Oils have been a MAJOR KEY to skin care and beauty for a LONG time. They’ve been incorporated in your favorite brand’s, favorite brand of skin, body, and hair care lines. Oils are superrrr beneficial, and can help target many different issues or needs your skin and/or hair may lack.
I LOVE ME SOME OIL!
There are so many types of oils: essential oils/carrier oils.
Some of my favorite oils are Grape Seed, Vitamin E, Rose Hip, Shea Butter, Argan, Tea Tree, Coconut, Jojoba, Olive, Cocoa Butter, and Castor oil. Oils are like your skin's "bodyguard".
Oils really protect your skin and hair. I use oils for any and everything because they are so versatile; however, I want to talk about oils for the FACE. I know, I know.. Oils can be scary for some people, especially if you have oily skin or have dealt (or dealing) with acne or sensitive skin. But let me break it down for you, because I believe oils can be your best friend!
Oils are lipophilic, which is just a fancy word for “dissolving in fats (lipids)”, but in oils it’s basically acting as a trap. Oil is used to lock in moisture. Since oil and water don’t mix, it locks in the natural moisture of the skin (water). Not only does it lock moisture in, but it also helps block toxins OUT. Preventing the entrance of pollution and smog which can cause wrinkles.
Oils have healing properties, and some are antibacterial, they can prevent or reduce wrinkles, they help with dry skin, rashes, or eczema, they help shrink your pores, and get rid of acne. I could go on and on about the benefits!
However, not all oils are good for the face, because they can be comedogenic, which means they’ll likely clog your pores.. And we don’t want that.
So sis, I’m here to give you the tea on my top 5 favorite oils (in no particular order) and which ones will work best for you and your skin!
Shea Butter, MY FOREVER FAVE
The GOAT! I literally slap this oil everywhere; FACE, body and hair! This one is my favorite because it’s so universal; you can never go wrong with Shea Butter. PERIOD!
Shea butter is fat that comes from shea tree nuts in West Africa. It is considered a butter because of it’s soft, creamy texture.
Benefits:
Anti-inflammatory and healing properties which can help calm the skin and reduce redness.
Can prevent acne
Can be an SPF - but on a small scale .. yes, you still need an SPF sis!
Reduces the appearance of wrinkles, scars, and stretch marks
Anti-aging properties which promotes collagen production & cell regeneration
Safe for all skin types - can help with eczema and psoriasis.
Does NOT clog pores - non comedogenic
High levels of Vitamin A & E
Antibacterial & Anti-fungal
Sweet Almond Oil
I love this oil because it’s so easy to apply. It’s a very light oil that can give you a glow without overdoing it or looking too greasy. I like to use this oil as a primer before applying my makeup if I’m going for a natural glow.
Benefits:
Made from pressed raw Almonds
Packed with Vitamin E, Zinc, Proteins, and Potassium
Can heal skin burns
Good for dry skin
Improves acne
Non comedogenic - does not clog pores
Promotes collagen production and reduces the appearance of scars and stretch marks
Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree is an essential oil. This oil should be combined with a carrier oil because of how potent it is. Always mix this oil before you apply it directly to the skin. This oldie, but goodie has been used as a natural remedy for years.
So, for my oily skin beauties.. This one’s for you because this baby can be used for Oily & Dry skin.. Yes, you heard right! A miracle, but here’s the tea.. I mean OIL..
For oily skin, mix tea tree with your toner, moisturizer, or your favorite face mask.
For dry skin, mix it with your favorite carrier oil such as almond, jojoba, olive, etc.
Boom, you’re covered!
Benefits:
Can help with itchy, dry skin, and psoriasis
Can help with oily skin
Reduce inflammation or redness
Antibacterial - for cuts, infection, and wounds
Scalp treatment (personal fave, gives you a tingling sensation)
Prevents & TREATS acne!
RoseHip Seed Oil
This one is a super trendy oil, and seems to be a lot of people’s FAVE. I love it because it helps brighten the skin because it’s a natural exfoliator. Yes, an oil can be a gentle exfoliator, on a molecular level instead of using physical scrubs or face brushes. I highly recommend this oil for my sensitive skin babes. Rosehip oil and Rosewater (toner) are a really great combo if you want to glow from within. With all of its packed nutrients from the rose, it’s super hydrating for the skin and my skin DRINKS this oil!
Benefits:
Very Moisturizing
Produces Collagen
Helps reduce hyper-pigmentation or dark marks
Prevents breakouts because it’s antibacterial
Heals the skin
Anti-aging
Coconut Oil
Last but not least!
This one is also a trendy one. It’s also a little controversial in the skincare world because when it became popular, people were slapping this baby EVERYWHERE. And that’s because it works so well for so many things.
This oil is one I would recommend for the body only. The reason being is because coconut oil is Comedogenic, meaning it CAN clog your pores.. Which CAN lead to breakouts. Emphasis on the word CAN, lol. Because it does not cause breakouts for everyone, which is why it was super controversial.
However, for me personally I love this oil for hair growth!
I also use it mixed with my Nivea lotion on my body, and it leaves my skin feeling like SILK!
I haven’t used this oil as a face moisturizer because of all the back and forth on whether or not it causes breakouts. However, I DO use it to remove my makeup.. And it’s GREAT!
The list can go on about how beneficial this oil is, but here’s a few:
Sun protection - can block 20% of the sun’s uv rays
Skin irritation & Infections
Wound Healing
Inflammation
Non skin uses/benefits:
Can reduce metabolism (ingested)
Used for cooking
Mouth antiseptic/mouthwash
Reduces belly fat (ingested)
Hair moisturizer and improves hair growth
Stain removal on furniture or carpets
So, with that being said.. this oil is definitely a staple to have in your home!
So, if you were scared of oils before this should give you enough confidence and information to find one that works best for your skin needs.
I hope you enjoyed this post, but most of all.. I hope you learned something new!
Until next time!
Comments