articles » Oils for facial skin care: the most beneficial properties of the most popular oils, combinations of base and essential oils
Benefits of oils
Why oil, you ask. You can use your usual cream according to your skin type, and not waste time preparing homemade masks. You are right about this.
- Any cream works only in the superficial layers of the skin, but a natural product penetrates into deep structures and works at the cellular level.
- Cosmetics have a positive effect while you use them, and oils have a long-lasting effect.
- In addition, the likelihood of developing an allergy is possible only if there is an individual intolerance to natural components. While the cream includes many chemical additives, the skin reaction is quite difficult to predict.
Although to be fair, if you decide to use oil instead of cream, don't expect quick results. You will be able to enjoy the beauty of your skin only after 2-3 weeks of regular procedures.
Why you need to combine the use of cosmetic oils and creams
The main thing to remember when using cosmetic oils for facial skin instead of cream is that everything should be in moderation. There is no need to overuse natural ingredients - without professional means it will not be possible to provide the epidermal tissue with everything necessary. Cosmetologists recommend combining drugs for good results.
When planning to use a product of plant origin for facial care, you need to remember that oil:
- does not contain substances necessary for the epidermis - peptides, water-soluble minerals and vitamins, fruit hydroacids, without which one should not hope for adequate nutrition of the skin;
- is not able to cope with the fat barrier on the surface of the dermis, with regular use it increases the untidy shine, and turns dry skin into a depleted “parchment” with spots;
- is able to create a film on the surface of the skin that prevents the full enrichment of oxygen and the removal of harmful substances;
- can destroy the natural barrier of the epidermis, neutralize protection from ultraviolet radiation and harmful external influences;
- does not contain the water necessary for complete hydration of epidermal cells.
An oily liquid, regularly and in large quantities applied to the skin, can clog pores, preventing the removal of fat. This can cause the appearance of profuse rashes, spots, and blackheads. That is why it will not be possible to completely replace complete skin care with a herbal product - the consequences of such negligence are difficult to foresee.
Rosehip
Rosehip oil, Miranda Kerr's favorite remedy, according to the tabloids, is one of the most nutritious. It is an excellent remedy for restoring damaged areas of the skin, promotes its renewal and healing: it helps to resolve scars, burns, acne spots, it is even recommended for the treatment of eczema. To moisturize the skin in general, it may be too oily, especially if your skin is not prone to dryness, but it is suitable for spot use - on those same scars - or as an additive to existing cosmetic products.
Margot Marron
Natural rosehip oil contains the highest amount of essential fatty acids of any known oil, which are important for the healthy functioning of cell membranes. Antioxidants in the oil - including ascorbic and retinoic acids, lycopene, lutein, rubixanthin, xanthophyll and zeaxanthin (carotenoids) - restore skin elasticity and radiance.
How to use at home?
Cosmetic oil is used to cleanse the skin of impurities and makeup residues. Apply a few drops of the product to a cotton swab and wipe your face. After this procedure, the skin remains clean and does not dry out.
The best method for using oils is face masks. They are obtained by mixing base and esters. Mixtures must be prepared in dark glass or plastic containers. After mixing the ingredients, the mixture should sit for 3 days.
The product is applied to cleansed, damp skin before bed or an hour before leaving home 1-2 times a week. 15 minutes after application, remove excess with a dry cloth. The amount of oil depends on the skin type:
- for dry skin - 4-5 drops;
- for oily and combination skin – 1-2 drops;
- for normal - 2-3 drops.
You can use oils differently: a few drops of oil are mixed with cream and applied to the face like a regular cream.
Essential, basic cosmetic oils: types, properties
All cosmetic oils are different from each other and “work”, giving different effects. This is because their composition is different, but always rich in useful microelements.
- NATURAL – the best natural “cosmetics” for skin of any age. It’s good to start using it from the age of 18-20. Its main advantage is the ability to retain moisture in the skin.
- ESSENTIAL - obtained by concentrating the ingredient in ether. They have a powerful internal and external effect on the body, because... have a strong and “medicinal” aroma.
COSMETIC OIL is a composition made up of several or a large number of ingredients (oils) of natural origin, possibly additional vitamins and extracts.
Fatty vegetable oils
Fatty vegetable oils are oils that retain their consistency. They are in a liquid state and at a temperature of +20...25 degrees. These oils are used to prepare homemade cosmetics, handicraft soaps, and massage oils.
There are refined fatty oils and unrefined (unrefined, without additional technological processing).
Unrefined oils are healthier and better because they contain more polyunsaturated fatty acids, vitamin E and trace elements. Natural base fatty oils are not diluted. They are used in their pure form on their own or as a carrier oil for dissolving and transporting essential oils through the skin.
