With the world becoming more aware of the long-term side effects of conventional moisturizers and skincare products, a lot of focus is shifting towards products with natural ingredients.
One of the most important among these are natural or botanical oils.
These oils are extracted by pressing parts of plants such as nuts, seeds, fruits, or flowers.
Natural oils come rich in antioxidants, fatty acids, and beneficial healing and restorative properties.
They’re not a new concept! They’ve been used for generations in traditional skincare for treating a number of skin conditions.
Here are some of the best and most popular natural oils you can add to your skincare to naturally repair and rejuvenate your skin.
— Sweet Almond Oil
Sweet almond oil has been popular in the east as a part of Ayurveda and ancient Chinese practices.
It has soothing and calming properties that are useful in healing small cuts and wounds as well as conditions like psoriasis.
In today’s world, sweet almond oil is almost ubiquitous – a part of several skincare and beauty products for its many benefits.
Sweet almond oil contains retinol or vitamin A which is an antioxidant that helps skin repair and rejuvenation to promote glowing skin.
It is excellent for treating hyperpigmentation and wrinkles to even out the skin tone and texture.
In fact, sweet almond oil is one of the best natural oils to prevent and reverse premature aging and photo-aging.
Because it is a hypoallergenic oil, almond oil works for all skin types.
It’s a quick-absorbing, light oil that doesn’t leave a greasy feel.
To use it, simply take a few drops and rub it between your palms to warm it up and apply it directly to your skin.
You can also add some sweet almond oil to your bath water so that your skin stays supple and moist.
— Jojoba Oil
Jojoba oil is a botanical extract made of liquid wax esters of the jojoba plant which is indigenous to North America.
It has been used for generations to treat a number of skin troubles like sunburns and dry skin.
Jojoba oil is special because its chemical composition is very similar to that of sebum – the natural oil we produce.
Because of this property, it can be used for dry as well as oily skin to control over-or under-production of natural oil by the skin.
Rich in nutrients and minerals, jojoba oil seals in the moisture and strengthens the natural moisture barrier of the skin.
This is why it’s great for skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis. In oily skin, it also helps reduce the risk of acne.
To use jojoba oil, simply take a few drops of it on a cotton swab and apply it on the skin at night before bed.
You can also use it for an oil cleanse or simply add it to any face mask for its added benefits.
— Olive Oil
Olive oil is a very common amenity in the kitchen cabinets but its use is now growing into skincare too! Rich in vitamins A, D, E, and K, it is a rich source of antioxidants that can reverse oxidative damage to repair and replenish the skin.
Olive oil is also rich in fatty acids that makes it deeply moisturizing and nourishing for the skin.
You can apply olive oil directly to the skin as a moisturizer but unlike sweet almond oil, olive oil is a heavy oil that is slowly absorbed by the skin.
This is why it’s important to wipe off any excess bits to avoid pore-clogging leading to acne.
Also, ensure that you use high-quality extra virgin olive oil as there are several blends that may not provide the same benefits.
— Clary Sage Oil
Clary sage oil is renowned for its many medicinal uses due to its strong antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, and healing properties.
When it comes to skincare, it is one of the best natural oils for acne-prone skin.
Apart from protecting and healing the skin, it also reduces acne risk altogether due to its effective cleansing property.
It contains antioxidants that help lighten scars and reduce blemishes to even out the skin tone.
While using clary sage oil for acne, it’s best to dilute it with a carrier oil like sweet almond or coconut oil.
Take 8-10 drops with 1tbsp of carrier oil for an oil cleanse.
Also, look for clary sage oil in face washes, soaps, and creams of a trusted brand to enjoy its cleansing and skin-healing benefits.
— Tea Tree Oil
Like clary sage, tea tree oil is also a cleansing and healing oil rich in anti-microbial and anti-inflammatory properties.
It helps reduce swelling, itching, and redness and calms the skin.
It is for these reasons that tea tree oil is a popular natural choice for treating skin troubles like acne and scars.
Tea tree oil is effectively used in the spot treatment of acne and acne scars.
Alternatively, it can also be diluted with a carrier oil or mixed in with a face mask before applying to the skin.
— Argan Oil
Argan is a light oil that serves as an excellent moisturizer especially to treat extremely dry skin conditions like rosacea and eczema.
Its rich antioxidant and essential fatty acid content also make it a great option for reversing premature aging.
It fights off free-radical damage to restore the skin’s elasticity and make it look younger.
The great thing about argan oil is that it works not just for those with dry skin but also with oily skin!
It helps regulate sebum production in the skin cells to achieve oil control.
Its nourishing and restorative properties combined with its lightness make argan oil a popular choice for daily use.
You can apply it directly to the skin or mix it in bath water or in your moisturizer or face pack.
— Grapeseed Oil
Grapeseed oil is rich in Vitamin C and E and omega fatty acids which make it one of the best natural oils for topical skin treatments.
It also has antimicrobial properties that help fight and prevent acne outbreaks.
Its rich omega content increases the skin’s moisture retention to make it softer and supple.
Another benefit of grapeseed oil is its rich antioxidant content which helps to reverse damage caused by UV radiation.
You can use it as a nightly face serum to restore your skin or as a daily moisturizer to protect and nourish it.