6 signs your skin needs a face oil

Face oils are one of those skincare products you might think you don't really need, until you start using the right one! Then suddenly you notice your skin feels softer, looks more radiant and has that beautifully nourished finish your serum and moisturiser alone weren't quite achieving. But how do you know when it's actually time to add one to your daily routine? Well, your skin may already be giving you a few clues! Keep reading for 6 signs that it could be time to introduce a face oil.   1. Your skin feels tight, even after you've moisturised I'm sure many of us have experienced this feeling. You apply your moisturiser, give it a few minutes to sink in…and somehow your skin still feels tight or uncomfortable (even when you've quite literally slathered it on!). While your moisturiser helps replenish much-needed hydration, sometimes your skin needs a little more. Face oils contain lipids that help support your skin's natural protective barrier, while creating a layer that helps prevent precious moisture from escaping. So, if your skin still feels tight despite faithfully following your usual skincare routine, it could be a sign that it's craving that extra layer of nourishment and protection a good face oil can provide.   2. Your complexion looks dull and tired We all have days when our skin looks a little tired, but if dullness has become the norm, your skin could probably do with a little extra TLC. When skin is dry or lacking in essential lipids, its surface can become rougher and less able to reflect light evenly. The result? A complexion that looks flat, tired and noticeably less radiant. Face oils help soften and smooth the skin's surface, which can give your complexion an almost instant boost in luminosity. And that doesn't mean looking oily or shiny, I'm talking about that lovely, healthy-looking glow that makes your skin look naturally fresh.   3. You're getting dry patches or flakiness Run your fingertips gently over your cheek. Does your skin feel soft and smooth, or have you started noticing rough patches or little areas of flakiness that weren't there before? Dry, flaky patches can be another sign that your skin isn't getting quite enough nourishment, particularly if they keep returning despite regular moisturising. They're especially common during winter, after spending lots of time in air conditioning or heating, and as our skin naturally becomes drier with age. Adding a facial oil can help replenish essential lipids and support the skin barrier, leaving your complexion feeling softer, smoother and more supple. 4. Fine lines suddenly look more noticeable No, your wrinkles probably haven't appeared overnight! When skin becomes dehydrated or dry, fine lines can look much more pronounced simply because the skin isn't as plump and smooth as it normally is. You might particularly notice this around the eyes, across the forehead or around your mouth. While a face oil isn't going to erase wrinkles, keeping skin well nourished can help it look softer, smoother and more supple, making those dehydration-related lines appear less obvious. This can be especially beneficial for mature and menopausal skin, when natural oil production tends to decline and maintaining moisture becomes increasingly important.   5. Your skin suddenly feels a little sensitive Is your skin suddenly reacting to products it normally loves, or becoming more easily irritated by changes in weather or temperature? It could be a sign that your skin barrier needs a little extra support. When the skin's protective barrier is compromised, it can become more vulnerable to moisture loss and external irritants, leaving it feeling sensitive, uncomfortable or more prone to redness. The right face oil can help replenish essential lipids and support the skin's protective barrier, helping it feel calmer, softer and more comfortable. Just be sure to choose a gentle formulation specifically suited to sensitive skin, as not every facial oil will be right for reactive complexions.   6. Your makeup isn't sitting smoothly on your face Have you suddenly started noticing that your foundation is clinging to dry patches you weren't even aware you had? Or perhaps your makeup looks great when you first apply it, only to turn patchy or cakey by lunchtime? These can be subtle signs that your skin is lacking nourishment. Perfectly prepped (and nourished) skin creates a much smoother canvas for makeup, so adding a few drops of facial oil to your routine can help improve softness and suppleness, allowing your makeup to sit more evenly and look more natural. Sometimes the secret to better-looking makeup isn't the makeup at all it's actually your skincare underneath!   So when should you apply a face oil? For most people, evening is the perfect time to use one. After cleansing, apply your usual serum and moisturiser, then gently press a few drops of facial oil over your skin as your final step. Because oils help create a protective layer over the skin, applying them last helps seal in the hydration and nourishment you've already applied. If your skin is particularly dry, you can also add a drop or two to your moisturiser for an extra boost. And don't stop at your jawline! Smooth any remaining oil down your neck and across your décolletage too – two areas that are particularly prone to dryness as we age. Remember, healthy skin is all about balance. If your skin feels tight, looks dull, shows signs of dryness or simply isn't looking its best, a face oil may be the missing step in your routine! By helping to nourish the skin barrier and lock in moisture, the right facial oil can leave skin feeling softer, smoother and more comfortable, while restoring that healthy-looking glow we all so want! And if you're still a little confused about face oils or have a few questions you'd like answered, we've covered everything you need to know (including some of our most recommended face oils) here.

