The trend toward natural products, an eco-friendly lifestyle, diet, and natural skincare has remained unwavering for several years, consistently generating positive emotions, even among those with problematic skin who, out of habit, tended to gravitate toward pharmacy products. Since then, plant oils have become an essential part of skincare for many. While oils can cause more problems than benefits for some skin types, typically dry skin can be exceptionally happy with their effects, though there are also some skincare pitfalls. If you're following our new series, be sure to check out the next article in this series.

Which oil should I choose for dry skin?

Dry skin, as the name suggests, is noticeably dry. It doesn't tend to be excessively oily or struggle with typical acne and blackheads, but it is prone to irritation, redness, itching, and severe keratinization in the form of dry, protruding lumps (these can be scratched off). The epidermis often becomes rough and coarse to the touch. Dry skin shouldn't be confused with dehydrated skin. Many people mistakenly consider their skin dry, when in reality, it's dehydrated skin, requiring completely different cosmetics.

The dryness of dry skin stems from its different physiological structure. It is thinner, less rich in sebaceous glands, and – due to a deficiency in natural fat – the natural hydrolipid barrier is disrupted. Therefore, the oils used should have a richer consistency, contain more omega-9 fatty acids and saturated fats, which coat the skin more deeply and soothe it. Good quality fats are also a valuable source of ingredients such as cholesterol, squalane, and fatty acids, which directly soften the epidermis and intensively nourish it.

If your skin is dry, avoid using oils with a very light, silicone-like consistency that absorb very quickly. Rich, nourishing oils that are difficult to spread and require warming in your hands are much better, such as avocado, macadamia, plum seed, argan, hazelnut, wheat germ, and marula oils. For stronger skin protection, natural butters and oils that are solid at room temperature are also excellent – ​​coconut oil, shea butter, cocoa butter, avocado butter, and mango butter. Be sure to check out the new STAY ESSENTIAL Annabelle Minerals oil ; it could be your beauty hit!

How to use oils for skin prone to dryness?

Above all, this shouldn't be your only way to moisturize your skin – oils are a great complement to your creams, milks, cleansers, and cream masks, but they won't replace them entirely. They primarily provide occlusion, which is essential, but only in a balanced skincare routine. Used wisely, they will soothe, hydrate, and brighten and smooth your skin.

Oils can be treated as an addition or a serum to a leave-on skincare routine. Fats can replace traditional creams or be a valuable addition to them. Don't apply oils to dry, dull, and slippery skin. Proceed to this step only after applying a hydrating serum/mask/gel, which will perfectly prepare the skin for the oil and facilitate its distribution. Spread a few drops of oil in warm hands. Warm it thoroughly between your palms. It's best to perform this ritual immediately after bathing, when the skin is warm and softened. With oil-soaked hands, gently pat the skin, performing a lifting, tapping massage. Never rub oils directly onto the skin – applying too much will prevent it from moisturizing. This way, you can cleanse the skin, but not hydrate it.

If your cleanser struggles to remove makeup or causes tightness, adding Annabelle Minerals oil will solve your problem. Oils perfectly protect the skin from the effects of aggressive, foaming detergents and protect it from drying out. Cosmetics with added natural oils leave a delicate, noticeable film after cleansing, which prevents excessive water evaporation from the epidermis. Because most makeup products, especially waterproof ones, and sunscreens are fat-based, oils will bind impurities and, when combined with detergents or emulsifiers, gently and effectively remove them from the epidermis.

Traditional oil cleansing can also work well on dry skin. Rub pure Annabelle Minerals oil into your hands and massage thoroughly into the skin. To remove excess oil, use a warm microfiber cloth or a konjac sponge. This method is very gentle and eliminates the use of detergents. It can remove even deep-seated impurities that neither cleansing gel nor any other, lighter cleanser can remove.

By adding oil to a natural gel, such as aloe vera or homemade flaxseed, you create a perfect hydrogel mask. The wrap won't dry out quickly and will provide the perfect hydration effect.

Oils are also a great addition to cream foundations. If your foundation isn't providing enough moisture or, with regular use, is actually drying, add a few drops of Annabelle Minerals oil. The consistency will be more nourishing, creamy, and enveloping, with a wetter, healthier finish.

Warning: oils do not moisturize! When can natural oil skincare dry out the skin?

Oils provide dry skin with a vital protective film that protects it from drying out. However, if your skincare routine lacks moisturizing and softening ingredients (e.g., natural gels, emulsifiers found in creams, glycerin, hyaluronic acid, ceramides), instead of a healthy, beautiful glow and relief, your skin will begin to dry out, demanding more moisture. The epidermis may become loose and dull, and despite the oils you use, your skin will become increasingly dry.

Natural oils are an excellent alternative to synthetic fats. If you found this article helpful, be sure to let us know! Soon, you'll learn more about using oils in oily skin care.

Ewa Szałkowska – young , ambitious, and creative. Passionate about art, a lover of good food and dark chocolate, she has been passionate about mineral makeup for several years and is learning it from the ground up. With immense passion, she runs a unique online space where she shares her knowledge and experience in skincare for problematic skin in an accessible and creative way. Founder and author of the blog www.ewaszalkowska.com