For centuries, people have been using natural oils like coconut oil, shea butter oil, and olive oil for skin care and hair care. They have been praised by many generations for their moisturizing, protective, and antibacterial properties. However, with the rise of modern cosmetic and wellness industries, these natural oils were often ignored. But, in recent years, they have regained popularity as people seek out affordable, effective, and chemical-free products.
If you are wondering which natural oils to use and how to use them, and also want to know the difference between them, keep reading. You will find more details about how these oils can help you achieve healthy and glowing skin.
Can the application of coconut oil and other oils on your skin and hair be considered safe?
The use of natural oils for skin and hair care has a long history, with ancient civilizations such as Egypt and Greece utilizing them for various purposes. Research suggests that natural oils, including coconut oil, olive oil, and sunflower seed oil, are unlikely to cause allergic reactions due to centuries of experience using them. According to Rajani Katta, a board-certified dermatologist at Baylor College of Medicine in Texas, the resurgence of natural oils in skincare may be due to a desire for moisturizers that are inexpensive, free of chemicals that trigger allergies, and unlikely to cause allergic reactions.
Instructions on how to use natural oils for your face and body:
According to Katta, natural oils should be applied differently to the face and body. She recommends avoiding oils on acne-prone facial skin as it could worsen the condition, but suggests using coconut oil as a moisturizer for the body. The right amount of oil to use as a moisturizer varies per person, but one can tell if they have applied enough by how absorbed the oil is. If it feels too greasy, more oil needs to be absorbed.
Tips for beginning to use natural oils for skincare
Getting a doctor's recommendation is crucial before applying any oils to your skin. Nonetheless, here are some of the most common types of natural oils to help you get started:
1. Coconut Oil
Coconut oil is renowned for its ability to be easily absorbed by the skin and for providing a variety of health benefits due to its high content of vitamins E and K, as well as its antibacterial and antifungal properties. However, it may cause breakouts when used on the face along with cocoa butter. According to Katta, coconut oil is suitable for almost everyone except for those with oily, acne-prone skin. A study published in the Dermatitis journal found that when used as a carrier, coconut oil is better at moisturizing the skin than olive oil. It is essential to use cold-pressed, unrefined coconut oil for facial and skincare.
2. Olive Oil
Katta states that olive oil is not a common trigger for allergies. For optimal results, it is important to use extra-virgin olive oil, which contains vitamins A, D, E, and K. Studies, such as the one published in the Nanomaterials and Nanotechnology journal in October 2016, have provided scientific proof of its potential as a moisturizer. Due to its dense consistency, it is an excellent choice for full-body application. Katta suggests trying an olive oil cleanser or soap bar for a gentle clean that doesn't dry out your skin.
3. Sunflower Seed Oil
Sunflower seed oil is an easily available natural moisturizer that is high in vitamin E and quickly absorbed by the skin. It is an excellent option for this purpose. A Pediatrics Dermatology study showed that in infants, sunflower oil is better than olive oil in protecting the skin's barrier and does not cause or exacerbate atopic dermatitis, a type of eczema.
4. Shea Butter
Shea butter is a fatty substance that resembles tallow and is typically solid at room temperature. It is derived from the nuts of the African shea tree and is commonly used as a moisturizer and hair product. According to Katta, shea butter melts at body temperature and is not known to cause allergic reactions in her patients. To achieve a smoother texture, unrefined and organic shea butter can be blended with olive oil or coconut oil.
5. Jojoba Oil
The jojoba plant is indigenous to Mexico and the American Southwest, and its seeds have been utilized by Native American tribes for medicinal purposes. Katta has observed that there have not been many instances of allergic reactions to jojoba oil. Despite being less popular than some other natural oils, jojoba oil has potential skin benefits, such as anti-inflammatory and wound-healing properties.
Almond oil is created by pressing raw almonds, and it contains numerous health benefits, including vitamin E, proteins, zinc, and potassium. It has a lighter consistency compared to olive oil and shea butter, making it a favored choice for facial use. However, Katta suggests that sweet almond oil may cause allergic reactions, therefore it's best to refrain from using it if you have sensitive skin.
7. Grapeseed Oil
Grapeseed oil is a natural oil that is lightweight compared to other oils and is enriched with essential fatty acids and vitamin E. According to an article published in the Nutrition and Metabolic Insights journal in September 2016, it has antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory properties. In Katta's experience, grapeseed oil is less commonly utilized for skin treatment than other oils, but she believes it has great potential. She has not encountered allergic reactions to grapeseed oil, and she is intrigued by its numerous phytochemicals that provide antioxidant benefits.
8. Rose Hip Seed Oil
Rose hip seed oil, obtained from the seeds of wild rose bushes, has gained immense popularity and is commonly found in facial skincare products that advertise anti-aging and moisturizing benefits. A review of research published in the International Journal of Molecular Sciences in January 2018 states that this oil contains essential fatty acids and antioxidants, including provitamin A, which offer significant protection against skin inflammation and oxidative damage. The review also revealed that rose hip seed oil shows potential in reducing the symptoms of inflammatory skin conditions, such as eczema.
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