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Ever wondered why facial oils are needed and what they do?
Facial oils are an effective way to increase the moisture content in skin. While skin naturally produces its own oils, applying facial oils helps to soften and nourish the skin from the outside. This also helps balance the moisture levels in skin, preventing skin from becoming overly dry or oily. They are often rich in antioxidants, essential fatty acids, and vitamins, which support skin health. They also lock hydration a.k.a. water into your skin and prevent transepidermal water loss (TEWL), which is the process of water evaporating from the skin. This results in soft, supple, nourished and glowing skin.
Moisturized skin also appears more youthful than dry skin, and heals more quickly.
There is a misconception that facial oils are only for those with dry skin and should be reserved for the colder seasons. The truth is that all skin types can benefit from facial oils throughout the year.
Facial Oils are best used as a blend of certain carrier oils and essential oils.
Carrier Oils are natural oils that are extracted from plants, nuts or seeds that can be applied to the skin alone or mixed with essential oils. Examples of carrier oils: coconut oil, jojoba oil, argan oil, sunflower seed oil, rosehip seed oil, evening primrose oil, and many more.
Essential oils, on the other hand, are concentrated plant extracts. They capture the plant’s scent and flavour, or “essence,” in addition to its unique chemical properties. Because of these unique chemical properties and their benefits, essential oils have long been used in herbal and natural medicine, as well as aromatherapy.
Since essential oils are concentrated and extremely potent, only a few essential oils are safe to use on your skin, and even those essential oils must be properly diluted in a carrier oil. Carrier oils then “carry” the essential oil into your skin and deliver nourishing effects at the same time. Most carrier oils aren’t potent and are only lightly scented, therefore they don’t interfere with the essential oils.
If you’re unsure which facial oils are compatible with your skin type, here are the best facial oils to choose from:
Oils for Acne-Prone and Oily Skin
GRAPESEED OIL: High on linoleic acid and a potent source of vitamin E, this oil helps with acne because of its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. A very light oil that allows for easy absorption into skin, improves moisture levels and keeps skin hydrated and plump due to its fatty acids.
HEMP SEED: A dry oil that is best used when blended with a more moisturizing oil. Rich in antioxidants (vitamins A, E and zinc), it helps to bring acne-prone skin back into balance.
JOJOBA OIL: This oil is very similar to the oils we have naturally on our skin and imitates skin’s own sebum. It’s a boon for those with oily skin as it helps balance oil production in the skin and tricks the skin to produce less oil. It moisturises the skin and aids in keeping skin looking youthful.
TEA TREE OIL: Having antifungal, antibacterial and antiseptic properties, tea tree oil is an excellent remedy for acne. It is used to fight skin infections as it hinders the growth of bacteria, fungi and other micro-organisms responsible for acne and other skin problems.
Oils for Dry Skin
SWEET ALMOND OIL: It’s a light oil that penetrates deep into the skin quickly and moisturises the skin deeply, making it a perfect match for dry skin. Emollients in sweet almond oil soothe and hydrate the skin, while creating a protective barrier to lock in moisture.
COCONUT OIL: Coconut oil is packed with vitamin E, antioxidants and natural fatty acids that help hydrate skin. This incredibly moisturising oil is ideal for dry and mature skin. However, stay away from it if you have acne prone skin.
ARGAN OIL: Rich in omega fatty acids, vitamin E, and linoleic acids argan oil works to lightly moisturize the skin, soften dry patches and help with rosacea. Referred to as “liquid gold”, argan oil helps reduce appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and supports overall skin health, making it ideal for dry, mature and ageing skin.
APRICOT KERNEL OIL: This oil absorbs quickly into the skin and is very rich in vitamin A. It nourishes the skin by keeping it hydrated, helps to soften and calm irritation, making it great for dry and sensitive skin.
Oils for Combination Skin
MARULA OIL: Rich in fatty acids, amino acids and antioxidants, this oil isn’t too light or heavy, and contributes to overall skin health. Fatty acids moisturise the skin, antioxidants protect against the sun and pollution, and amino acids support skin barrier health.
Oils for Sensitive Skin
AVOCADO OIL: An extremely moisturising oil, avocado oil is thick in consistency and high in oleic acid, which is believed to help dry or damaged skin. Packed with vitamins A, D and E, this oil is great for those with sensitive or easily irritated skin.
ALOE VERA OIL: Packed with anti-inflammatory properties and antioxidants, this oil has the added bonus of being a natural antibacterial and astringent, making it a powerhouse for sensitive skin that’s also oily or acne-prone.