How to Choose the Best Facial Oils to Nourish Your Skin After a Treatment

Facial oils have become a staple in skincare routines, especially for nourishing and replenishing skin after a treatment. Whether you've just had a professional facial, like a HydraFacial, a chemical peel, or a microdermabrasion, your skin may need extra care to restore moisture, repair damage, and maintain a healthy glow. The right facial oil can work wonders for soothing, hydrating, and enhancing your skin's appearance post-treatment. However, with so many options available, choosing the right one can be tricky. Here’s a guide to help you select the best facial oils for your skin after a facial treatment.

6/9/20255 min read

1. Understand Your Skin Type and Concerns

The first step in choosing the best facial oil is identifying your skin type and addressing any specific concerns you may have. Different oils are suited for different needs, so knowing what your skin needs will guide you in the right direction.

Dry Skin: If your skin is feeling particularly dry or dehydrated after a facial, look for oils that are rich in fatty acids and can help lock in moisture. Oils like argan oil, rosehip oil, or marula oil are excellent for deeply hydrating and nourishing dry skin.
Oily or Acne-Prone Skin: If you have oily or acne-prone skin, you might hesitate to use oil, but certain non-comedogenic oils can help balance oil production without clogging pores. Look for jojoba oil, which mimics the skin's natural sebum, or hemp seed oil, which has anti-inflammatory properties and helps regulate oil production.
Sensitive Skin: For sensitive skin, it’s essential to choose oils that are calming and soothing. Chamomile oil and squalane oil are gentle and hydrating, and they can help reduce redness or irritation after a facial.
Aging Skin: If you're concerned about fine lines and wrinkles, opt for oils with high antioxidant content. Rosehip oil and pomegranate seed oil are rich in vitamins A and C, which promote skin regeneration and can help reduce the appearance of wrinkles over time.

2. Look for Hydrating Ingredients

After a facial treatment, your skin may be temporarily compromised, especially if exfoliation or deep cleansing was involved. It's crucial to restore hydration and moisture to prevent your skin from becoming dry or irritated. When choosing a facial oil, look for oils that are known for their hydrating properties.

Squalane: Squalane is derived from olives or sugarcane and is an excellent hydrating ingredient. It mimics the skin’s natural oils and helps lock in moisture without feeling greasy. It's great for all skin types and ideal for post-facial hydration.
Rosehip Oil: Known for its regenerative and hydrating qualities, rosehip oil is packed with omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids that promote moisture retention and skin barrier repair.
Jojoba Oil: This oil is not only hydrating but also mimics your skin's natural sebum, making it ideal for helping balance moisture levels in both dry and oily skin types.

3. Choose Oils with Soothing and Healing Properties

Facial treatments can leave your skin slightly inflamed or sensitive. Aftercare is critical for calming any redness, irritation, or inflammation that may occur post-treatment. Look for oils that are known for their soothing and healing properties.

Lavender Oil: Lavender is an excellent calming ingredient that helps soothe the skin and reduce redness. It also has mild antibacterial properties, which can help support the skin’s healing process.
Calendula Oil: This oil is great for sensitive or irritated skin. Calendula oil is known for its anti-inflammatory properties, making it a fantastic choice for soothing and calming the skin after a facial.
Chamomile Oil: Chamomile is another gentle oil that’s perfect for sensitive or inflamed skin. It has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that can help with calming irritated skin post-treatment.

4. Prioritize Non-Comedogenic Oils

If you have acne-prone skin, it’s essential to choose oils that won’t clog your pores. Non-comedogenic oils are formulated to avoid blocking pores and causing breakouts. Oils with a comedogenic rating of 0-2 are generally safe for acne-prone skin.

Hemp Seed Oil: Hemp seed oil is an excellent choice for acne-prone skin. It's non-comedogenic, meaning it won’t clog pores. Additionally, its anti-inflammatory properties help reduce breakouts and promote skin healing.
Grapeseed Oil: Light and non-comedogenic, grapeseed oil is a great choice for acne-prone skin. It’s rich in linoleic acid, which helps control sebum production and prevent clogged pores.

5. Look for Antioxidant-Rich Oils

Antioxidants help protect the skin from free radicals and environmental stressors, which is especially important after a facial treatment when the skin is more vulnerable. Some oils are naturally rich in antioxidants, which can aid in skin repair and provide long-term benefits.

Pomegranate Seed Oil: Rich in antioxidants, pomegranate seed oil helps neutralize free radicals and promotes collagen production. It can help rejuvenate and firm the skin, making it ideal for mature or aging skin.
Sea Buckthorn Oil: Known for its high vitamin C content, sea buckthorn oil offers powerful antioxidant protection. It can help protect the skin from oxidative damage and is especially effective for repairing and rejuvenating the skin.

6. Consider Essential Oils (with Caution)

Essential oils can enhance your facial oil’s properties, but they should be used sparingly and with caution, especially after a facial treatment. Always dilute essential oils in a carrier oil and avoid applying them directly to the skin, as they can cause irritation. Some essential oils to consider (when properly diluted) are:

Tea Tree Oil: Excellent for acne-prone skin, tea tree oil has antibacterial properties that can help prevent breakouts.
Rosemary Oil: Known for its ability to stimulate circulation, rosemary oil can improve skin tone and texture while supporting skin health.

7. Patch Test First

After a facial treatment, your skin may be more sensitive than usual. Before applying any facial oil to your entire face, it's important to patch test the product on a small area of skin to ensure you don’t experience any irritation or allergic reactions. This is especially crucial when trying new products or oils with essential oils.

8. Choose Oils That Complement Your Skincare Routine

When selecting a facial oil, think about how it fits into your existing skincare routine. If you're already using a heavy moisturizer, you may want to opt for a lighter oil like squalane or jojoba oil. If you're using a lighter moisturizer, a richer oil like marula or rosehip oil can provide additional hydration and nourishment.

Conclusion

Choosing the right facial oil after a treatment is essential for restoring your skin’s moisture, promoting healing, and enhancing the results of your facial. Whether you’re looking to hydrate, soothe, or improve skin texture, there’s a facial oil suited for every need. By considering your skin type, concerns, and the ingredients in the oils, you can nourish your skin back to health while enjoying all the benefits that facial oils offer.