I'm almost certain that most of us are pretty good at looking after our face. We cleanse, apply our serum, moisturise morning and night and (hopefully!) never forget our SPF. But when it comes to our neck and décolletage? I'm guessing many of us simply use whatever product happens to be left on our fingertips! Then one day we really start to notice the fine lines, the loss of firmness and the crepey skin that's suddenly replaced what was once soft and smooth. The thing is, our neck and décolletage often show the signs of ageing before our face does. So why don't we pay them the same attention? If you're starting to notice changes in that area, it’s not too late to do something about it! Keep reading to find out why your neck ages faster than your face, and the simple changes that can make a real difference.   So, why does our neck and chest age faster? Unfortunately, the skin on our neck and décolletage is naturally thinner and more delicate than the skin on many other areas of the body. It also contains fewer oil glands, meaning it doesn't retain moisture quite as well and is more prone to dryness and dehydration. Over time, this makes fine lines and crepey texture much more noticeable. However, thinner skin isn't the only reason your neck ages more quickly. Several other factors are working against it too; Years of sun exposure Your neck and chest receive almost as much sun exposure as your face, yet they're often forgotten when it comes to sunscreen! UV exposure is one of the biggest causes of premature skin ageing because it breaks down collagen and elastin, the fibres responsible for keeping skin firm and resilient. The result? Wrinkles, pigmentation and a gradual loss of firmness. Collagen naturally declines with age From our late 20’s onwards, collagen production gradually slows. As we move through our 40’s and beyond, this decline becomes more noticeable, particularly around the neck where the skin is already more delicate. Less collagen means less support, allowing the skin to become thinner, looser and more prone to wrinkles. Your sleeping position may be contributing This one is a worry! Especially if you are a side sleeper like me! You may notice vertical lines developing across your chest over time. Spending several hours each night with the skin compressed in the same position can gradually contribute to these sleep lines, which may eventually become more permanent (great!) While I’m certainly not suggesting you stop sleeping on your side! it's just another reason why this area deserves a little extra care. Modern posture doesn't help either How many hours a day do you spend looking down at your phone or laptop do you think? The scary thing is constantly bending your neck creates repeated folding of the skin. Over time, these repetitive movements can contribute to the horizontal lines many people begin noticing earlier than expected. It's even earned its own nickname "tech neck"!   Should you use a separate neck cream? One question we're often asked is whether you really need a dedicated neck cream. If you're already applying your serums, moisturiser and sunscreen all the way down to your neck and chest every day, you're already doing far more than most people! However, targeted neck products can be beneficial because they're specifically formulated for the unique challenges of this area. Many combine intensive hydration with ingredients that help improve the appearance of crepey skin, uneven tone and loss of firmness, while offering textures designed for the thinner, more delicate skin of the neck and décolletage.   Small habits that make a big difference Looking after your neck and chest area doesn't require an entirely new routine. Simply make it an extension of the skincare you're already doing. Remember to: Cleanse your neck whenever you cleanse your face. Apply your serums and moisturiser from your face down to your décolletage or better still introduce a dedicated neck and chest treatment. Never skip sunscreen on your neck and chest. Be mindful of prolonged sun exposure. Apply products using gentle upward strokes rather than pulling the skin downwards. Consistency really is the secret. A few extra seconds each day can make a noticeable difference over time!   The neck and decolletage product we are loving Phytomer Décolleté Parfait Neck and Décolleté Renewing Care If you like the idea of using a targeted product specifically designed for the delicate neck and chest area, this is the one for you! It’s a beautifully non greasy, lightweight gel-cream that deeply hydrates while visibly smoothing the appearance of fine lines and "creased" skin. Marine-derived ingredients, including Glasswort Oil and a Brightening Marine Complex, work to replenish moisture, improve the appearance of uneven pigmentation and leave skin looking smoother, firmer and more radiant. “This product is the consistency of liquid silk. It feels so very smooth and comforting to the skin, Parfait is the perfect name for it! I've been using for only ten days and already see and feel an improvement of the skin on my throat and upper chest. I have tried three or four other decollete creams and this is the best by far! I also have sensitive skin and this has been well tolerated. Yipee! Definitely recommend!” – Sarah     Remember, your face shouldn't be the only part of your skincare routine. The neck and décolletage are exposed to the same daily stresses as your face (often more!) yet they're usually the last areas we think about. Giving them just a little extra attention each day can help keep your skin looking smoother, healthier and more youthful for years to come.

