Which natural oil should you select for your skin type?

Which natural oil should you select for your skin type?  

Natural oils are a great way to care for your face especially during harsh winter months when skin is in distress.  Oils replenish the natural moisture in your skin and help protect it without irritating it more.  

There are so many natural oils that are wonderful for skin, but which ones are right for you? We are all individuals and while I believe there is no one right answer or for any skin type there are properties of the various natural oils which can make them more suitable for different skin types. This list includes my favorite natural oils for skin.

COCONUT: Organic cold pressed virgin coconut oil – a great oil for all skin types. The cold pressed version is higher in fatty acids.  Its capric and lauric acids fight wrinkles, and tone and tighten skin, and it’s the richest source of medium chain fatty acids found in nature and is easily absorbed because of it’s small molecules.

ROSEHIP: Rosehip is a unique oil extremely high in essential fatty acids that forms a moisture barrier on skin. Prized for its ability to combat weathered, dry skin, it is also extraordinarily rich in vitamin C and is said to aid in helping sun damaged and wrinkled skin. It is also a very gentle oil.

HAZELNUT: Cold pressed Hazelnut oil is another favorite of mine, it’s often recommended for oily skin, but it’s equally great for dry skin.  It tightens pores and tones skin as well, and is one of the most gentle oils for sensitive skin.

GRAPE SEED: Wildcrafted Grape Seed oil is another powerhouse oil, it is light, fast absorbing and very rich in vitamin C. Grape Seed is considered one of the best oils for skin and is often recommended for skin that has trouble absorbing oils.

AVOCADO: Avocado oil penetrates deeply and is rich in Vitamins A, B1, B2, D, and E, amino acids, sterols, pantothenic acid, lecithin, and other essential fatty acids. It is a rich emollient oil wonderful for dry skin!

SUNFLOWER: A wonderful oil for skin that is rich with oleic acids, vitamins A, D, and E, lecithin, and unsaturated fatty acids. It is considered a wonderful oil for maintaining healthy skin.

TAMANU: This oil has been used for thousands of years and a great deal of research has backed it’s traditional use for countless skin ailments and its use for softening and healing skin. It is considered a great oil for troubled skin because of its antibacterial properties.

JOJOBA: It might surprise you that Jojoba is not actually an oil, it is a wax! It is prized for its molecular stability and has absorption properties that are similar to our skins own sebum.

BAOBAB:  Baobab is a lovely oil that leaves skin silky smooth and improves its elasticity.  Like other oils I love, Baobab is high in vitamins A, D, F, and E as well as omega fatty acids.  It is considered a wonderful oil for aging skin.

 For a truly natural oil always select cold pressed or expeller pressed oil as these oils are extracted without the use of solvents.  I prefer seed and nut oils not only for cooking but also for skin. I stay away from hydrogenated oils altogether, for skin or diet, I believe if they are not good for eating, they are not good for applying to skin either!

I believe oils rather than creams or lotions are best for the face, especially if your skin is sensitive. They are gentle and if you select the right oil for your skin type incredibly effective for facial care!

Here's To Our Health!

 Shirley Makela, AADP INHC

Owner/Artisan