Natural oils, such as coconut oil, shea butter oil, and olive oil, have been used for skin care and hair care for centuries.
Generation after generation have touted them for various moisturizing, protective, and antibacterial qualities.
With the growth of the modern cosmetic and wellness industries, these deceptively simple substances have often been overlooked, but they’ve had a bit of a resurgence in the public eye over the last decade, as people strive to find additive-free, affordable, and effective products.
But which oils should you use, and how? What’s the difference between them?
Here are 7 natural oils can help give you radiant, healthy skin:
Coconut Oil
Coconut oil is easily absorbed into the skin and is known to have many health benefits, including those from vitamins E and K, as well as its antifungal and antibacterial properties. In general, coconut oil is a great option for almost everybody, except if you have oily skin and you’re acne prone. In a study researchers found that coconut oil was better than olive oil at moisturizing skin when used in a carrier. Remember to look for cold-pressed, unrefined coconut oil for your face or skin care.
2. Olive Oil
Olive oil doesn’t typically trigger allergic reactions, but for the best results, be sure to opt for the extra-virgin variety. Olive oil contains vitamins A, D, E, and K, and some research, a study published , offers scientific evidence of its potential as a moisturizer. With its heavy consistency, it is a great choice for an all-body application. You may even want to try an olive oil cleanser or bar of soap for a clean that won’t dry out your skin.
3. Sunflower Seed Oil
Sunflower seed oil is widely available, high in vitamin E, and absorbs easily into the skin, making it an excellent choice as a natural moisturizer. One study, found that in infants sunflower oil better protected the skin’s barrier and didn’t cause or aggravate atopic dermatitis (a form of eczema), as compared with olive oil.
4. Shea Butter
Derived from the nuts of the African shea tree, shea butter is a tallow-like substance that is commonly found in a solid form, but it melts at body temperature, and is sometimes used as a moisturizer and hair product. Unrefined, organic shea butter can also be combined with olive oil or coconut oil to create a smoother texture for application.
5. Jojoba Oil
Jojoba is native to Mexico and the American Southwest, where its oils have been extracted from its seeds and used medicinally by Native American tribes. In a review researchers found jojoba oil may have anti-inflammatory and wound-healing effects, among other skin benefits.
6. Almond Oil
Made from pressed raw almonds, almond oil is full of health benefits, such as vitamin E, zinc, proteins, and potassium. It has a lighter texture than olive oil and shea butter, which many find appealing to use on the face. But sweet almond oil can result in allergic responses, so she recommends avoiding it if you have sensitive skin.
7. Rose Hip Seed Oil
Extracted from the seeds of wild rose bushes, rose hip seed oil has seen a surge in popularity and is increasingly found in facial skincare products that tout moisturizing, anti-aging benefits. A review of research notes that the essential fatty acids and antioxidants in this oil, including provitamin A, provide “relatively high protection against inflammation” and oxidative skin damage, and that rose hip seed oil has shown promising results when used to alleviate inflammatory skin conditions such as eczema.
