Rise and shine! And we mean shiny! Say what?! Face oil can change your skin woes into favourable glows. There’s a reason we’re still harping on about these slick emollients. From the great strengths of argan to the trending omnipotent omegas… Here’s what oils can really do for you.

To cleanse

Using oil to wash skin sounds counter-intuitive, but a quality facial oil cleanser will effectively remove make-up, pollutants and excess sebum, your skin’s natural grease, to cleanse deeply and balance the skin’s natural production without stripping it.

Skoon Nkuto Butter

Made from organic Ghanaian shea butter, this water-free solution is made to be applied as is onto the skin. Wipe away with a damp muslin cloth and feel your skin: hydrated, dewy and soft to the touch.

R465.95, at Skoon

To fight spots

Hands up if you suffer with adult acne? Trawling the aisles for anti-acne products in your 20s and 30s – or beyond – ain’t no joke. Studies show that using face oils, such as tea tree, are as effective as benzoyl peroxide found in most over-the-counter acne creams and gels. Tea tree oils contain powerful antibacterial and antimicrobial compounds called terpenoids, which kill bacteria that can lead to breakouts.

Africology Tea Tree Oil

Dab a tiny amount onto spots to soothe the skin. If you’re using a large amount, always dilute it with water: tea tree oil is potent.

R140, Africology

To give you softer skin

Oils can penetrate into deeper layers of skin, supplementing natural oils that were stripped away by daily exposure to the elements. Plus, oils can act as primers to deliver other active ingredients. Apply a face oil straight after cleansing before your fave moisturiser.

Skin Creamery Facial Hydrating Oil & Restoring Treatment

This organic blend of Baobab, Jojoba and Kalahari melon seed oils provides skin with moisture and locks in hydration.

R345, Skin Creamery

To heal and repair

Stressed skin? Rosemary oil, chamomile and lavender oils are ingredients that soothe irritations. These oils have properties that can help stimulate cell renewal and promote healthy healing.

Clarins Lotus Face Treatment Oil

Made with 100% plant extracts, this oil works to rebalance the skin and leave it feeling supple and soft while repairing the damage.

R695, Clarins

To balance oily skin

Using oils can control skin’s oil production and restore balance – we promise. It’s all about supplying the skin with the right kind of oils. Without them, your skin goes into overdrive to produce more oil to compensate.

Kiehl’s Midnight Recovery Face Oil

A potent concentrate of botanicals delivers replenishment and restoration as you sleep. Made with evening primrose oil and lavender, it soothes the skin while promoting elasticity and radiance.

R824, Superbalist

To keep you moisturised

Dry skin? Try argan oil. It’s packed with vitamins A and E, antioxidants, omega-6 fatty acids and linoleic acid, which is known to heal, hydrate and plump the skin. According to the journal Alternative Medicine Review, argan oil eases inflammation, which leads to dry skin.

Soil Argan Oil

This little bottle contains nothing but argan oil, packed with minerals to hydrate and repair. You can use it on your face, body and hair.

R135, Faithful To Nature