It is advisable to store fatty base oils in glass containers with tight-fitting lids in a cool, dark place. Use without heating.
Batters
Solid oils (batters) are vegetable oils that solidify at temperatures below +30 degrees. These oils are used in cosmetology to make natural creams, scrubs, lip balm and artisanal soaps. Butters are used independently, in their natural form and mixed with other fatty vegetable oils. Store solid oils in a cool, dry and dark place. Solid oils include coconut, cocoa, mango, palm and shea butter.
Hazelnut
Hazelnut oil is an excellent analogue of castor oil for cleansing the skin if the second one does not suit you. It is an astringent, that is, it has a tightening effect - which is not at all necessary for those with dry skin, but those who are prone to very oily skin may like this effect. The size of pores is, of course, dictated by genetics, but it helps to visually reduce them. This oil is safe in its pure form for cleansing the skin and is especially suitable for those who constantly face skin problems and inflammation. As with other nut butters, use hazelnut butter with caution if you have allergies to nuts in general.
Margot Marron
Hazelnut oil is used in the treatment of rosacea, serves as a protective barrier in sunny, windy and frosty weather, cleanses the skin and heals inflammation, which helps eliminate acne and skin abscesses, and in general is perfect for everyday care. When added to hair products, it gives shine to hair and prevents hair loss, and also “seals” hair scales and thereby allows you to preserve the color of dyed hair for a long time.
Basic oils for facial skin together with essential oils
Essential oils are more concentrated and have a rich aroma. If used incorrectly, they can cause burns, allergic reactions, and irritation.
By itself, in its pure form, essential oil is not used. A conductor is used to penetrate deep into the skin. This conductor is the base oil.
It is important to maintain the exact proportion when mixing these two components.
When used, the base facial oil is enriched in the following proportions: per 5 ml of base – 1 drop of ether. If the composition contains several essential oils, add 1 drop of the mixture per 5 ml of base.
Finding the perfect combination to suit your individual needs is a creative and fun process. The main rule when working with herbal ingredients is that any facial oil requires caution and a competent approach.
Basic oils in facial skin care
High-quality plant base oils are obtained by cold pressing the seeds, leaves and other parts of plants. The product does not have a pronounced odor.
Base oils are good because they have a wide spectrum of action. They can be used as a stand-alone product or in combination with other ingredients. In care, such facial oils are used in creams, masks, lotions, compresses, steam baths, in their pure form.
Benefits of base oils in home care:
- availability, low price;
- natural composition;
- versatility of use;
- the ability to choose a product for any skin type;
- safety;
- similar in composition to sebum.
In rare cases, base oils can cause allergies, but don't take the risk. Before applying to the skin, be sure to do a test on the crook of your elbow.
Coconut
The first thing that comes to mind when it comes to beauty oils is probably coconut oil. Those who know nothing about it have clearly lived somewhere in isolation - for the last couple of years, everyone who is not too lazy has been trumpeting about its miraculous properties: from beauty bloggers to weight loss specialists and adherents of healthy cooking. Some take it before meals, some use it for oil washes, instead of hair conditioner, and some even use it when cooking instead of butter and sunflower oil.
It is important not to overdo it. Coconut oil is extremely nutritious, so try it in small quantities first. Both skin and hair become radiant from coconut oil masks - it perfectly replenishes the lack of natural oils and has antimicrobial and antibacterial properties.
Margot Marron
In most cases, in cosmetology it is customary to use refined coconut oil, but in our laboratory we prefer to use pure, first cold-pressed coconut oil, thick and dense white. Despite this thickness, it is completely non-comedogenic, has a powerful antibacterial effect, creates a protective layer on the skin that prevents sunburn and chapping, and is also suitable for all skin types.
Rating of the best natural facial oils
Oils are increasingly used in professional and home cosmetology. And the most diverse. Some help nourish the epidermis with useful components, others get rid of wrinkles and improve tone, others are a salvation for dehydrated skin, and others are ideal for maintaining youth.
However, cosmetic oils also have a downside. So, if they are selected and used incorrectly, the condition of the dermis may worsen. For example, in addition to the main problems, clogged pores will appear, which causes acne and inflammatory processes. So, you need to choose your facial oil wisely. To do this, carefully study the composition - it should not contain any chemical additives. Also, use a product that is suitable for your skin type and only with low or moderate comedogenicity (the ability to clog pores and cause severe acne). And here's a list of the best safe oils for you.
- Squeezing grape seeds
. A very popular skin care product. Thanks to its unique properties, it received the second name “elixir of youth”. The product is rich in vitamins E, A, C and organic acids, which promote the production of your own collagen and elastin, increase regeneration, and slow down skin aging. After application, a film does not form on the face, which means that the dermis will breathe freely. Cosmetologists recommend using pure grape seed oil instead of night cream. It is suitable for oily, dry and combination skin.
