The beauty market is flooded with all manner of miracle oils, some of which we can't even pronounce (kukui what?). But any experienced skin care mixtress knows the importance of having pure oils in your bathroom or kitchen cabinet. There's a reason these thicker liquids have been used since ancient times from head to toe. Since navigating the natural food aisle in your local health shop can be confusing, we've created this handy guide, below. In it, you'll learn the benefits of each oil as well as how to mix them properly for your next DIY beauty recipes.
First, base or carrier oils should make up the majority of your recipe because they have intensive hydrating properties. Then top that off with a treatment oil that targets specific ailments (like dry skin and swelling). Finally add the kicker — a few drops of an essential oil that's high in fragrance and potent in beauty benefits. If you're mixing these recipes at home, always make sure to do a test patch first to avoid any adverse reactions. In one quick trip to the health-food store, you could be well on your way to smoother skin and shinier hair. At the very least, you'll know which claims to believe when walking down the beauty aisle.
Base oils and beauty benifits
1. JOJOBA OIL:The most common oil that I recommend is jojoba oil because it is healing and moisturizing for all skin types. Even though it looks and feels just like an oil, it is actually a liquid wax ester made from expeller-pressed jojoba seeds. Jojoba oil is very similar to the sebum in human skin, and the oil can dissolve sebum and carry ingredients deep into the skin. It is very light-weight absorbs quickly into the skin. It also has anti-inflammatory properties.
If you struggle with oily skin, jojoba oil is a good option as it will help to dissolve sebum and will carry healing essential oils deep into the pores without leaving our feeling oily or greasy.
2. ROSE HIP SEED OIL:
Rose Hip Seed Oil is one of my favorite carrier oils. It is good for dry, aging skin because it is deeply nourishing and regenerating. It is known for it’s firming properties and may improve skin elasticity. Rose hip seed oil is high in essential fatty acids and softens and smooths out the skin beautifully. It improves the texture of your skin and calms redness and inflammation. It can also help reduce scarring.
3. ARGAN OIL:
Argan oil is pressed from the nut of the fruit of the Argan Tree, which is only found in Morocco. Because of the high levels of vitamin E /tocopherols (antioxidants) and saponins (skin-softening agents), argan oil is a wonderful oil for anti-aging. It can help reduce fine lines and wrinkles by restoring the skin`s hydro-lipid layer. It has also been shown to have a tightening effect on the skin. I love this oil because it absorbs so nicely into my skin and does not leave an oily residue.
4. TAMANU OIL:
Tamanu Oil is the oil I recommend for acne-prone skin. It is rich in fatty acids and has antioxidant and antibacterial properties. It is incredibly healing for irritated/inflamed skin, sunburns, scars, and stretchmarks. A little of this oil goes a long way.
5. EVENING PRIMEROSE OIL
Evening Primrose Oil is a wonderful oil suitable for several skin types. It contains a high concentration of a fatty acid called GLA (gamma-linolenic acid.) Linoleic acid been shown to reduce clogged pores by dissolving sebum and other impurities in the pores. This makes it a good choice for oily and acne-prone skin. The fatty acids in evening prime rose oil also contain anti-inflammatory properties which help reduce redness and irritation.
Evening prime rose oil can be used on dry aging skin as well. The gamma-linoleic acid and other nutrients in this oil are essential for cell structure and improve the elasticity of the skin. It is extremely moisturizing, reduces wrinkles and dryness, encourages regeneration of skin cells and keeps skin soft. It has also been used to treat skin conditions like eczema, psoriasis, and rosacea.
6. AVOCADO OIL:
Avocado Oil is an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids and vitamins A, D and E and can be used as a wonderful overall moisturizer. Rich in antioxidants, it can be wonderful for soothing inflammation. It has a high sterolin content. Sterolins are compounds which are anti-inflammatory making avocado oil helpful in healing sun damage and age spots, as well as inflammatory skin conditions like blemishes and eczema.
7. OLIVE OIL:
Olive oil is a no-brainer as most of us already have some in the kitchen. I have used in many times in my face oils. Olive oil is high in oleic acid (a monosaturated fatty acid), making it perfect for drier skin. It is a heavier oil that dries a bit more slowly. Just be aware that 2/3 of olive oils tested in the US market were found to be adulterated. Be sure to use only a trusted, good quality olive oil. Kasandrinos is the only olive oil in my kitchen. Always organic. Never adulterated.