Among nature’s finest gifts are oils from plants and seeds that soothe, repair, and enhance your natural beauty. Oils have a wide variety of uses, from hydrating dry, rough skin and fight inflammation to encouraging thicker, shinier hair and strengthening brittle nails. Natural oils can even fight signs of aging by encouraging collagen production and skin cell turnover. Look for plant-based oils as ingredients in beauty products ranging from drugstore basics to luxury brands. Here are some of the many benefits of natural oils.
Calm breakouts
Want a natural oil that is just as effective at treating zits as the benzoyl peroxide in over-the-counter acne remedies? Researchers say Tea Tree Oil ranks right up there at fighting the bacteria that causes redness and inflammation. While tea tree oil is commonly found in acne-fighting products, it can also be helpful in treating skin ailments such as eczema. Add a few drops to a warm bath to soothe skin irritation, or mix a few drops with a neutral carrier oil to use as a spot treatment.
Fight aging
Dermatologists credit the omega-3 fatty acids in Argan Oil with encouraging collagen production to fight wrinkles and boost skin’s resiliency. This oil is loaded with polyphenol antioxidants that combat the effects of aging. It doesn’t clog pores, so it’s good for oily and acne-prone skin as well.
Boost skin cell turnover
Two oils especially rich in retinoid vitamin A are Rosehip Seed Oil and Carrot Oil. You’ll only need a smidge at nighttime to benefit from their acne-fighting and anti-aging properties. The retinoids in these two oils also boost collagen production, which can help reduce stretch marks and scarring.
Encourage thicker hair
Boost hair growth with Rosemary Oil. Studies found that rosemary oil is just as successful as treatment with 2 percent minoxidil in fighting a common form of hair loss in men and women. Use it for shinier hair and more of it. You can mix rosemary oil into your shampoo or conditioner or apply it directly on the roots of your hair.
Strengthen nails
Applying Olive Oil or Avocado Oil to brittle or thin nails before bedtime gives them time to soak up nourishing fatty acids while you sleep. Other types of vitamin E-rich natural oils, like sunflower oil and almond oil, also make effective remedies.
Calm irritated skin
Plants such as Chamomile and Peppermint aren’t just for tea. Oils from both herbs can soothe red and irritated skin with their antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties. Chamomile oil can be applied directly to the skin because it doesn’t irritate, but we recommend diluting a few drops of peppermint oil in a carrier oil.
Condition hair
Bring life back to your hair without weighing down strands or making them feel greasy with Argan Oil. This natural wonder is just as beneficial for hair as skin, and it’s great to use along with your other hair products.
Grow longer lashes
Home remedies say thicker lashes and eyebrows can be yours with the regular application of Castor Oil. Check with your doctor about the safety of applying this oil near your eyes, and make sure the oil dries completely before opening your eyes.
Smooth rough patches
Moisturize those dry, cracked areas and soothe away scaly patches with Coconut Oil. This oil is antibacterial and protects against infection or irritation.
Moisturize dry skin
Fatty acids packed in the fruit of the marula tree produce the richly hydrating Marula Oil. This oil absorbs quickly but provides long-lasting hydration for the face and body.
Here are a few of our favorite beauty products to try as you start exploring natural oils.
Avalon Organics Intense Defense Lip Balm ($7.70, click here)
Sunday Riley U.F.O. Ultra-Clarifying Face Oil ($80, click here}
Ursa Major Brighten Up Vitamin C Serum ($54, click here)
S.W. Basics Cleanser Natural Rosewater and Tea Tree Oil Face Wash ($18.80, click here)
Kopari Coconut Body Milk Moisturizing Lotion ($30, click here)
Peter Thomas Roth Acne-Clear Invisible Dots ($32, click here)
Pai Skincare Light Work Rosehip Cleansing Oil Makeup Remover ($49, click here)