If you are prone to sensitive or acne-prone skin, do the test on a patch before deciding to stick with a particular oil.)
Find out how these oils could be the perfect natural solution to your cosmetic issues.
Argan Oil
What does it mean? Argan oil is surrounded by more buzz than U2’s latest album, and the consensus is this: the adulation is justifiable (for the two). The oil is extracted from the kernels in the fruits of Moroccan argan plants; argan oil is packed with an abundance of vitamin E and omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants. While it initially gained acclaim as a remedy for damaged and dry hair, argan oil positively affects the body and face. “The fatty acids help our skin cells make healthy membranes, reduce inflammation, and promote healthy collagen,” says Joshua Zeichner, an assistant professor of dermatology at Mount Sinai Medical Center, located in New York City.
Avocado Oil
What is it: “This oil is high in vitamin E and omega-3 fatty acids, which helps proper cell function and decrease inflammation,” claims Jennifer Linder, MD, an assistant dermatologist clinical professor at the University of California at San Francisco. Because it’s hefty and emollient, avocado oil can suit people suffering from dry, itchy, or aged skin.
Coconut Oil
What is it? “When a client has super-sensitive skin, I recommend coconut oil, straight from the grocery store, as a body moisturizer,” says Joanna Vargas, a celebrity facialist in New York City. “Its fatty acids make it helpful for anyone with eczema, too.”
In addition, research has proven that coconut oil can restore dry hair. “Its 12-carbon fatty acid structure allows it to penetrate the hair cuticle and help provide flexibility and strength,” says Perry Romanowski, a cosmetic chemical chemist from Chicago. Apply a little bit on dry hair, smooth some on your fingertips to control flyaways, or apply it as a deep conditioning treatment after showering.
Flaxseed Oil
What is it? It is an excellent source of omega-3 heart-healthy fatty acids and omega-6 acids; flaxseed is essential for maintaining the health of your heart and skin. It is possible to mix the seeds into your meals or use the oil as a moisturizer, suggests Howard Sobel, MD, an attending dermatologist and dermatologic surgeon at Lenox Hill Hospital in New York City. “It has anti-inflammatory properties, and studies have shown that if taken daily, it can improve skin conditions such as eczema in just three months.”
Jojoba Oil
What is it? While technically a wax, Jojoba (pronounced ho-HO-ba) oil has a chemical structure identical to our skin’s natural oils. Therefore, it’s a breeze to absorb. Dermatologists suggest it since it’s also a rich source of minerals such as copper zin, C, and vitamin B, which aid in strengthening the skin.
Lavender Oil
What is it? The fresh flowers of the lavender oil could be particularly beneficial for people suffering from acne and general irritation to the skin. “It helps control sebum production, soothes irritation, and is a natural antiseptic and disinfectant,” Linder says. Linder. Lavender oil also improves the efficacy of other products for your skin. Linder says, “It’s thought to assist in absorbing active ingredients to the skin.
Olive Oil
What is it? Olive oil -especially extra-virgin olive oil is an excellent all-natural moisturizer and is suggested for dehydrated skin. “It’s super rich in fatty acids and vitamin E,” Dr. Sobel says. Like jojoba oil, oil is identical to oils naturally produced by the skin and consequently is well absorbed by the skin. It is not known to cause allergies, but since it’s more heavy oil, people who suffer from acne should not use it on their faces. Studies have also revealed that the antioxidants in olive oil could assist in the prevention of acne-related skin cancer.
Rose Hip Seed Oil
What does it mean? Rosehip seed oil, taken from South American rosebush seeds, is similar to mother nature’s Retin-A without the unpleasant negative side consequences. “It contains omega-6 essential fatty acids and vitamins A and C, which work to increase cell turnover,” Sobel explains. Sobel. “If you use it for a few weeks, you’ll notice significant change in any dark spots, scars, or any other skin discoloration.”
This retinol-like result and the subsequent growth of collagen and elastin manufacturing can mean that aging skin also benefits from the rose hip seed oil. Its high concentrations of Linoleic acid can also aid in treating acne-prone skin.
Safflower Oil
What does it mean? The oil of this flower is Linoleic acid, also known as omega-6 fatty acids, which aids your skin in making Ceramides, a form of lipid that helps the skin to hold on to water and avoid the loss of water. “It’s the best of all the oils for inflamed, dry skin — except argan oil, but safflower oil is much less expensive,” claims Leslie Baumann, MD, a dermatologist in Miami and the author of Skin Type Solutions. Safflower oil can be consumed in addition to other oils to avoid dry skin, mainly when your diet contains low fat. “Vegetarians and those on low-fat or low-cholesterol diets are more likely to have dry skin, but adding safflower oil to foods can help,” Dr. Baumann says.
Tea Tree Oil
What does it mean? Tea tree oil is the essential oil extracted from leaves from the Australian tree Melaleuca alternifolia; in many natural acne treatments, it kills bacteria that reside in pores and hair follicles, which cause pimples. Fortunately, for those who cannot get relief quickly enough, it can penetrate the skin rapidly. “For best results, use it in conjunction with alpha- and beta-hydroxy-acid washes,” says Dr. Zeichner. “Doing so will help slough off dead skin cells to prevent clogged pores.”
Although it’s a natural component of tea tree oil, it can irritate, so be sure to try it on a small skin spot before you apply it regularly.