Natural oils, also known as botanical oils are quickly replacing some of the conventional synthetic moisturizers and skin care products. And rightly so. Some of the plant-based oils have amazing benefits for the skin. And what’s best? They come without the long-term side effects of synthetic chemicals!
If you’re wondering whether natural oils are suited for your skin type, the good news is that different botanical oils offer different benefits. The wholesome goodness comes in the form of moisturizing, reducing inflammations, reversing premature aging and a lot more! Read on to learn about some of the best botanical oils for the skin.
The Best Botanical Oils for the Skin
1. Sweet almond oil
Made by pressing the raw almond kernels, sweet almond oil is full of nutrients like Zinc, proteins, vitamin E and potassium. It is rich in essential fatty acids which is why it has been used for generations in the treatment of dry skin problems like psoriasis and eczema.
Sweet almond oil is a light oil which means it is quickly absorbed by the skin without leaving a greasy after effect. This makes it suitable for those with oily skin type. It is useful in treating acne, reversing blemishes and reducing the appearance of scars.
Use sweet almond oil as a toner and moisturizer. You can apply it as is or use it as a carrier oil for other oils that may need some diluting such as Eucalyptus or tea tree oil. This oil may also improve your complexion and give you a flawless skin tone.
2. Jojoba oil
Jojoba oil is more of a botanical extract made up of liquid wax esters than strictly an oil. These compounds have a structural and chemical composition similar to that of the oil our body naturally produces. This is why this oil is great for oil regulation!
Also rich in fatty acids and a number of good nutrients, jojoba oil has a moisturizing effect on the skin. It keeps the moisture locked in for longer periods. It can be used as a carrier oil too because of its mild, overall benefits to the skin.
Apart from these, the use of jojoba oil also extends to cleansing and exfoliation. It helps slough off dead skin cells without resulting in dryness and inflammation. Jojoba oil can also be used for acne control as it is a dry, non-comedogenic oil meaning it moisturizes the skin without clogging up the pores.
3. Rosehip oil
Rich in antioxidants and organic fatty acids, rosehip oil promotes cell regeneration and skin recovery. It is for this reason that it has been used traditionally to support wound healing and reducing scars, dark spots and fine lines.
Rosehip oil is an excellent addition to your anti-aging regimen. The antioxidants prevent free radical damage to repair the skin and restore its elasticity. It also brightens the skin while getting rid of age spots which are common to mature skin.
Because it is quickly absorbed by the skin, rosehip oil is considered a ‘dry oil’. It is therefore often used in conjunction with lotions and other oils to increase the latter’s permeability.
4. Evening primrose oil
Evening primrose oil has unique benefits for the skin because it is rich in GLA or gamma-linoleic acid, an essential fatty acid rarely found in plant oils. GLA increases the skin’s elasticity and firmness. It also evens out the skin’s tone and texture making it smooth and free from fine lines.
Evening primrose oil also strengthens the skin’s natural barriers and reduces water loss. This means the skin remains well moisturized enabling regular functioning of its cells. It also helps the body fight inflammation which makes it useful for treating acne.
This oil can either be taken orally in the form of a capsule or be applied directly on the skin. If you have sensitive skin, you could mix a few drops of evening primrose oil in your moisturizer or apply it with a mild carrier oil.
5. Grapeseed oil
Grapeseed oil is especially known for its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. This makes it popular in treating acne prone skin to prevent breakouts.
Grapeseed oil is also used for its antioxidant activity. It reverses skin oxidation and is therefore used in treating photoaging or skin damage due to UV ray exposure. It fades dark spots and gives the skin a flawless tone. Further, it increases skin elasticity and softness with its high vitamin C and E content.
Use grapeseed oil directly on the skin as a serum to moisturize it before going to bed. You could also mix a few drops with your moisturizer to increase absorption. Grapeseed oil mixes well with other essential oils for an effective moisturizing face mask.
6. Chamomile oil
Chamomile oil, specifically the German chamomile oil has a number of medicinal benefits which also extend to skincare. As the name suggests, this oil is extracted from the chamomile flowers.
With its strong anti-inflammatory, anti-allergenic and antioxidant properties, chamomile oil is used to speed up wounds caused by burns, bruises and lesions. It has a calming effect on the skin thereby alleviating inflammation and calming irritated skin.
Another benefit of chamomile oil is that it is quickly and deeply absorbed by the skin. This makes it an excellent penetration enhancer for other skincare ingredients. The antioxidant properties support reversal of skin damage and lightening of scars and blemishes.
You can mix chamomile oil with a mild career oil or add a few drops of it in your moisturizer to achieve its benefits. Another option is to add a few drops to your warm bath water.
Other natural oils for the skin
You might also want to look into the benefits of other botanical oils like
- Lavender oil for anti-acne and blemish effects
- Lemongrass oil to detoxify the skin, eliminate excess oil and deep cleanse the skin and its pores
- Eucalyptus oil for its anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties
- Argan oil for sebum regulation and even skin tone
- Marula oil for its moisturizing effect on dry, mature skin
- Tea tree oil for its antiseptic properties to fight acne and bacterial infections
