Does applying oil to your skin terrify you with visions of breakouts,
blackheads or a greasy oil slick? If so, you’re not alone. But before
you forego oils entirely as part of a healthy skin care regimen, read
on. It turns out that using oils on your skin (and yes, this includes
your face) have some incredible benefits. The key is figuring out which
oil is right for your skin type and knowing how to use it.
Marula
Known as Africa’s “miracle oil,”
Marula Oil has been revered among African women for centuries for its powerful moisturizing
and anti-aging benefits. Extracted from the fruit kernels of the marula
tree, this precious and highly prized oil from Kenya nourishes and
deeply hydrates the skin while protecting it from those damaging free
radicals that accelerate aging. What makes it so effective? For one
thing, it’s super-rich in fatty acids and Vitamins E and C. And for
another, it has higher levels of antioxidants and Omega Oils than Argan
Oil. But the proof is in the using. Marula Oil has been shown to visibly
reduce the look of wrinkles—from crow’s feet to those “parentheses”
that frame the lips. The way to get the best benefits of this light,
non-greasy oil is to use it sparingly. Day and night, massage just two
or three drops on your face, neck and décolleté as a stand-alone
moisturizer or layered under another facial moisturizer, if your skin is
on the drier side.
Grape Seed Oil
Another oil known for its great anti-aging benefits, Grape Seed Oil is
light, absorbent and helps to regulate your skin’s natural oil
production—making it ideal for oily skin. Found to lighten age spots and
pigmented skin caused by UV rays, Grape Seed Oil has been shown in
scientific studies to have more linoleic acid than most oils, as well as
more antioxidant power than Vitamins C and E. Plus, biochemists
researching the health benefits of this oil have found that it contains
Oligomeric Proanthocyanidins (also known as OPCs)—another class of
flavonoid complexes that act as antioxidants in the body. In addition to
their antioxidant abilities of fighting off free radicals, OPCs also
stabilize Collagen and maintain the skin’s Elastin, for a visibly firmer
appearance. Use Grape Seed Oil directly on your body to reduce the
appearance of stretch marks and saggy skin. Although the oil is often
found in many cosmetic products, you can also add one to two drops of
Grape Seed Oil to your face moisturizer to enhance its effectiveness.
Olive Oil
Olive Oil is more than just a condiment. Once referred to as “liquid
gold” by Homer, Olive Oil has been used as a beauty and skin care remedy
by the Phoenicians, Greeks, Egyptians and Romans. Today, it’s still
prized for everything from erasing stretch marks and minimizing wrinkles
to anti-aging therapy and deep hydration. One reason Olive Oil is so
effective is that it’s
rich in antioxidants, such as Vitamins A and E, polyphenols,
phytoserols and the rare compound, Hydroxytyrosol, all of which help
repair skin and neutralize the free radicals that cause skin damage.
These antioxidants have a natural ability to stimulate cells and bring
skin back to a firmer, healthier state. Applied to the face or body,
Olive Oil will penetrate deeply and create a protective barrier that
traps moisture without clogging your pores. And because it’s gentle and
non-irritating, it’s a good choice for sensitive skin, though people
with very dry skin should avoid using it. Olive Oil can serve many skin
care purposes: As a nighttime facial moisturizer, Olive Oil can be
applied sparingly to cleaned skin. Mixed with sugar, it makes an
excellent exfoliating facial scrub. Add 3 to 4 tablespoons of olive oil
with a few drops of an essential oil like lavender to the bath for a
fragrant, hydrating soak. Actress Emily Blunt once told
Allure
magazine that she soaks her face in Olive Oil to soften her skin. If
you’re prone to acne, you might want to proceed with caution (though
Olive Oil has also been touted as a great treatment for acne as it
doesn’t clog pores.) As a skin care remedy—the same as when using it as a
condiment—100% cold-pressed, extra-virgin Olive Oil is best.
Argan Oil
Extracted from the kernels of the argan tree, Argan Oil is one of the
rarest and most expensive oils in the world. Berber women have used this
precious oil for centuries to nourish and protect their skin. Abundant
with super-high levels of Vitamin E, antioxidants and essential fatty
acids, it’s excellent for repairing cell membranes, preventing premature
aging, reducing inflammation and retaining moisture. Argan is also rich
in proteins, which help tighten the skin, minimize wrinkles and improve
elasticity. Experts believe that Argan Oil can also help with many skin
conditions, from dry skin patches to psoriasis, eczema and acne. Argan
Oil can be found in some skin care products, though many people look for
it in its pure form. If you have pure raw Argan Oil, a few drops can be
applied to clean skin at night
as a moisturizer. It’s non-greasy and non-oily, absorbing easily into the skin.
Black Currant Oil
Derived from Black Currant Seeds, this centuries- old health tonic is
wonderful for skin that has undergone some sort of trauma—for example,
post-laser treatment, or even for someone with wind-burned skin après a
day on the slopes. Rich in vitamins, antioxidants, essential fatty acids
and anti-inflammatory properties, it helps slow down the skin’s aging
process and is wonderful for repairing damaged tissues, healing scars
and minimizing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. It even helps
minimize symptoms of psoriasis and eczema. A word of caution: Allergic
reactions to Black Currant Oil are possible, so check with a
professional before using.
Rose Hip Seed Oil
Rose Hip Seed Oil is one of the best oils available for anti-aging and
skin rejuvenation. Packed with Vitamin A, Vitamin E and essential fatty
acids, it helps delay the effects of skin aging, promotes cell turnover
and boosts Collagen production for firmer, smoother skin. In addition,
it’s ideal for minimizing the appearance of scars, stretch marks, age
spots and hyper-pigmentation. Rose Hip Oil is known as a “dry” oil,
which means that it soaks into the skin easily without leaving a greasy
residue. This oil deeply hydrates and can be used straight out of the
bottle—even on sensitive skin. It’s not, however, recommended for use on
acne prone or very oily skin.
Chamomile Oil
Just as chamomile tea is known for its relaxing, stress-relieving
properties, Chamomile Oil is excellent for calming the skin. A great
choice for people with sensitive skin, Chamomile is a natural skin
soother, calming irritations, redness, sunburn, windburn and bruises
almost immediately. In addition to its calming abilities, Chamomile’s
anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties make it an ideal choice for
people suffering from rosacea or broken capillaries, as well as for
treating acne, eczema, psoriasis, rashes, burns and redness. As
Chamomile is a member of the ragweed family, people with allergies to
ragweed should avoid Chamomile Oil. To make sure it’s okay for you to
use, test patch the oil by dabbing a drop on your wrist for a day to see
if you have any allergic reactions.