Striking Oil

The beauty of oils is that they can help with almost any beauty problem.

I’ve had quite a few mails from you asking what the deal is with oils. After searching and searching, I found this easy-to-follow break down here on Allure.

The market is flooded with all manner of miracle beauty oils, some of which we can’t even pronounce (kukui what?). But there’s a reason these thicker liquids have been used since ancient times from head to toe. The guide below explains the benefits of each oil as well as how to mix them properly.

Argan: This oil is packed with vitamin E and essential fatty acids, making it a great moisturizer for hair, skin, and nails. In its natural state, it has a warm, nutty scent that complements any DIY hair recipe.

Avocado: Rubbing down in avocado oil can give you the same omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants that you get when you eat the delicious fruit.

Coconut: Coconuts are packed with protein, vitamin E, and fatty acids that can be absorbed into the skin easily. It also has antibacterial properties. The oil is solid at room temperature, making it easy for travel and a good base for your DIY lotion recipes.

Grape seed: For women with acne-prone skin, grape-seed oil is one of the best picks because of its astringent properties. It contains linoleic acid, which has healing and anti-inflammatory properties. It’s quickly absorbed into the skin (and hair) and delivers antioxidants deep into the cell tissue.

Jojoba: Jojoba is naturally similar to human sebum. Therefore women with oily skin and scalp can benefit the most from a moisturizer with jojoba to help regulate the epidermis’s natural production of oil.

Olive: Antioxidant-rich olive oil is the ideal DIY-recipe ingredient for women with dry skin and eczema. This heartier liquid is also a good choice for women with aging skin because it contains vitamins A and E.

Sesame: Bacteria don’t stand a chance against sesame oil. For centuries, it has been used in Ayurvedic medicine to counteract high cholesterol and viruses. This should be your go-to base oil to remedy skin irritation like wind- and sunburn.

Sweet almond: Almond oil is a natural way to clear dead skin cells. You can apply the elixir to get a more even skin tone and remedy dark spots. However, take note that almond oil should not be used by those with nut allergies.

Carrot seed: The beta-carotene and vitamin A in carrot-seed oil help stimulate cell growth and detox the skin. You can also slather it on to protect your skin from environmental damage (UV rays, pollution) as well as to keep moisture in.

Castor: Jamaican black castor oil is celebrated for its hair-growth abilities. This specific type has an ash included that gives it a dark brown color. The oil is very thick and can be used to seal in moisture for coarser hair types.

Evening primrose: Eczema sufferers have probably heard of the moisturizing effects of evening primrose. The fatty acids found naturally in this liquid are proven to help soothe itching and inflammation.

Rose hip: Expectant mothers, this one’s for you! Rose-hip oil has vitamin C and lycopene to gently rejuvenate skin and help maintain elasticity, making it a great remedy for stretch marks.

Tea tree: In recent years, tea-tree oil has become popular for its infection-fighting power. Acne, nail fungus, dandruff, lice, and insect bites can all be alleviated by a tea-tree poultice because it naturally kills bacteria.

Calendula: Acne-prone skin can benefit from a mix made with calendula oil. It can reduce redness and swelling, in addition to being an anti-inflammatory and free-radical fighter. You can also use it to minimize undereye bags.

Peppermint: Pack a bottle of peppermint oil on your next camping trip to soothe the itch of poison ivy or other allergic reactions. You can also apply a few drops of the oil to the face (mixed with a carrier oil) to clear the sinuses or soothe a tension headache.

Chamomile: Azulene is the main component in chamomile that helps calm the skin. It’s a key ingredient to soothe irritated areas like psoriasis, spider veins, acne scars, eczema, and sunburns.