5 Oils That Truly Benefit Your Skin

5 Oils That Truly Benefit Your Skin

I’m a big believer in the power of oils because they have the power to truly benefit your skin by  deeply moisturizing it and providing it with the essential fatty acids it needs. They also protect from the elements by keeping the good stuff in (essential skin oils) and the bad stuff out (sealing it from the elements).  I’ve done several videos on how to oil cleanse and the benefits to your skin especially when the weather cools down.  If you are looking to change some products to prepare for cooler weather ahead, an oil cleanser is definitely an essential.  Have a look at my other fall skincare suggestions in my blog “3 Cooler Weather Skincare Products to Switch to for Fall”.

Facial oils are huge right now.  It seems that consumers and the industry have finally accepted that our skin needs oil to thrive.  Some of us may have already jumped on the oil bandwagon and some of us might still be skeptical about applying oil to our already oily skin.  However, I believe that finding the right oil can do wonders for all types of skin including oily and acne-prone.  I’ve picked my 5 favourite oils that truly benefit your skin and listed them for you in the hopes that you’ll start using one of these in your daily beauty regimen.

How to start using oil

There are some really lovely Canadian companies that use the power of oils in their skin care products, but I wouldn’t encourage you to go and stock up on these if you haven’t used an oil before.  Start slow.  Choose an oil which is NOT blended with other oils or essential oils to start.  This way you can really see if it benefits your skin or if you’d be better off with another oil.  Your local health food store will have lots of options.  Always go with organic, cold-pressed and unrefined, so the oil’s chemical compounds are not altered.  Once you’ve incorporated an oil into your beauty regimen and seen the benefits, I know you’ll be hooked.  At that point, you can treat yourself to a higher quality oil blend which includes essential oils that you’ll enjoy using daily.

The oils I’ve listed here can all be used as serums, moisturizers and cleansers.  All oils will remove dirt and makeup from your face like a dream.  They can all be used as serums and moisturizers, but each comes with its own list of benefits.  So, how do you choose?  Read on and I’m sure there will be a couple that appeal to you.

1. Castor (acne, pigmentation)

–    extracted by pressing the seed of the castor plant

–    its use dates back to ancient Egypt where it was used for a variety of ailments

–    prized for its skin-healing and anti-bacterial properties and it’s often used in Ayurvedic medicine

–    helps fight aging by penetrating deeply and stimulating collagen and elastin production

–    can reduce pigmentation because it’s full of omega-3 fatty acids that hydrate the skin and stimulate the growth of healthy skin tissue

–    its antibacterial properties (contains ricinoleic acid) make it perfect for those with      acne- prone skin; dab on affected area with cotton swab; to fight future break outs, massage on face after cleansing and let it sit overnight

Find it in Heritage Store castor oil (take $10 off with code mariaoils if this is your first order over $40 at well.ca)

 

2. Argan (moisturizing, healing)

–    used for generations by the natives of the Argan Forest of Morocco

–    extracted by pressing the nut inside the Argan fruit

–    rich in Vitamin A and E give it its healing properties

–    tocopherol from the Vitamin E helps boost cell production while promoting healthy skin

–    Vitamins A and E also improve skin’s elasticity making it less likely that stretch marks  will form

–    rich in anti-oxidants such as Omega-6 fatty acids and linoleic acid which reduce            inflammation

–    contains linoleic acid which helps fight inflammation caused by acne

Find it in Helena Lane’s Argan and Frankincense serum  , Helana Lane’s Argan and Frankincense moisturizer and the unscented Helena Lane Shea and Starflower moisturizer.

Easy Argan oil toner recipe:

Boil a cup over water and pour over a green tea bag; let steep for 10 minutes. Remove tea bag and allow water to come to room temperature.  Add 3-4 drops of your favourite essential oil (tea tree works well of acne-prone skin) and 3-4 drops of argan oil.  Pour into a clean spray bottle and voila! Green tea helps reduce inflammation, increase elasticity and give you a youthful glow!

3. Rosehip (firming, brightening)

–    harvested from the seeds of rose bushes

–    full of vitamins, essential fatty acids and anti-oxidants

–    nourishing for the skin because of the essential fatty acids it contains

–    anti-inflammatory fatty acids, and vitamins A and C treat signs of aging;(pigmentation, repair damaged skin)

–    vitamins and fatty acids provide a strong anti-oxidant boost and help fade facial scars

–    it does not feel greasy like olive oil

–    astringent properties help tighten pores and brighten skin

–    massaging into skin every night can help firm skin

Find it in Cocoon Apothecary’s Rosehip Oil facial serum and Helena Lane Sea Buckthorn and Geranium Balancing Facial Oil 

4. Jojoba (hydrating, anti-aging)

–    an odourless, clear-coloured wax produced from the seed of the jojoba plant (a shrub)

–    native to dry, arid regions of California, Arizona, southwest Mexico

–    penetrates the skin easily without leaving behind a greasy feeling

–    it’s long-lasting moisture has been documented to last up to 24 hours

–    contains nutrients like vitamin E and B, as well as minerals like chromium, copper, and zinc, which nourish and protect skin from environmental stressors

–    gentle in nature so perfect for sensitive skin

–    can help reduce he appearance of fine lines and wrinkles

Find it in  Helena Lane’s Jojoba and Calendula cleanser

 

5. Seabuckthorn Oil (nourishing, anti-inflammatory)

–    obtained from a small shrub which is covered in prickles; in late summer it produces hundreds of bright orange berries

–    contains huge amounts omega 7; omega-7 is a major component of skin cells, a powerful anti-inflammatory with tissue repairing properties

–     research trials on seabuckthorn oil show positive effects on healing damaged skin tissue in conditions such as eczema, rosacea and acne

–    Carotenoids are the phytonutrients that give seabuckthorn it’s orange colour; they are powerful antioxidants with incredible and very important benefits to the skin

–    carotenoids strengthen our skin’s own defenses against UV rays, and help to repair damage already done; they’re also a key ingredient in vitamin A, a nutrient our body makes to help keep the skin clear, supple, and toned

–    seabuckthorn oil also contains vitamin E and C and other important skin nutrients

–    seabuckthorn oil has healing, calming and protecting properties which help reduce and improve redness, inflammation and damage of the skin

Find it in Helena Lane’s Seabuckthorn & Geranium Balancing facial oil 

If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to drop me a line. I’d love to help you find oils that truly benefit your skin and will give you results.

xox

Maria