A dewy, even, youthful complexion? That’s the dream. And it’s possible in time for spring with the help of a secret, glistening weapon: face oils.
They soothe dry, sensitive skin
Dry winter weather can leave your skin in need of some serious moisture, especially if you have eczema or rosacea. Oils serve as barriers, protecting your skin against irritants. Some oils even soothe inflammation and help rebuild skin’s strength and immunity.
Borage oil is one of the best oils to alleviate eczema as it’s high in gamma-linolenic acid, a nourishing essential fatty acid. Borage oil also helps bolster skin tissue health, promotes skin elasticity, and reduces itchiness. It makes an excellent facial moisturizer, but it can be used anywhere on the body or scalp. Borage oil is so therapeutic that it’s even been incorporated into undershirt fabric to help soothe childhood eczema!
Camellia oil is another calming oil that’s effective for rosacea and many other inflammatory skin conditions. Camellia is the same flower that green tea is made from, and this oil shares green tea’s antioxidant properties, which help combat free-radical damage. Camellia oil also strengthens skin tissue, making complexions more resilient and robust. It has a wonderful silky texture that makes for a light moisturizer and a good base for makeup.
Meanwhile, moringa oil is super moisturizing, imparting a glow to skin without being overly oily. Its hydrating and smoothing qualities may have to do with moringa oil’s high levels of oleic acid (a type of omega-9 fatty acid). Use moringa oil as a natural moisturizer one to two times daily when skin is really parched.
They give you that youthful glow
Oils preserve skin’s youthful appearance: They nourish and soften the skin and lock in hydration.
Avocado oil in particular is richer and heavier than most other oils. Its moisturizing prowess helps prevent water loss from skin. Avocado oil is best used over a hydrating, water-based serum as its heavier texture seals the light serum into skin tissue, making it more effective at protecting the skin. Avocado oil is incredible for repairing skin and combating aging caused by everyday damage.
Another oil that’s often used for antiaging purposes is evening primrose oil. It can be applied topically and taken orally for its hormone-balancing properties (consult your health care practitioner for dosage advice). This oil can support women’s bodies as they transition into menopause and soothe any accompanying skin changes. Evening primrose oil has also been found to be effective for treating hyperpigmentation and UV damage, as well as diminishing age spots—and it’s not alone …
They minimize dark spots and scars
Hyperpigmentation is an especially difficult skin condition to treat. Conventional dermatology prescribes bleaching agentsand peels, but these can have negative effects (such as causing further damage and sun sensitivity). Some skin-lightening chemicals have even been identified as possible carcinogens.
Certain oils can provide a natural, safer alternative with their hyperpigmentation-diminishing properties. Case in point: Research has found rosehip oil to be effective in reducing pigmentation. Its antioxidant activity, provided by the rosehip fruit’s high vitamin A and C content, aids skin repair and reduces scarring. Rosehip oil is best applied to damp skin for maximum absorption. Twice daily, apply two to three drops directly to problem areas and massage gently until absorbed.
Tamanu oil is also good for uneven skin tone, specifically for skin marks and scars. Derived from the nut kernels of the tropical tamanu tree, this oil is famed for its scar-fading properties. It may be applied directly to the skin or mixed with other skincare products.
