The Well -Oiled Skin..
- Angel Brant-Flener, LE/CSc
- May 7, 2016
- 5 min read
Hello Everyone..and welcome to May!
This month Id like to help you explore which Oil might be right for your summer and beyond skin! When it comes to healthy skin, "oily" is not often a word we use too often. Sure, everyone's skin has natural oils, or what I refer to as a "Natural Moisture Factor". But when it comes to THAT type of oil consumers should be reminded of two things:
Too much of that oil can leave our faces looking greasy, shiny and acne-prone.
Too little, on the other hand, can lead to dry, flaky, irritated skin
Using oil as a skin-care product is somewhat controversial. Dermatologists don't often recommend certain oils stating that oils have the ability to "clog pores" In fact, some derms believe oils don't always penetrate deep into the skin the way that lotions and creams can. Oils in general are a ph 7 and very neutral and constant use can also cause build up if the quality of the oil is poor.
For those of you who have been in for a treatment or consultation and have heard my schpeel about oils, you know my opinion. In order for skin to turn over, you MUST have some sort of oil for lubrication. Whether it is your natural moisture factor or it is a topical oil that is used occasionally. The key word in home care when using an oil is OCCASIONALLY....
Here is a small personal list of oils I have used with clients and my personal opinion, why you should include oil in your beauty regime. I will list them from most to least expensive.
DISCLOSURE: Advice written here should not be used to treat or diagnose a skin treatment and is the expressed opinion of this author. Please seek the professional advice of a dermatologist or your primary care physician.
1.) Grape Seed Oil:
This oil is VERY High in Vitamin C. A by-product of wine-making, grape-seed oil comes from the seeds of pressed grapes. It's especially good for thin skin around your eyes and neck. Great for brightening the skin due to it's Vitamin C Content.
The downside? This oil goes rancid very quickly if exposed to heat. I usually buy Grape-Seed oil in small quantities. It is has a very light fragrance and should, like most oils be kept in a cool dry place.
2.) Sunflower/Safflower oil.
A little less expensive than most but in addition to being a good moisturizer, it makes for a good massage oil because it's thinner and more slippery than some of the other oils you can use. It also absorbs into the skin more quickly, too. Making most feel less oily than heavy counterparts such as Olive oil or Avocado Oil.
3.) Coconut Oil
Holy Coconuts!!! Have you ever studied the evolution of the Coconut Almond from tree to Oil? That little nut goes through A LOT to be pressed into oil. But in comparison to Saffllower or Sunflower Oil, Coconut Oils contain 91% Saturated Fats. This is the reason why this oil should be used in moderation. Also Coconut Oil contains its own natural surfactants which have the ability to strip natural oils from the skin. So here is why it is deemed comedogenic. If you are using Coconut Oil for your daily cleanse and not exfoliating, Coconut Oil has an ability to actually dry the skin out hence, dead skin compacts itself into pores and Saturated Fats down over those impacted pores causes an "Impaction" or eventual blackhead. Coconut Oil needs to be used in combination with an exfoliant AND in moderation. Most of my clients are asked to cleanse with a Baking Soda scrub prior to the application of Coconut oil moisturizer.
4.) Kukui Macadamia or Candlenut Oil
Kukui Nut oil is beneficial to the skin, soothing and softening it without leaving a greasy film. It has been used to treat wounds and burns, and some people feel it is beneficial for the symptoms of eczema and psoriasis. The oil is an excellent choice for massage, and offers glide without excess slip. When added to soap formulations, kukui nut oil increases the creaminess of lather and enhances its conditioning abilities. Macadamia nut oil is often found in hair masques because of this reason.
5.) Camelia Oil
Did you Know that Camellia oil has more naturally-occurring antioxidants than almost any other botanically derived oil? Camellia oil is rich in oleic acid and vitamins A, B, D and E as well as Omega 3, 6 and 9. The molecular weight of the oil is an almost identical match for skin, allowing it to absorb quickly. Camelia Oil is also known as "tea oil" as the oil is derived from Green Tea. But do not confuse the oil with Tea Tree Oil. This oil has been widely used by the Japanese culture for centuries as an oil capable of fading dark spots and freckling.
6.) Moroccan Oil/Argan Oil
Two more oils that are very rich in Vitamin E and are usually used in hair products as well. These two oils also come in dry form which can be used as an after shower or bath treatment,.
7.) Monoi
Besides Camelia Oil, Monoi is one of the most expensive. Monoi or more easily identifiable as the Polynesian Gardenia known as "Tiare", is an infused oil meaning, the flowers of the Tiare plant are harvested and macerated into Coconut Oil. After a period of time, the constituents of the Tiare are totally absorbed by the Coconut Oil resulting in a very aromatic oil. Huffington Post recently posted a fun artciel about Monoi Oil calling it "Coconut Oil's sexier cousin".
So How can Oil Work on my Skin at Home?
There are two ways of enjoying its benefits. First, try mixing 2-3 drops of your favorite oil to your usual cream as a ‘moisturizer booster’; you’ll wake up to the effects the next day for skin that is soft and moisturized. If you’re using a serum, do this after the serum application. Oils can also sometimes be paired with a mask.
Of course this is ONLY a small list of oils I have been lucky to use and experience. There are plenty of oils out there not listed here since I do not use them in treatment, this includes Borage Seed Oil, Jojoba Oil, Apricot Kernel Oil, Evening Primrose Oil and so on. For those who are wondering, in treatment for massage I use Coconut in the winter and Safflower in the summer. At home in Sugar Scrubs I use Monoi because I love the idea of smelling as if I have been away for a tropical vacation....of course manifesting my treatment centre in Hawaii!
Well, there you have it! The truth is, facial oils, the new buzzword in beauty, is one product that is actually perfect for all skin types – yes, even on oily skin.
^j^
Any comments and Questions are welcomed by my readers...I would love to hear your feedback and especially from those who are currently using oil in their skin care routines.
Until next time...
Be Kind, Be Pono and Always remember to Pay It Forward!
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