us identify with sensitive skin, so if you’re the fragile type, reach for Comfort Zone Skin Resonance Remedy Oil, £37. The Skin Resonance range has been designed to transform the complexion over time from fragile to normal, and Remedy Oil is delicate, calming and intensively soothing on the skin.

  Celeb fans of Comfort Zone include Emma Watson and Yasmin Le Bon, both of which have enviably flawless skin (which tells you all you need to know).

• On the line

  If you’re concerned about fine lines and wrinkles, why not try Green People Anti-Ageing Facial Oil, £16.95 which contains 99% certified organic ingredients and is suitable for all skin types.

  'After hydrating the face with toner or a splash of cold water, apply the oil sparingly over the face and neck with a light tapping motion,' recommends Charlotte Vohtz, founder of Green People. 'Then gently stroke the oil over the skin, starting at the base of the neck and working upwards and outwards to the forehead and temples. Allow the oil time to soak in, then blot off any excess with a tissue.'

• New age

  Also on the anti-ageing tip, Just Be Radiant Treatment Oil, £34.95, contains high natural concentrations of Vitamins A, C and E which work at a cellular level to apparently restore and actually reverse the signs of ageing. Also included in the blend are essential oils of patchouli and rosewood which help stimulate the formation of new skin cells.

• Best balance

  Another great pick for combination and oily skin types is Balanced & Beautiful, £22.55 – this cult oil from British natural and organic skincare brand, Angela Langford, is packed full of active raw materials high in skin-loving Omega 3 & 6, as well as wrinkle warrior antioxidants Q10 and Vitamins A and E. Balancing ingredients include kiwi and rosehip, while pore refiners include cypress, juniper and lemongrass.

• Exotic blend

  Terre d’Oc Anti-Ageing Elixir, £32.95 contains argan, prickly pear oils and date extract, and is reputed to be inspired by Moroccan beauty secrets. Firming and anti-ageing, it’s ideal for rehydrating and enhancing skin regeneration.

  Pascale Ruberti, Research & Development, Terre d’Oc says: 'Incredibly rich in Essential Fatty Acids, antioxidants and carotenes, argan oil is exceptionally moisturising, balancing skin’s natural pH level and replenishing essential nutrients, helping skin to stay supple.'

• Swedish massage

  Beautifully packaged and ideal for dry, mature skin is Estelle & Thild Rose Otto Age Prevent Facial Oil, £44. This Scandinavian eco-organic hero product can help prevent premature ageing with powerful vitamins, fatty acids and anti-oxidants including lingonberry seed oil, jojoba oil and decadent rose otto oil.

  For best results, Pernilla Ronnberg, founder and CEO of Estelle & Thild recommends warming 2-3 pumps between the palms and applying with short, upward motions starting at the neck, ensuring that the product is fully absorbed into the skin.

• Pure proposition

  Pure and genuinely 100% natural, Innocent Oils Hemp Seed Oil, from £6.99, has been touted as being wondrous for sensitive and dry skins, as well as those suffering from eczema, psoriasis and rosacea.  

  The not-so-secret ingredient is hemp seed oil, which is chock full of anti-oxidants, carotene, phyto-sterols and phospholipids as well as a number of vitamins and minerals, all of which are highly beneficial to the health and radiance of the skin.

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