I remember the days of slathering lotion on my skin without much result. I have dry skin and even the dermatologist recommended stuff just wouldn’t do the trick. Now that oils have become the major trend in the world of natural skincare, I’ve been trying out different kinds to see what works best for my skin type. But with so many to choose from, it’s hard to pick the right fit. So instead of randomly guessing what’s best for your skin, here’s the breakdown of what oils you should be using.
Sensitive skin
Just as chamomile tea relaxes you, chamomile oil has the same effect on your skin — calming and reducing irritation. If you’re especially prone to redness or rosacea, use this oil on your face to reduce the irritation.
For eczema, rosacea, or acne, try evening primrose oil. Some studies have shown that this oil helps reduce the symptoms of eczema. It is also known to reduce inflammation caused by rosacea, and the clogging of pores that leads to acne.
Sweet almond oil has an astounding amount of benefits from reversing sun damage to hydration. Its also amazing for itchy skin conditions that lead to rashes or redness.
Dry skin
As a nighttime moisturizing treatment, olive oil works absolute wonders! Apply to face and body after showering and before bed, and wake up with truly supple skin. However, this oil does not absorb easily so I would suggest not using it as a makeup primer or morning moisturizer to avoid that greasy residue. I would also try sweet almond oil in the morning because it’s light and absorbs easily.
Coconut oil has become the miracle worker for everything recently, and especially famous for its ultimate moisturizing properties. The saturated fats in coconut oil are its secret to keep skin smooth. These fats retain moisture and prevent moisture loss. The oil is also great for sun protection. My regular use of coconut oil has definitely prevented me from getting some serious sunburns when I’ve unexpectedly been out in the sun for too long. But for people with sensitive skin, definitely beware! I used to apply coconut oil onto my face, only to have it increase my skin’s irritation! For people with sensitive skin, do a test area first before trying it out.
Apricot kernel oil is non-irritating and easily absorbed making it perfect as a makeup primer or daytime facial moisturizer for people with dry skin. It nourishes and rehydrates skin without the oily residue.
Oily/acne-prone skin
Tea tree oil is great as a spot treatment for acne or pimples. Using a tea tree oil solution of 5 parts tea tree oil and 95 parts water and applied to zits can reduce the lesion and have fewer side effects than typical acne topical treatments like benzoyl peroxide. You definitely want to use a diluted solution of tea tree oil otherwise you could experience side effects like drying, itching or irritation.
Grape seed oil’s anti-inflammatory properties help reduce breakouts and its antioxidant power prevents clogged pores. But it doesn’t stop there: it’s a light oil so it’s easily absorbed, minimizes dark circles and firms and tones skin.
Best for anti-aging:
Rose hip seed oil is believed to be the best for anti-aging and skin rejuvenation. Its vitamin C power keeps a youthful glow and the vitamin A delays the effects of aging.
Argan oil is described as “liquid gold.” This rare and expensive oil is rich in vitamin E and essential fatty acids and making it excellent for anti-aging and reducing fine lines. The oil is known to help a handful of skin ailments and keeps your skin smooth to the touch and glowing.
Best for acne scars:
Rose hip seed oil is also known to help with discoloration. Applying to acne-scarred skin significantly reduces the scars’ appearance and helps them to fade away.
Best for sunburns:
Jojoba oil (a liquid wax actually) is similar to skin’s sebum, an oily matter secreted by the oily glands under skin, and helps repair ultraviolet damage. Black currant seed oil also helps to repair dry, damaged skin because it is high in gamma linolenic acid, a fatty acid that helps skin repair from sun damage.
Related: Top 5 Natural Oils for Skin
9 Best Essential Oil Blends for Summer
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Photo Credit: thedabblist via Flickr; Jessica Renae
