Some people swear by using pure oils on their skin, while others try to stay clear of oils completely after a bad break out experience? Why are oils all the craze right now and how to know which one to use?
If you are a beauty nerd and love to know more details read on... If you are just after a quick What-product-to-buy-guide, scroll down toward the end of this post :)
What's in an oil?
It's important to realize that all natural carrier oils have a different composition of fatty acids, making them suitable for some skin types and purposes, yet not for others. All oils contain a different percentage of Oleic Acid and Linoleic Acid. Many skincare brands combine different pure oils to get the right balance and a variety of benefits. Besides this, they contain different nutrients. You can purchase pure carrier oils or ones that are blended and formulated out of different oils. Some are enriched with further ingredients like essential oils to address certain skin concerns and aromatherapy benefits.
Why oils are better than creams, lotions & co
Moisturizing your skin with certified organic plant oils is possibly the best thing you can do for your skin. Pure plant oils provide moisture and nutrients to your skin without any fillers or aggressive preservatives. Water is usually the first ingredient on the list and therefore contained in the highest percentage in your moisturizer, due to the high water content moisturizers and creams will always require preservatives while pure oils don't. You basically get more bang for your buck and higher quality as water is nothing more than a cheap filler. Plant oils are very versatile and can help to balance oily skin with over active oil glands while moisturizing the very dry skin.
How to find the right oil for my skin?
Below is a guideline on which oils commonly work the best for the different skin types. You might have to experiment to find the oil that works best for your skin. If your skin absorbs the oily quickly and nicely, not leaving it shiny, but rather supple, moisturized and healthy it's right for you! You want the oil to absorb, without leaving any residue behind.
Dry Skin
In a nutshell: Oils that are high in Oleic Acid are best for dry skin. These oils very rich and nourishing and feel oily on the skin. Some of the best oils for dry skin are Macadamia Oil, Avocado Oil, Almond Oil, Apricot Kernel Oil, Sea Buckthorn Oil. More balanced oils that can also work well for dry skin: Flaxseed Oil, Argan Oil, Coconut Oil (Unrefined)
Combo/Oily Skin
Oils that are high in Linoleic Acid are best for oily/acne prone skin. These oils are light and help to reduce clogged pores. For example, Safflower Oil, Black Cumin Seed Oil, Hemp Seed Oil, Evening Primrose Oil, Pumpkin Seed Oil Rosehip Seed Oil Grape Seed Oil Soybean Oil These are well-balanced oils also good for oily/acne prone skin: Jojoba Oil Pomegranate Oil Sesame Oil
Extremely Dry Skins
If you are very very dry or live in a very cold climate, your skin might ask for something more. In this care try Coconut Oil or Plant Butters (e.g. Shea-, Cocoa- or Mango butter), which are also amazing for the body. These oils are high in Palmitic Acid and not recommended for acne-prone skin.
Look For Quality & Keep it Cool
It's important to look for certified organic oils of the best quality. If you use an oil that is high in Linoleic Acid, it's best to keep it in the fridge, as they tend to go off very quickly otherwise.
How To Apply
Usually, only a few drops are needed and oils are best applied on damp skin. I love spraying my face with some hydrating mist before applying oil. The right oil can be used morning and night instead of moisturizer or you can choose a different one for morning & night.
Here are my favourite Oils:
