Celebrities Love This Face Oil – And It Actually Helps To Keep My Acne At Bay

My skincare routine is what I'd call the bare minimum. Yes, I'm a beauty journalist exposed to a plethora of products, but over the years I've learnt that my acne-prone temperamental skin type works best when I keep things simple. That means my daily routine consists of nothing more than a cleanser, moisturiser, and SPF50. Yes, I may flirt with a treatment – like an at-home mask, peel or toner pads, once or twice a week to tackle breakouts – but most of the time I stick to a stripped back approach. The benefits of a minimal routine are plenty, it can often be kinder on your skin, be easier on your pocket and it also allows you to pepper in something exciting once in a while with little fuss. My current 'something exciting'? Augustinus Bader's The Face Oil.

Thanks to my problematic skin type, I'm very (very) picky about what I apply on my face but I'll preface this by stating the obvious – while I'm acne-prone, I have a combination skin type that does well with oils and applying this elixir to my face has never causes breaks out for me. But that all makes a sense when you understand what's lurking inside this very clever product.

What is Augustinus Bader's The Face Oil?

With a focus on science and efficacy, the high-performance brand is backed by medical biotechnology that has seen 30 years worth of research, innovation and clinical study. Along the way it has churned out a curated, hard-working line of products that are all geared towards targeting skin renewal and regeneration. Professor Bader's eponymous brand has caught the attention of A-listers aplenty, from Margot Robbie to Victoria Beckham, who gave the brand her ultimate seal of approval by collaborating with Augustinus Bader to offer up a skin-perfecting line of Victoria Beckham Beauty products.

The Face Oil is a product of that growing legacy. Loved by the likes of Sharon Stone, it includes the brand's famous patented Trigger Factor Complex (TFC8®), a clever combination of natural amino acids, high-grade vitamins and synthesised molecules that create the perfect environment for cell renewal, especially for those cells that have become dormant due to ageing or trauma. The adaptive and targeted individualised capabilities of TFC8® means it can tackle specific perceived problems like redness, hyperpigmentation, and damage caused by external stressors, all while nourishing and protecting the skin long-term.

But it's not only TFC8® that is hard at work. The formula also boasts vitamin-rich babassu oil for natural protection from environmental aggressors, antioxidant-rich argan oil to rebuild the skin's hydrolipidic film (the skin's protective barrier), and pomegranate seed extract to  supports skin renewal. The result? A deeply nourishing, quick-absorbing oil that works across all skin types, and leaves the skin feeling dewy and plump.

My honest thoughts on the Augustinus Bader's The Face Oil

While I'm selective with my skincare, for me the lure of this brand comes down to its careful consideration for traumatised skin. My skin has certainly seen a lot of trauma thanks to acne, which has manifested in active breakouts, post-inflammation hyperpigmentation, texture and redness, so it's safe to say I was the ideal candidate to put this oil to the test. Having used it every night for a few months, I've noticed a big difference with the overall health of my skin. It looks and feels healthier, brighter, and more refined. While I still have pesky pigmentation, my overall skin tone is balanced and has subtle radiance, especially in the mornings. I'm perhaps most taken by the fact that it has brought a lot of comfort to my evening routine. The sumptuous orange oil is thick but glides over skin with ease and sinks in with minimal effort, leaving it soothed. Where my skin usually feels a little inflamed and sore, the oil provides a protective veil over my otherwise active skin to help keep things at bay, spots and all.

Shop: Augustinus Bader The Face Oil

Sameeha Shaikh is Grazia's beauty writer, covering all categories to bring you insights on the latest trends, industry news and the products you need to know about, viral or not (most probably viral).