Does the idea of applying oil on your body make you cringe? But dehydrated skin neither feels good nor looks great. Both your facial skin as well as the rest of your body needs appropriate moisturisation to stay healthy.
Natural oils are an excellent choice to lock in the moisture, especially during the dry and draughty seasons. So here is a list of 10 different oils to choose from and see which suits your skin the best.
Why Is Hydration So Important For Your Skin?
Did you know that keeping your skin clean and hydrated is the first step to having healthy and glowing skin? Your skin is like a protective barrier that keeps out germs, pollutants, harmful chemicals and even harmful radiation. If the skin is dehydrated, there may be cracks and gaps in this protective barrier allowing exogenous substances to enter your body.
Also, hydration is important to maintain the normal microbial flora of the skin which in turn prevents skin conditions like acne. Dehydrated skin is also prone to more photodamage and premature signs of aging such as lines and wrinkles.
Constant exposure to elements such as the sun, wind, etc. cause loss of hydration from your skin. Also with age, the production of natural oils in your skin is reduced. Application of non-toxic oils from natural sources will create a protective layer on your skin that will help keep it supple and glowing.
10 Oils That Work Wonders On Dry Skin
1. Olive Oil
This is one of the most popular choices all over the world, when it comes to body oils. As the name suggests, this is obtained from the fruit of olive. It is best to use extra virgin olive oil for application on your skin.
Benefits
Olive oil has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties and is great for treating excessively dry skin as well as itchiness. It is also helpful in fighting fine lines and wrinkles on your face. You can use extra virgin olive oil even around your eyes. It is often used to massage babies.
How To Use
- It is best to use olive oil right after a shower on your towel-dried skin if you want to lock in the moisture.
- You can use olive oil daily depending on the weather you live in and your skin condition.
- However, make sure to use the oil in moderate amounts and blend it in well, so that you do not clog the pores of your skin.
Who Should Not Use It
- If you have excessively oily or acne-prone skin, it is better to avoid daily application of olive oil.
- It is best to avoid olive oil if you have atopic dermatitis (eczema), as it may worsen your symptoms.
2. Coconut Oil
Coconut oil has been the favorite for both the skin as well as hair, especially in the tropical region where this fruit grows abundantly.
Benefits
- Coconut oil is rich in lauric acid which has antibacterial, anti-inflammatory as well as antioxidant properties. It is non-phototoxic and can act as a sun-barrier on your skin.
- Coconut oil is an excellent emollient which is helpful in soothing inflamed, irritated skin.
- You can also use coconut oil to treat minor cuts and burns. It is also helpful in relieving skin conditions such as eczema. However, do consult your dermatologist before using it for treating medical conditions.
How To Use
- It is best to use virgin coconut oil which is certified to be organic, to avoid contaminants that can adversely affect your skin.
- Do a small patch test on a hidden area of your skin before using it for the first time. This will help you detect hypersensitivity to this oil, especially if you have sensitive skin.
- Use moderate amounts of oil and blend in well into clean, dried skin.
- You can also use it on your face as a moisturizer, make-up remover as well as your anti-aging solution.
Who Should Not Use It
- It is best to avoid this oil if you have hypersensitive skin, or skin that gets clogged easily.
- Do not use coconut oil if you already have a lot of acne or blackheads on your face.
3. Almond Oil
The nutrient-rich oil from sweet almonds can work wonders on dry, damaged skin by restoring and rejuvenating it. This oil is considered to have medicinal properties and has been used in traditional medicine from ancient times.
Benefits
- It is rich in vitamins E and A, fatty acids and zinc, which not only hydrate your skin, but also help in wound healing and maintaining a healthy skin barrier function.
- Sweet almond oil also helps to fight inflammation, oxidative stress, photodamage, reduce lines, wrinkles and lighten scars.
- Application of sweet almond oil as per your doctor's instructions, can also reduce itchiness due to eczema and psoriasis.
How To Use
- For moisturisation, just rub a small amount of almond oil between your palms and apply with gentle round motions to your face. You can also use it around your eyes and even to rejuvenate your chapped lips.
- You can mix almond oil with a few drops of honey and lemon to get rid of sun tan on your skin.
- You can also make a mask with sugar and almond oil for gentle exfoliation of your skin.
Who Should Not Use It
- Being light and non-comedogenic, almond oil can be used by people with any skin type.
- However, it is best to avoid topical application of almond oil if you're allergic to nuts.
4. Argan Oil
This oil is extracted from argan nuts which are native to Morocco. This oil has a number of cosmetic as well as therapeutic properties and is commonly used in skin care formulations.
Benefits
- The lipids in this oil form a protective layer on your skin, which strengthens the skin barrier function and prevents transepidermal water loss.[1]
- Argan oil also has anti-sebum activity which gives your skin a non-greasy appearance and hence is useful for oil-control in your skin. This is particularly helpful if you have excessively oily skin.
- Argan oil can be massaged onto your stomach during pregnancy to prevent stretch marks.
- This oil also has anti-acne, anti-aging and wound healing properties.
