Natural oils for the face and body are enjoying a new wave of popularity amongst beauty skincare lovers. And they’re right to be excited; they’re on to something!
Natural oils are great at providing deep moisture underneath the skin’s topmost layers, protecting the skin’s natural barrier against infections, and transferring skin-loving vitamins that can promote cell growth and speed up wound healing. The best part is that as they help restore skin health, they also give it back its natural glow!
Natural oils are versatile for whole body use and can be used in the following ways:
- Applied after a shower, while the skin is still damp
- Added to a bath – just a few drops or a capful – which will keep skin moisturized as you soak
- On the skin’s driest areas: elbows, ankles, nail cuticles, scalp, and on hair split ends
- As a massage oil for the body, hands, and temples
- Massaged into stretch marks, in circular motion.
Not all natural oils that are good for the body are good for the face, however. Look into the oils you use and whether they have comedogenic (pore-clogging) effects – in which case, using them on the face should be avoided.
Natural oil should not be applied before sun exposure, either, as it may increases skin absorption of UV radiation, raising the chances of freckling or a mild sunburn.
Natural Oils vs. Essential Oils
There’s also something of a difference between natural oil vs. essential oil.
Essential oils are perfect for baths, foot spa treatments, aromatherapy, making natural soaps and perfumes, but may be too strong to be applied directly on skin for some, if not most, people. Essential oils probably need a carrier oil – like coconut, olive, or sunflower – to be used on skin.
Natural oils in their most pristine form are virgin, cold pressed, and unrefined – meaning no chemicals are added. If you can obtain them this way, that’s great! As they are natural, they are least prone to causing allergy or other skin irritation.
When shopping for natural oil formulations in commercial brands, read product labels with care. Check the ingredients for potential skin irritants, like mineral oil and unnatural chemicals.
A Comprehensive List of Natural Oils
There are many sources of natural oils from nature. Here’s a great list with each of their benefits.
- Argan – good moisturizer for hair, skin, and nails
- Almond (Sweet Almond) – promotes even skin tone by removing dead skin cells
- Aloe Vera – remedies dandruff and eczema, and soothes other skin irritations
- Arnica – relaxes muscles and relieves swelling and bruising
- Avocado – rich in omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants that fight off free radicals
- Calendula – anti-inflammatory, reduces redness, minimizes swelling and fights free radicals
- Carrot Seed – detoxifies the skin, protects it from the sun, and stimulates cell growth
- Castor – seals in moisture for hair and promotes the growth of strong and healthy strands
- Chamomile – calms and soothes skin irritations thanks to its Azulene content
- Coconut – has anti-bacterial properties in a consistency that’s ideal for a DIY lotion
- Eucalyptus – has healing, calming, as well as insect-repelling properties
- Evening Primrose – best for eczema, with its abundance of fatty acids
- Geranium – anti-ageing, as it encourages skin renewal and firms up skin
- Grape Seed – has astringent properties; good for acne-prone skin
- Jasmine – brightens skin and improves its elasticity
- Jojoba – regulates the skin’s natural process and production of oil
- Lavender – relieves headaches and minimizes hair loss or hair fall
- Olive – remedies eczema and promotes a youthful complexion
- Peppermint – soothes headaches and alleviates allergic reactions
- Rose Hip – remedy for stretch marks as it rejuvenates skin and preserves its elasticity
- Rosemary – stimulates blood circulation, relaxes muscles, and eases joint pains
- Sesame – good for wind and sunburn, and fighting off bacteria
- Tea Tree – effectively fights infections, and kills bacteria
- Thyme – a simple, natural solution for acne
- Ylang-ylang – protects healthy hair growth, as well as against the damaging effects of pool chlorine in a pool and salt ocean water.
Moringa Oil
We’re certainly not leaving moringa oil (malunggay) out of this list. It has excellent cleansing, moisturizing, nourishing and anti-inflammatory properties, thanks to the abundance of nutrients, minerals and antioxidants that it carries. Combined with olive oil and omega sunflower oil, it helps clear skin, restore its soft and supple texture, and keep it free from dark spots and blemishes.
Enjoy your skincare journey with natural oils – and give Moringa-O2 herbal therapy oil a try.