All About Oils

I talk about oils for beauty use a lot and I swear by them but I've never really gone into detail about the differences and best uses for each type. I figured today would be the perfect day to do just that!

Jojoba Oil is the one that I have used the longest. I absolutely love this golden, odorless oil (which is actually a liquid wax) and I think it's the perfect addition to any beauty pantry. Jojoba oil is the closest thing to skins own sebum so it doesn't aggravate, irritate, or clog our pores. It makes a wonderful addition to any homemade beauty product but it's also great on its own! It's non-allergenic, non-comedogenic, and it works great on any skin type including sensitive. I highly recommend Jojoba oil for those of you with really oily skin since it helps regulate sebum production by breaking down the sebum plugs in pores. It helps plump up the skin and helps rejuvenate. It also has a very long and stable shelf life. It is completely safe and can be used full strength, unlike some other oils which must be diluted prior to applying to the skin.

Grape Seed Oil is my new favorite carrier oil. Much like Jojoba oil it is very light, odorless, and quickly absorbed into the skin. It works well for any skin types but since it's slightly astringent it's best for normal to oily skin types. It does work well for me though and I'm more on the dry/sensitive side of the spectrum. It's chock full of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and essential fatty acids. It helps battle acne, wrinkles, and damaged skin. It can be used at full strength as well.

Olive Oil is a really great skin conditioner. It does have a bit of a heavy feel on the skin as it's a very thick oil but it is outrageously hydrating. It does have a scent, like olives. It is high in Oleic acid and is good for helping to regenerate cells. Olive oil attracts moisture to the skin so it is very hydrating and smoothing. It allows the skin to breathe while creating a protective, moisturizing barrier. It acts as an emollient and relives dryness and guards against damage. It can work for all skin types but is very heavy so nighttime only use is recommended and those with very oily or acne prone skin may want to skip this oil. A

vocado Oil is one of the most moisturizing and easily absorbed oils out there. It's perfect for dry, damaged, and/or aging skin. It's very soothing and smoothing. It goes deep into the layers of skin to help heal and rejuvenate. It actually helps reduce damage from sun exposure and scarring. It also increases the level of collagen produced. It does not have a non-greasy feel though. It is very thick and heavy so it is best suited for night use. This oil should be mixed with an oil like Jojoba to dilute it.

Sweet Almond Oil is perfect for all skin types, non-greasy, easily absorbed and very moisturizing. It's really great for skin that is dry, inflamed, and/or itchy. It works well to help combat the symptoms of eczema and psoriasis.

Extra Virgin Coconut Oil is a solid oil that is especially helpful for dry, itchy, and sensitive skin. It's great for burns, bug bites and other skin conditions. It is non-comedogenic, easily absorbed, and non-greasy. It is wonderful in hair products as well as lip. It helps the skin plump up and look more supple.

Hempseed Oil is gaining popularity because of its richness and skin healing properties. It is especially good for dry and mature skin, although I have never tried this since I have an allergy to hemp. It resembles skin's natural lipids and is high is essential fatty acids. It is easily absorbed, non-greasy, and extremely moisturizing. It is a super wrinkle reducer. It can be used at full strength.

Apricot Kernel Oil is perfect for mature skin because it helps fight fine lines and wrinkles. It's easily absorbed by the skin even though it has a very rich feel to it. It also works well on sensitive and dry skin types.

Macadamia Nut Oil is a lot like Jojoba oil because it is similar to human sebum. It helps to protect and lubricate the skin in the same way sebum would. It absorbs quickly and helps regenerate the skin. It's great for dry and damaged skin.

Hazelnut Oil is particularly good for oily, acne prone skin types. It is a light, non-greasy oil with astringent properties that helps tighten and tone skin. It has a very high level of essential fatty acids. It helps stimulate circulation and cell regeneration. This should be diluted to use on the skin.

Sunflower Oil is perfect for all skin types. It's light, non-greasy and packed full of vitamins A, D, and E. It is easily absorbed by the skin and provides more nutrition that most oils.

Rosehip Seed Oil has a scent but it works really well on normal to dry and mature skin as well as scarring. It has vitamin C and A which helps reduce signs of aging by speeding up cell regeneration. This oil does not work with acne prone or oily skin. It should only be used as an additive.

There are many other oils out there but these are some of the most popular. I'm also a huge fan of argan oil but I'll be doing a separate post on it in the future. Leave me a comment telling me which oil is your favorite. I'd love to hear your thoughts!