Types Of Natural Oils To Take Care Of Your Skin

Before there were lotions, creams and cleansing milks, the properties of vegetable oils were used to clean, nourish and hydrate both skin and hair.

Although we now have many products at our disposal, these oils are still excellent for taking care of yourself naturally and keeping your skin healthy and well hydrated. It is convenient to know what types of oils exist and which one is suitable for each type of skin to make the right choice.

What types of cosmetic oils are there?

Cosmetic oils are divided into two types: base and essential.

• Base oils

The base oils are oils obtained by extraction of the fat from seeds and nuts. They are also called carriers because they are used to dilute essential oils to those that they “carry” to the skin, since these are usually too strong to apply directly and could irritate the skin .

Instead of oil, clarified butter (or ghee ) can be used as a carrier fat, very common in Ayurvedic medicine and cosmetics, as it moisturizes and respects sensitive skin.

Carrier oils, although they do not usually have strong odors, are more than a base and each has its own healing and cosmetic properties.

In general, they protect the skin from external aggressions and favor its hydration, helping to retain moisture. But base oils above all tend to be nutritious.

The most common are sweet almond and jojoba ; Olive, coconut, avocado and grape seed are also widely used for their vitamins and moisturizing properties.

• Essential oils

The essential oils are the product remaining in the distilling fruits, herbs and flowers to extract its essence.

The distillation is carried out from a single ingredient, and the result is an aqueous, powerful and fragrant oil that is used both for the properties of the plant from which it has been extracted and for its aroma.

Essential oils are sold and used in small quantities and have a significantly higher price.

The mineral oil, used as a carrier, is a derivative of the oil. Like petroleum jelly (its solid form) it creates a protective layer on the skin to protect it, but it is not considered natural. However, it is very common in conventional cosmetics.

An oil for every skin type

The oils are recommended for all skin types, even oily ones, but it is convenient to know which oil to use on each skin and its needs.

Corn and grapeseed oils, for example, are ideal carriers for oily skin, while sesame and olive oil are suitable for drier skin.

In general, vegetable oils are not very stable and easily spoil when exposed to heat and air. For this reason, the best ones are those that have been extracted cold, preferably in first pressure, and if possible biological.

To keep the oil fresh for as long as possible, it should be kept in the fridge or in a cool place protected from light. Essential oils should be kept out of the reach of children, as they are very powerful and care must be taken when using them.

Although vegetable and essential oils are often combined to safely take advantage of the qualities of both, it is possible to use vegetable oils alone : an almond oil is ideal and very gentle as an eye make-up remover, for example, and an olive oil helps to hydrate the cuticles.

You can also add a few drops of essence to a lotion or cream to increase its properties.

On nervous days, scenting your body moisturizer, if it is odorless, with three drops of lavender can help you relax.

The application of the oils should be done with clean skin and a little damp, although not wet. The oils do not add water to the skin but they do help to keep it hydrated by retaining water.

Using oils to regrow hair

Hair oils are most beneficial for people with dry or sensitive scalps or damaged hair.

• They are usually applied before going to bed and with dry hair, but without any type of cosmetic product, such as hairspray or foam, on it.
• If the oil is heated a little before applying it, without burning, the oil is activated and its application is more comfortable. Then he washes himself normally when he wakes up.

3 simple beauty gestures with oils

1. Clean impurities. To deeply cleanse dirty or pimpled skin, add a few drops of tea tree oil, a very powerful antibacterial, to your daily cleansing milk or mask. Use only one or two drops, and if your skin is not sensitive. Do not leave the solution on the face for a long time.
2. Hydrate the body. Mix almond oil with a few drops of lemon essence and massage your skin. Almond oil hydrates, softens and is suitable for all skin types. The lemon revives and refreshes.
3. Repair hair. A sensitive or dry scalp will benefit from a weekly sesame oil massage. To hydrate and shine damaged hair, use coconut oil, insisting on the ends, once a week before going to sleep.