Sunday, July 26, 2015

Get Your Healthiest Skin: How to Know the Best Oil to Use for Your Skin Type

Ismail oubarka | 2:37 PM

I always get asked what I use on my skin to make it look so healthy and glowing, and surprisingly I actually haven’t always had healthy skin. During my high school years and some bouts in my early 20’s I had acne which I’m sure was hormonal and stress related. My skin is still super oily and prone to getting clogged. When I started eating better, getting a good nights rest (noticed I said night, not day), living a stress free life and using all natural oils, my skin became healthy. I’ve researched a ton over the years as part of what I love to do and found out some amazing information. Things that might seem counter intuitive, like putting oil on already oily skin, or skin that’s prone to breakouts. So here is some great info that can get you started on your journey to your healthiest skin, and it starts with some questions like; what is your skin type? What are the best carrier oils for your skin type? What are the benefits of using carrier oils over moisturizing creams? (I’ve also included oils that are best for eczema and psoriasis)

The benefits of using oil on your skin instead of moisturizers :

Using oil on your skin actually tricks it into thinking that it doesn’t need to produce more oil. When your skin thinks it needs to produce more oil that’s when the super shiny skin and acne hit. - Oil reduces clogged pores by dissolving “plugs”, blackheads, and whiteheads - Oil reduces the formation of fine lines and wrinkles - All natural oils contain no harsh chemicals - Oil won’t strip your skin of it’s natural oils - Oil moisturizes and soothes irritated skin - Oil Clears acne and prevents it

Your Skin Type

When oil is applied to the skin, the oil should absorb completely. If it just sits on top of your skin and doesn’t sink in very well, or makes your face look even shinier than before, then it’s not the right oil for you.
If your skin feels “right” and looks supple, dewy, rested, not overly shiny, and the oil absorbs well, then you’ve found your oil!

Oily Skin:

Oily skin comes from the overproduction of sebum, creating a greasy feel and shiny skin. People with oily skin usually have acne prone and sensitive complexions.

The best oils to use for oily skin type are oils that are light and contain a high amount of linoleic acid, a polyunsaturated fatty acid found in many light nourishing oils. Linoleic acid has been proven to reduce clogged pores by over 25% in just a few weeks when used daily.

Oils that contain the highest amounts of linoleic acid are:

Safflower Oil: 74.62%
Evening primrose oil: 73%
Grapeseed oil: 69.6%
Sunflower oil: 65.7%
Hemp oil: 60%
Apricot kernel oil: 50.3%
Sesame oil: 50%
Rosehip seed oil: 45.5%
Tamanu oil: 38%

Dry Skin:

Dry skin is characterized by tight, irritated, itchy, flaky skin. People with dry skin types are usually prone to acne due to “sticky” skin cells clogging pores.

The best oils to use for dry skin type are oils that contain high amounts of oleic acid, a monosaturated fatty acid found in heavier, more slow drying oils. These oils are well suited for thirsty skin and are absorbed more readily than oily skin types.

Oleic acid is known to reduce inflammation.

Oils that contain the highest amounts of oleic acids are:

Olive oil: 55-85% cold pressed
Macadamia nut oil: 85%
Avocado oil: 75%
Neem oil: 54%
Hazelnut oil: 66%
Sweet almond oil: 68%
Argan oil: 42.8

Here are a list of carrier oils best for each skin type:

ACNE/OILY SKIN
Argan oil (My favorite)
grapeseed oil (My favorite)
hemp seed oil (My favorite)
jojoba oil
neem oil (warning – VERY pungent)
safflower oil

NORMAL
apricot kernel oil
argan oil
Baobab oil
jojoba oil
sunflower seed oil
sweet almond oil

COMBINATION SKIN
apricot kernel oil
avocado oil (in small amounts for deep moisture during the dry/cold seasons)
hemp seed oil
grapeseed oil
jojoba oil
olive oil (in small amounts for deep moisture during the dry/cold seasons)
safflower oil
sesame seed oil
sunflower seed oil
sweet almond oil

DRY SKIN
apricot kernel oil
avocado seed oil
evening primrose oil
hemp seed oil
jojoba oil
kukui nut
macadamia nut oil
meadowfoam seed oil
olive oil
sesame seed oil
sunflower seed oil
sweet almond
wheatgerm oil
hazelnut oil
rosehip

Sensitive SkinJojoba Oil
Sesame seed
Sweet Almond
Apricot kernel oil
Baobab oil
Grapeseed
Kukui nut
Avocado oil
Rice bran oil

MATURE/AGING SKIN
apricot kernel oil
argan oil
avocado oil
evening primrose oil
hemp seed oil
jojoba oil
kukui nut
macadamia nut oil
meadowfoam seed oil
olive oil
sesame seed oil
sunflower seed oil
sweet almond
Sea buckthorn
wheatgerm oil
Baobab oil
Rosehip seed
Tamanu oil

Eczema/Psoriasis
apricot kernal oil
almond oil
avocado oil
borage seed oil
evening primrose oil
chamomile oil
calendula oil
hempseed oil
jojoba
kukui nut oil
Neem oil
safflower oil
sea buckthorn oil
rosehip oil
tamanu oil
sesame oil
wheatgerm oil
walnut oil