Have you ever used natural oils in your hair or skincare regimen? Common examples include coconut oil, grapeseed oil, and jojoba oil. Natural oils have been around forever – it’s believed that athletes in ancient Greece rubbed olive oil on their skin to make it glow – but they’ve also been seeing a resurgence.
benefits of natural oils
Natural oils are best known as great moisturizers with an emollient effect on the skin. They contain antioxidants like vitamins A, C, E, and D, as well as polyphenols and flavonoids. Many even have antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. As natural products, they have fewer synthetic ingredients than many conventional skincare products.
use in skincare
Natural oils can be found as ingredients in a lot of moisturizers, creams, cleansers, serums, and facial oils. Or, you can apply natural oils to skin directly.
Of course, oils are not necessarily great for all skintypes; in particular, they may not work for you if have oily or acne-prone skin. And not all oils are good for use on the face, since facial skin is more sensitive than the rest of your body. Some oils might be fine on your body but not so much for your face.
If you have sensitive skin or a skin condition, it’s best to consult a dermatologist as well. Some natural oils may be irritating or cause allergic reactions.
applying oils topically
If you are applying natural oils directly to skin, use organic, cold-pressed, or unrefined oils to get the full benefits. Many of these oils are also used in cooking, but cooking oils tend to be refined.
A key thing to remember: don’t use natural oils right before going out in the sun! They can increase the risk of sun damage.
Also, natural oils are very different from essential oils, which are highly concentrated and should not be used directly on skin. Generally speaking, essential oils should always be mixed with a carrier oil like coconut or jojoba oil.
Grapeseed oil, which contains vitamin E, is one example of a natural oil often used in skincare. It’s lightweight and has antioxidant, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory properties. It’s also believed to have anti-aging effects.
Olive oil is rich in vitamins A, D, and E and is a great moisturizer. Other popular ones include shea butter, jojoba oil, and argan oil. There are many options out there for you to try if you are interested in doing so!
Sources: Everyday Health, VerywellHealth.com, Integris Health.
