Learn how to apply face oil correctly for your skin type — from layering tips to choosing the right oil. Practical, honest skincare advice from My Glow Roots.
Face oils have had a bit of a reputation problem. For years, people with oily or acne-prone skin were told to stay far away from them. But here's the thing — the right face oil, used correctly, can actually balance your skin rather than overwhelm it. Whether your skin is dry, combination, or sensitive, there's likely an oil out there that your complexion will genuinely love.
The key is knowing how to use them.
Apply Oil on Damp Skin, Not Dry
This is probably the most important tip, and the one most people skip. Face oils work best when your skin is still slightly damp — right after cleansing or after a light mist of toner. Damp skin helps the oil absorb more evenly and locks in that moisture rather than just sitting on the surface.
Pat your skin gently with a towel, leaving it about 70% dry, then warm 3–5 drops of oil between your palms and press it into your face. Don't rub — pressing helps the oil sink in without dragging at your skin.
Less Is More — Seriously
One of the most common mistakes is using too much. Face oils are concentrated, and a little goes a long way. Start with 3 drops and see how your skin responds. If it feels heavy or greasy after 10 minutes, you've used too much or applied it on skin that was too dry.
For daytime use, a lighter oil like rosehip or squalane works well under SPF. For nighttime, richer oils like marula or sea buckthorn are wonderful — your skin does most of its repair work while you sleep, so that's the ideal time to give it something nourishing.
Layer It Correctly in Your Routine
Skincare layering matters more than most people realise. The general rule is to go from thinnest to thickest — so your face oil always comes after water-based serums and before your moisturiser (if you use one). If you're using a heavy cream, the oil can go on top to seal everything in.
A simple routine that works well: cleanser → toner → serum → face oil → SPF (morning) or just cleanser → toner → face oil (night). You don't need ten steps. You need the right steps.
Match the Oil to Your Skin Type
Not all face oils are created equal, and this is where a lot of people go wrong. Heavier oils like coconut or olive can clog pores for some skin types, while lighter, non-comedogenic oils tend to suit a wider range of people.
- Dry or mature skin tends to love rosehip, argan, or marula — all rich in fatty acids that support the skin barrier.
- Oily or combination skin often does well with jojoba, which closely mimics the skin's natural sebum and can actually help regulate oil production.
- Sensitive skin may respond well to sea buckthorn or chamomile-infused oils, both known for their calming properties.
If you're new to face oils, start with one and give it at least two to three weeks before judging results. Skin takes time to adjust.
A Gentle Note on Consistency
The biggest reason face oils don't "work" for people is inconsistency. Using an oil twice and then abandoning it won't tell you much. Like most skincare, the real benefits — improved texture, a more even tone, softer skin — tend to show up with regular, patient use.
If you're looking for a place to start, our cold-pressed face oils at My Glow Roots are formulated with single-ingredient botanical oils — no fillers, no synthetic fragrance, just the plant in its most honest form. Your skin deserves to know exactly what it's getting.