How To Use
- You can use argan oil as a day cream or as a nourishing night cream. You can even apply your regular make-up after applying this oil.
- Clean your face. Rub a few drops of argan oil in your hands and apply gently on your face.
- It is best to apply argan oil on your body right after a shower.
Who Should Not Use It
- Argan oil can be used by people with all skin types.
- In rare cases people allergic to nuts may be sensitive argan oil. perform a small patch test before using it for the first time.>
5. Jojoba Oil
This oil is obtained from the matured seeds of the Jojoba flowers that originally grow in Arizona, southern California and parts of Mexico. Jojoba oil is a preferred ingredient in skin care products due to its stability and prolonged shelf-life.
Benefits
- This oil is rich in waxy esters which protect your skin from dehydration.
- The esters in this oil are similar in composition to the sebum (natural lipids) secreted by your skin.[2] Thus this oil is well tolerated by most skin types.
- Jojoba oil has healing properties which can help rejuvenate your skin. It is antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory and has been used traditionally to treat acne, eczema, etc.
How To Use
- Jojoba oil is ideal as a massage oil. You can use it directly or mix it with a few drops of peppermint oil for relaxing your mind and body.
- Jojoba oil can also be used with eucalyptus oil for pain relief.
- You can mix jojoba oil with bentonite clay for an anti acne mask.
Who Should Not Use It
- There are no known side effects of jojoba oil when applied topically.
6. Sunflower Oil
The oil extracted from the seeds of this brightly coloured flower is not only popular as an edible oil but is also great for your skin.
Benefits
- It is rich in linoleic acid that helps maintain the skin barrier and relieve conditions such as eczema.
- Research has shown that sunflower oil is safer and more effective in maintaining skin barrier in preterm babies.
- This oil is rich in vitamin E and Vitamin A. It protects the skin from sun-damage, reduces signs of aging, and heals and soothes inflammation on skin.
How To Use
- Take a small amount of sunflower oil and massage it gently on your skin avoiding the area around the eyes.
- You can also use sunflower oil as a carrier oil for diluting essential oils.
Who Should Not Use It
- It is mostly safe for all skin types, but do check for allergies before using it for the first time.
7. Grapeseed Oil
This lightweight oil is mostly extracted from the seeds of the grapes used for brewing wine.
Benefits
- It is rich in omega-6 fatty acid, vitamin E and polyphenols.
- Applying this oil moisturises and evens out your skin tone.
- It reduces hyperpigmentation, inflammation, redness, and signs of premature aging.
How To Use
- Experts suggest buying cold-pressed grapeseed oil in its pure form.
- You can either apply this oil directly to your skin or mix it with other oils or moisturising agents.
Who Should Not Use It
- Anyone can use this oil topically unless they are allergic to it.
- It is best to avoid using grapeseed oil before a surgery, or if you have blood-related disorders.
8. Avocado Oil
The popularity of avocado oil in the skin care industry is because of it high content of vitamin E.
Benefits
- The vitamins and minerals in avocado oil moisturise and nourish the skin.
- It soothes inflammation, itchiness, helps heal wounds, reduces sunburns and can also strengthen your nails.
How To Use
- You can directly use a few drops of this oil on your skin for moisturisation.
- You can also rub the inside of an avocado peel on your face. Let it sit for 10 to 15 minutes before washing off with warm water. Follow this with moisturisation to get a glowing skin.
- You can also add a few drops of avocado oil to your bathing water to get soft and supple skin post bathing.
Who Should Not Use It
- Avoid using this oil if you have psoriasis.
- You should refrain from using this oil if you are allergic to avocados.
9. Apricot Oil
This oil is extracted from the seeds or kernels of apricots and the pure, cold-pressed versions are the best for your skin.
Benefits
- Being rich in fatty acids (linoleic acid, oleic acid) and vitamin E this oil is suitable for massaging dry skin.[3]
- Apricot oil enhances the skin’s elasticity, boosts radiance and gives an even skin tone.
- Although lightweight, this oil provides deep nourishment to your skin.
How To Use
- You can use this oil in place of your night time moisturizer.
- You can also use it during the day as it quickly absorbs into your skin, and can be layered up by other skin care products or make-up.
10. Flaxseed Oil
The oil from these highly fibrous seeds has many health benefits, whether you consume it or put it on your body.
Benefits
- It is rich in omega-3 fatty acid (alpha-linoleic acid) which moisturises your skin and gives you an even complexion.[4]
- Regular application of flaxseed oil can reduce the dark circles around your eyes.
- Being rich in antioxidants it can protect your skin from sun damage and keep cancer at bay.
How To Use
- You can apply flaxseed oil on its own or mix a few drops of it in your night-time moisturiser.
Wrapping Up
The above listed natural oils can work wonders for your skin, and incorporating at least some of them into your daily skin care routine can make a difference to your skin. Although most natural oils are mild and can be used by most people, do conduct a patch test.
If you are sensitive to oils, you can also check with a healthcare professional to confirm which will suit your skin the best. Finally, always purchase oils only from reputed manufacturers and read the labels to ensure there are no harmful additives in the products you are using.
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