Regenerative Oil-Based Facial Serums Part 2

A couple weeks ago, my co-writer Jen reviewed Juice Beauty's new USDA Organic Facial Moisture Concentrate, which she's been loving of late. The elixir that I've been hopelessly enamored with? Geranium Regenerating Serum by Hamptons-based Naturopathica. I'm thinking of asking it to be my Valentine.

First a little info—including some myth-debunking—about facial oils. As we age, moisture levels in our skin decrease, causing dryness and wrinkles. The essential fatty acids in plant oil-based serums—ones that contain a base of olive, evening primrose, rose hip seed oils, etc—nourish and keep that youthful plumpness.

Gals with oily skin shouldn't shy away. Contrary to popular belief, the majority of botanical oils are non-comedogenic. In fact, they'll actually help clean out pores (oil fights oil) and calm sebum production. Packed with vitamins and essential fatty acids, they also lessen redness, inflammation, and scarring. FYI: You might experience initial "purging" (usually small whiteheads), but stick with it. In a few weeks, your skin should be clear and luminous.

Splurge: Naturopathica Geranium Regenerating Serum. This one's a beauty. Vitamin-wealthy avocado and rose hip seed oils soften skin and facilitate new collagen production to reduce fine lines and surface scars. Pure essential oils of geranium, frankincense, aneverlasting (e.g. immortelle) boost cellular regeneration and lend a divine scent that will quickly lull you to sleep. $40 at naturopathica.com and skinbotanica.com

Save: Burt's Bees Naturally Ageless Intensive Repairing Serum. I commend Burt's Bees for moving past their hippie-in-the-woods image and making some quality skin care items the past couple years, including this highly rated serum. It contains a base of repairative rose hip seed oil (rich in vitamins A and C) followed by several other moisturizing and healing oils, including antioxidant-packed pomegranate. $26 at drugstore.com

Tip: Worried that such serums will make your face an oil slick? They won't. Massage just a few drops on slightly damp skin, and they'll sink right in.