- Shea Butter
. A very useful cosmetic product for any skin type. It has pronounced rejuvenating properties, increases immunity in epidermal cells, protects against chapping, deeply nourishes and moisturizes the skin. With regular use, it smoothes out shallow wrinkles, increases tone, and improves the color of the dermis. Moreover, shea butter is recommended for use in dermatological diseases such as eczema, psoriasis and dermatosis, because it relieves redness, inflammation and itching. When purchasing a cosmetic product, pay attention to the consistency. The oil in the container should be hard and dense. If this is not the case, then you are looking at a surrogate.
- Castor
. Many women have prejudices towards this product, but in vain, because castor oil is very useful for the dermis. It improves metabolic processes in cells, normalizes the functioning of the sebaceous glands, and, as a result, does not provoke the formation of comedones, which is very important for oily skin. In fact, it is a universal remedy that has anti-inflammatory, whitening, soothing and rejuvenating effects. It is used not only in cosmetology, but also in medicine, because it perfectly eliminates peeling. Castor oil is suitable for moisturizing dry, sensitive and problematic skin.
There are several types of oils used in cosmetology - natural (natural) and mineral. The first ones, which we are talking about today, have a beneficial effect on the skin and do not disrupt the natural processes occurring in it. But the latter should be avoided, since they are made from cheap raw materials and have a high level of comedogenicity, that is, they clog pores.
- Argan oil
. Suitable for skin care of any age. This product is believed to grant “eternal youth.” And all thanks to a truly unique composition, which contains a lot of vitamin E and other useful substances. In fact, this is a real lifesaver for aging skin. Argan oil is well absorbed, does not form a greasy film and has pronounced regenerating properties - smooths out scars, promotes wound healing, and also has an anti-inflammatory effect.
- Wheat germ
oil . This is the best solution for aging facial skin. It saves from wrinkles, slows down the aging process, stimulates metabolic processes in cells, evens out the relief, and removes age spots. Most often it is recommended to use it for normal, dry or problematic dermis prone to peeling. The composition of cereal oil is rich in vitamins A, E, B1, B6, which help maintain skin tone. Omega-3 and Omega-9 fats are also present here, which help retain moisture in the layers of the epidermis. With regular use of the cosmetic product, even deep wrinkles are smoothed out, sagging cheeks and sweet spots around the eyes disappear.
- Avocado
. Very nutritious and rich in vitamins, beneficial microelements and fatty acids. Suitable for all skin types, low comedogenic. As a rule, it is used by women seeking to maintain the health, youth and beauty of their faces. After all, this cosmetic product improves blood circulation and metabolism in cells, promotes the production of collagen and elastin, and prevents the early appearance of wrinkles. Suitable for daily care. Works great in masks and in combination with skin care creams.
- Jojoba
. An indispensable product for facial skin, nails and hair. It has a strong restorative effect, protects against frost, wind and exposure to ultraviolet rays. Rich in the beauty vitamin – tocopherol. Exotic jojoba oil has a very delicate effect on the skin, forming a thin protective film on its surface. At the same time, the dermis does not suffer from a lack of oxygen, and the pores do not become clogged.
- Olive
. An ideal choice for dry skin, as well as sensitive and problematic skin. Olive oil is widely used not only in cooking, but also in cosmetology, and all thanks to its unique composition. There are many microelements, vitamins and antioxidants that nourish the epidermis with useful substances, promote moisture retention in cells, and prevent wilting. But olive oil is not recommended for oily skin, especially in its pure form. Women with excessive facial hair should also avoid it, as this product accelerates hair growth.
In addition to cosmetic oils, essential extracts are also very useful for facial skin. For example, rose, lemon, ylang-ylang, and patchouli oils will help against wrinkles. To moisturize, take a squeeze of sandalwood, bergamot or neroli. And to combat inflammation and acne, use chamomile, tea tree, lavender, lemon balm, geranium, and clove oils. However, remember that they can only be used as part of masks or creams, and in no case in their pure form!
- Peach.
This cosmetic product fights very well against many aesthetic skin problems. For example, it gets rid of oily shine, tightens pores, relieves inflammation, promotes the healing of acne, cracks, and the disappearance of blackheads. With regular use, pigment spots are lightened. As cosmetologists recommend, it is especially good to use peach oil for facial skin after 35-40 years, when the first age wrinkles form. It will stop the process of skin withering and give it vitality.
- Almond.
Sweet almond seed extract can often be seen in cosmetics and masks. And all because this is a universal product. It is suitable for any skin type, it cleanses well, tones, and contains vitamins A, F, E, K and group B. But most importantly, it has a very strong moisturizing and soothing effect, which makes this oil ideal for sensitive and irritated skin. dermis.