Making Monday Pretty: Which Oil To Choose
Posted by Hayley French on
Last week we talked about the oil cleansing method and mentioned that although you must use castor oil, you must also mix it with another oil as it can be too harsh on its own. Which secondary carrier oil you choose is up to you depending on your skin type and the benefits you desire. If your face still feels slightly dry after the oil cleansing method you can also use 2 or 3 drops of oil as a moisturize. So to help you choose which oils you want to use, here is a breakdown of what they can offer.
Almond Oil is an outstanding humectant with natural water retention properties which prevents dehydration of the skin and is therefore great for dry and dehydrated skin. Rich in fatty acids it softens and nourishes the skin and in anti-inflammatory.
Apricot Kernel Oil is very nourishing for the skin. High in vitamin E it can help improve elasticity and is known to be great for sensitive skin or delicate baby skin.
Avocado Oil is vitamin rich, packed with vitamin A, D and E, great for problematic skin and healing and soothing rashes. Also great for mature or aging skin as it is is extremely nourishing and helps with collagen production. Don't forget, the number one anti-ager retinol is derived from vitamin A!
Evening Primrose Oil is an emollient, conditioner and anti-inflammatory, rich in fatty acids Gamma Linolenic Acid, a substance the body needs. Eczema can be associated with a Gamma Linolenic Acid deficiency.
Hazelnut Oil is great for oily or acne prone skin. This oil moisturizes and firms the skin while simultaneously refining pores and reducing oiliness by reducing oil production in the skin. Slightly astringent and toning, hazelnut oil absorbs easily into the skin and does not leave much residue. And last but not least, it also helps to produce new elastin and collagen fibres. Basically, you want to buy this oil!
Jojoba Oil most closely resembles the oil our own skin produces and is high in vitamin E, B and C along with minerals silicon, chromium, copper and zinc. Jojoba oil is a great healer, known to be used for healing acne, athlete's foot, cuts, mouth sores and warts. This oil helps to remove build up around hair follicles which also make it great for the hair and scalp and can help with dandruff and hair loss. Used in many cosmetics, Jojoba oil is anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant and helps to remove wrinkles and stretch marks.
Macadamia Nut Oil is an emollient, emulsifier, stabilizer and promotes production of collagen and elastin. It is an anti-inflammatory and anti-irritant oil that soothes irritation and acts as an anti-oxidant.
Olive Oil is a skin smoother and softener rich in vitamins, minerals and protein. One of the best moisturizing oils, it attracts external moisture and holds it close to the skin by forming a breathable film on the skin to prevent moisture loss. Olive oil is also known to have cell regenerative properties.
Tamanu Oil is known as a healing oil due to it's unique ability to promote the formation of new tissue. This helps to speed wound healing and avoid scarring as well as promoting the growth of healthy skin with aid in anti-aging.
Certain oils are known to be lighter and faster absorbing, making them better for oily skin (apricot kernel, evening primrose, hazelnut, jojoba) and some are heavier and better for drier skins (macadamia, olive, avocado) but we recommend getting a couple smaller bottles and trying them out to see what your skin likes. Personally, I like to have a couple on hand and switch it up depending on how my skin is behaving, the weather, etc. No matter which oils you choose, it is imperative that you buy the best quality you can find, cold pressed and hexane free recommended. The reason you are using oils is to reap the benefits of all their nutrients, and the better quality the oil, the more in tact it's vitamins and minerals will be.
Have a beautiful Monday everyone!