In our days when fats are recognized to be bad for health, and
the very word "fat" has a negative meaning, oils, as a source
of the unwanted substance, are often misunderstood.
Natural oils contain hundreds of organic constituents such as
hormones, vitamins and other natural elements that can be
beneficial for the skin.
Natural oils can be divided into two general categories -
essential oils and carrier or base oils.
Essential oils are volatile compounds found in plans. They give
fruits, flowers, herbs and spices their fragrance and flavor.
Obtained by distillation or expression, essential oils are
highly concentrated and used at a very low concentration.
Carrier oils, such as almond, sunflower, olive, walnut and
other oils are used in higher concentration in cosmetics, or
they can be applied directly to the skin to nourish, soften and
protect it. They are used as a base in which essential oils are
diluted.
Oils are highly penetrating. They easily enter through a cell
wall delivering essential vitamins, oxygen, and nutrients. This
helps to stimulate cell metabolism and regeneration process.
Ability of oils to penetrate and carry nutrients through the
the cell wall to the cell nucleus can prevent cell
deterioration that can lead to infections and diseases.
Many oils have anti-bacterial properties, thus helping to
reduce infections in sensitive or damaged skin.
Oils have been successfully used in skin care preparations for
centuries. They constitute a substantial part of skin care
formulations, and some people actually prefer oils to creams.
It might sound strange, but oils can be used as skin cleansers.
Sunflower (non-refined), olive and almond oils will serve the
purpose. Did you know that vegetable oil is a great way to
remove oil-based paint from the skin? The same mechanism works
with everyday residues and impurities that accumulate on your
skin. Oils effectively lift off the dirt, leaving the skin
clean and nourished.
If you still prefer water but your sensitive skin feels dry
after it, apply oil to the skin prior to washing your face. You
skin will feel much softer.
Many oils, such as safflower oil, are rich in essential fatty
acids that the body requires for healthy cells but cannot
produce by itself. These acids preserve the protective function
of cell membranes. Skin that does not get enough of these
nutrients loses moisture and elasticity, becomes dry and forms
wrinkles and fine lines. Fatty acids can prevent skin dryness
and help to restore moisture balance.
Great controversy exists when it comes to the use of oils on
acne-prone skin. The anti-bacterial properties of essential
oils, such as lavender and tea tree, help to kill the bacteria
and counter acne. Basil oil has been successfully used by
Indians to clear the skin of the unsightly breakouts.
If your skin is oily, you probably would like to avoid oils.
However, if you put too much effort into making your skin
drier, your skin can take it as a signal to produce even more
oil.
While moisturizing your skin (there are oil-free products
designed for oily skin), you can try products with such
essential oils as tea tree, basil, eucalyptus, cedarwood,
cypress, lemon, or lavender that are known to normalize oily
skin and, along with sage and lemongrass oils, to slow down
body oil production.
Tea tree oil, chamomile, lavender, geranium, rose, neroli and
ylang ylang are recommended for all skin types. These essential
oils are soothing, anti-inflammatory, healing and nutritive.
Mature skin will also benefit from clary sage, palmarosa, and
carrot seed oil - for they are proven to be effective in
wrinkle prevention.
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About The Author
Natalie Katsman, 2004
Natalie Katsman is a co-founder of http://www.natural-aid.com,
where you can find fine quality aloe vera products for beauty
and well-being and subscribe to HealthySkin Newsletter filled
with beauty tips, recipes and information on herbal healing,
skin care and cosmetic chemistry.
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The information of this page is intended for your general knowledge only and is not a substitute for your dermatologist's advice or treatment. For further details, please read our disclaimer.
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