Naturally... finding the right oil for your skin type

They’ve been a hot trend for some time now, but oils don’t seem to be going anywhere.

Packed with anti-oxidants, vitamins and essential fatty acids, they’re recommended for reducing inflammation and pigmentation, improving the appearance of scars and fine lines and giving you a dewy, glowing complexion.

And whether you have sensitive, dry or even oily skin, there’s an oil that can help – the trick is finding one that’s right for you.

“People say to me, ‘My skin is oily, so why am I putting oil on my skin?’” says Tara O’Rourke, a Dr Hauschka aesthetician at the Dublin Holistic Centre. People often tackle oily and acne-prone skin with aggressive astringents and scrubs, which Tara advises her clients against: “If you strip the skin of its oil, it just causes an acceleration of oil production.”

Instead, she recommends using a facial oil, which, thanks to the fatty acid composition of oils, can help balance your body’s production of sebum, that oily substance that helps protect our skin and hair from drying out. You should apply oil after cleansing and before moisturising, allowing it to completely soak in before moving on. Alternatively – and this is my preferred method – blend it with your moisturiser in your palm before applying them together.

I've been using Pai Rosehip Bioregenerate Oil (30ml, €28.00) – organic rosehip oil with an extra hint of vitamin E – for some time now and I love this stuff.

I add a couple of drops of the bright amber liquid to my moisturiser: it disappears dry patches and leaves my skin looking bright, supple and glowing.

Trilogy also makes high-quality organic rosehip oils (20ml, €19.95 – 45ml, €34.95), while Irish brand Kinvara offers a great blend with their 24hr Rosehip Face Serum (30ml, €29.95).

The Love Your Skin Anti-Ageing Facial Oil (30ml, €22.20) by Holos Skincare, another Irish brand, is a great argan oil-based blend. Owner Niamh Hogan says it's their best seller and is "showing amazing results in treating rosacea and other pigment imbalance issues".

If you prefer pure argan oil, pick up a bottle of Emma Noel Organic Fair Trade Argan Oil (50ml, €14.65) in a health food shop.

For oily, spot-prone skin, there's Dr Hauschka's Clarifying Day Oil (30ml, €28.95). It helps regulate the overproduction of sebum while reducing the appearance of any scars or blemishes. O'Rourke says her acne-prone clients have seen great results with it and she says it works as an effective spot treatment for breakouts.

For drier skin, the Organic Divine Face Oil from Antipodes (25ml, €32.95) is a rich blend of nourishing avocado, macadamia, jojoba and rosehip oils. It has a heavier texture, but absorbs well. Caudalie offers two quality night oils – with their signature grapeseed oil of course – that are worth a look. The Polyphenol C15 Overnight Detox Oil (30ml, €30.40) is a light-weight dry oil for those who don't like that oily feeling. It's slightly astringent and more suited for oily and problem skin. The rich Vinosource Overnight Recovery Oil (30ml, €27.20) on the other hand is great for dry skin looking for an overnight boost.

For something a bit more luxe, Kiehl's just launched their Daily Reviving Concentrate (30ml, €42.50), a companion to their cult favourite Midnight Recovery Concentrate (30ml, €42.50). This daytime version blends anti-inflammatory tamanu and hydrating sunflower oils with ginger root. Pricey, but nice. kharris@irishtimes.com