Whether you enjoy treating yourself to regular treatments at your local spa or clinic, or you've ever searched for the best ways to achieve plumper, healthier-looking skin, chances are you've come across mesotherapy. It's become one of the most popular professional treatments for boosting hydration, restoring radiance and softening the appearance of fine lines by delivering hyaluronic acid, vitamins and antioxidants directly into the skin. So, when a skincare product claims to be "mesotherapy-inspired", it's only natural to wonder... can it really deliver similar benefits without a single needle? Vie Collection's Mesoforce Hyaluronic Acid Vitamin Mask has built something of a cult following for exactly that reason! While it doesn't replace an injectable treatment, it has earned its reputation as mesotherapy in a bottle thanks to its powerful cocktail of hydrating ingredients, skin-loving vitamins and instant glow-boosting results. Want to know if this product is for you? Keep reading!   Firstly though, exactly what is mesotherapy? Mesotherapy is a professional cosmetic treatment that involves tiny micro-injections of ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, vitamins, antioxidants and minerals directly into the middle layer of the skin (known as the mesoderm) to deeply hydrate, rejuvenate tissue, support collagen production, improve skin radiance, and smooth the appearance of fine lines, leaving skin looking pumper and more youthful.   So...is Mesoforce Hyaluronic Acid Vitamin Mask really mesotherapy in a bottle? While no topical skincare product can replicate injectable mesotherapy because it doesn't place ingredients directly into the skin via micro-injections, Vie Collection's Mesoforce Mask was specifically designed to take inspiration from mesotherapy by delivering many of the same hero ingredients that make professional treatments so popular. Instead of needles, your skin receives a concentrated infusion of: Three forms of hyaluronic acid Vitamin C Vitamin B5 Vitamin E Skin-revitalising trace minerals All in one go! The result? Exceptionally hydrated, plumper, smoother-looking skin with a healthy glow that appears in minutes. That's why so many skincare professionals affectionately describe it as "mesotherapy in a bottle."   What makes it so effective? 1. Three forms of Hyaluronic Acid Unlike many masks that contain just one type of hyaluronic acid, Mesoforce combines three complementary forms! This includes; Low Molecular Weight Hyaluronic Acid that works deeper within the skin to help plump the appearance of fine lines while strengthening the skin barrier. High Molecular Weight Hyaluronic Acid to create a protective moisture reservoir across the skin's surface to lock hydration in and encapsulated Hyaluronic Acid which releases hydration gradually over time, helping skin stay comfortable and hydrated long after you've rinsed the mask away. 2. A powerful vitamin cocktail Mesotherapy treatments are famous for delivering vitamins directly into the skin. Mesoforce Hyaluronic Acid Vitamin Mask takes the same philosophy by combining Vitamin C to help brighten dull skin while providing antioxidant protection against environmental damage. Vitamin B5 (Panthenol) to boost hydration, soothe the skin and supports barrier repair and Vitamin E to help defend against free radicals while keeping skin soft, supple and comfortable. 3. Trace minerals Healthy skin relies on more than hydration alone! Trace minerals help support normal skin function while giving tired, stressed complexions a healthier, more energised appearance.   What results can you expect? One of the reasons Mesoforce has developed such a loyal following is because the results are often visible after just one use! Within around 10 minutes, skin looks more hydrated, plumper, softer, brighter, smoother and more dewy! It's the perfect rescue treatment before a special event, or anytime your skin simply isn't looking its best. So, if you have dehydrated, dull, tired or stressed looking skin, are concerned about early signs of ageing (we are talking fine lines, loss of ‘bounce’) or are in need of a serious pick-me-up, this is for you! That said it’s suitable for virtually every skin type and is especially good for mature skin that needs an urgent hydration boost!   The verdict While Vie Collection's Mesoforce Hyaluronic Acid Vitamin Mask isn't quite mesotherapy in a bottle (it can't replace the injections performed during a professional treatment), what it does do exceptionally well is capture the philosophy behind mesotherapy by delivering an intensive blend of hyaluronic acid, vitamins and antioxidants in one luxurious treatment. If your skin is looking tired, dehydrated or lacking its usual glow, it's one of those products that genuinely makes you look in the mirror afterwards and think, "My skin looks so much better."   What our customers are saying "This product is amazing. My skin feels hydrated, smooth and plump. A little goes a long way, and one tube lasts me almost six months with regular use. Can't be without it!" — Erin "My skin was feeling patchy with the changing seasons, but after one application it felt better moisturised and fresher. Dry, flaky patches were soothed, my foundation sat beautifully the next day and my skin stayed plump and fresh for days afterwards." — A. McBride   How to use the mask It’s simple and all you need is approximately 10 minutes. Simply apply a generous layer to cleansed skin, avoiding the eye area. Leave on for 10 minutes, then rinse with water or remove with damp cotton pads. For the best ongoing results use once or twice a week (or when you skin needs an instant hydration and radiance boost of course!)