4 OF THE BEST OILS FOR YOUR SKIN

This information is from Food Matters:

For years we’ve been searching the shelves for oil-free products. Why is this? Out of fear that oil would turn us into a greasy and blemished mess! But this logic may be flawed, since your skin produces natural oils that keep your skin healthy and supple.

Switching to a natural oil based skincare range may be one of the best things you can do for your skin! The oil nourishes and soothes the skin allowing the active ingredients in your skincare products to sink deeper into your skin, enhancing their beneficial effects!

There are many great oils available, but these are some of Food Matters’ favorites due to their proven benefits:

1. Rosehip Oil - This oil penetrates deep into the skin where it helps to regenerate your cells and increase collagen production. It’s rich in vitamin C, omega-3’s and omega-6 fatty acids known to help heal scar tissue and reduce inflammation. It is also high in retinoic acid (the key ingredient in retinol products!) which helps to reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines. Hello anti-aging benefits!

But it doesn’t just protect against signs of premature aging, it also contains linoleic acid that, in combination with its other powerful ingredients, can help repair acne-prone skin with mild scarring and blemishes, and prevent more breakouts. Bring on clear, radiant skin!

Best for: Uneven skin, scars, fine lines, anti-aging and acne-prone skin.

2. Coconut Oil - Coconut oil is perfect for super sensitive skin. It’s anti-bacterial, anti-viral and anti-inflammatory, plus it’s small molecular structure allows for easy absorption, giving your skin a soft, smooth texture. The medium chain fatty acids in coconut oil also help to retain the moisture content of the skin, making it a great choice for skin conditions such as eczema. Use it all year round as it helps to soothe your skin in the cold, windy months, as well as replenish moisture after a little too much sun exposure! The lauric acid content protects the skin’s surface making it an ideal ointment to relieve dry, rough skin.

Best for: Normal, sensitive and/or dry skin, and eczema.

3. Extra Virgin Olive Oil - Extra virgin olive oil is a good all-round moisturizer as it’s rich in fatty acids, vitamin A and E. Olive oil is similar to the oils naturally produced by our skin so it’s also absorbed well, helping to boost your skin’s elasticity. The antioxidants in olive oil may even help protect against skin cancer! However, those with acne prone skin should avoid using it on their face as it’s a heavier oil and can contribute to blemishes. It makes a luscious addition to a bath, or when applied prior to showering. The warm water allows your skin to absorb more moisture from the oil, and then you towel dry off the excess! Brilliant!

Best for: Dry, dehydrated skin.

4. Sesame Oil - Despite its popularity as a beautiful cooking oil, sesame oil has not yet had the fame it deserves in the skincare world. This golden toned oil is a skin’s everyday secret weapon! Sesame oil can act in a similar way to sunscreen by shielding your skin from sun damage, resisting 30% of UV rays! If you’ve cut yourself, applying sesame oil on cuts and wounds helps them to heal faster due to it’s antibacterial properties. It can also help with skin conditions such as psoriasis and eczema, moisturizing and nourishing your skin, whilst providing anti-inflammatory benefits. Sesamol, vitamin E and other potent antioxidants help fight free radical damage, and due to its high viscosity, the oil easily seeps into the skin, repairing damaged skin cells and nourishing from within.

Best For: Sun lovers and wound-prone skin.

Read More