For the first time, oil was used for skin rejuvenation several centuries before the Common Era. Ancient Roman emperors, ancient Greek priestesses and ancient Egyptian pharaohs anointed the skin with oils. At that time they were almost the only cosmetics, were literally worth gold and were only available to the nobility.
With the development of the chemical industry, more effective synthetic creams appeared, and the oils were wrongly forgotten for some time.
But today, when scientists, after careful study, have discovered new antiaging properties of vegetable oils, they are experiencing a rebirth.
Nowadays, the use of natural cosmetics based on natural oils and plant extracts is experiencing a real boom worldwide.
Why oils are useful
All vegetable oils can be divided into two broad groups - natural and essential oils. They can be used both individually and in combination, buy ready-made compositions or compose yourself. These products are obtained from high quality natural raw materials by cold pressing. They can be obtained from nuts, seeds, grains and fruit kernels. These oils are primarily a valuable source of nutrition as most of them contain:
- the most powerful natural antioxidants - vitamins C and E;
- Vitamin A, which increases skin elasticity;
- B vitamins that improve the condition of the skin, hair and nails;
- valuable trace elements - selenium, iodine, manganese, iron, copper, etc. ;
- vital minerals - potassium, calcium, magnesium, fluoride, etc.
The secret to such a powerful effect of natural oils on human skin is that they have a chemical composition similar to that of sebum. Allergies are extremely rare in them, they do not cause irritation and have a pronounced emollient and calming effect.
Most often, natural vegetable oils are the basic components of creams and masks, in which essential oils with really unique properties dissolve easily.
Interestingly, essential oils still remain a mystery to humans in many ways. According to their origin, these are volatile aromatic substances that occur in different parts of plants. Sometimes it takes tons of raw materials to process a small amount of pure essential oil to obtain a small amount, so the cost can be very high.
The most notable property of essential oils is their ability to penetrate the deep layers of the skin due to their low molecular weight structure. In addition, absolutely all of them have pronounced antiseptic and bactericidal properties and, in one way or another, can affect a person's mental state.
Now their medicinal properties are being studied. But even what we already know about them enables them to be used effectively in both domestic and professional cosmetics.
Natural oils
Natural vegetable oils are used not only for the face but also for the whole body. Massaging with them quickly and effectively improves the condition of the skin, moisturizes and even smoothes fine wrinkles.
But not all are constantly in a liquid state. Some of them (cocoa, shea, coconut, etc. ) harden at room temperature and are similar in structure to an oily paraffin. Before use, they must be warmed in a water bath until solids dissolve. Because of this property, such oils often become basic components for the production of homemade creams.
Different types of oils have different properties, so they should be selected individually, depending on the condition of the skin and the problem that its use is intended to solve.
The best product for you is the one that is completely absorbed by the skin and does not leave a greasy film. The most pronounced anti-aging properties of these oils:
- Arganovoye. Provides the skin with perfect moisture and, thanks to its chemical composition, restores its pH and water-salt balance. It is able to smooth out wrinkles and even flat scars.
- Shea butter. It actively stimulates tissue regeneration, has powerful anti-inflammatory properties, improves skin elasticity and gives it a healthy glow.
- Avocado. Saturates the epidermis with valuable nutrients and penetrates into its deep layers. Creates a protective barrier that stores moisture, is quickly absorbed, gradually removes pigment spots.
- Cocoa. Contains unsaturated fatty acids, which quickly restore the protective properties of the skin, and is also a natural sun protection filter.
- Grape seed. It actively neutralizes free radicals, slows down the aging process, smoothes fine wrinkles and improves skin tone. Well removes bruises and bags under the eyes.
- Almond. It successfully fights cellulite, quickly tightens the skin, perfectly moisturizes it, making it softer and more elastic.
- Sea buckthorn. Has the most potent wound healing and anti-inflammatory properties, is a powerful natural antioxidant, is effective in fighting wrinkles.
Note that when working with natural oils, you must avoid their contact with metal objects. They can be stored in a tightly closed glass container protected from UV radiation, preferably in a dark, cool place for up to six months.
Homemade creams on a natural basis are stored in the refrigerator for no more than a month.
Essential oils
Essential oils have pronounced healing properties, and their variety is very large. Today more than 3000 essential oil plants are known. However, just over 200 of these are processed industrially, and only around 50 types of essential oils are used in cosmetics.
The following types of essential oils are most commonly used for facial rejuvenation:
- Anise - refreshes the skin, increases its elasticity;
- orange - accelerates cell regeneration, copes well with cellulite;
- Basil - perfectly removes puffiness and bags under the eyes;
- Valerian - soothes, relieves irritation, smoothes wrinkles;
- coniferous wood - improves the complexion, activates blood circulation, strengthens capillaries;
- ylang-ylang - one of the most powerful skin tone stimulants, gives a lifting effect;
- Coriander - quickly tightens the skin, making it smooth and elastic;
- Lavender - acts gently and effectively on sensitive skin;
- Lemon - brightens and rejuvenates, stimulates cell regeneration;
- juniper - with regular use, significantly reduces stretch marks;
- peppermint - an excellent natural stimulant of intracellular processes;
- Neroli - increases strength and elasticity, eliminates vascular networks, evens out color;
- Patchouli - refreshes, moisturizes, removes sagging and earthy color;
- Rosemary - makes the skin fresh and elastic, quickly rejuvenates;
- Pink is the most popular and versatile antiaging agent;
- Sage - significantly improves the structure and appearance of the skin, visibly shrinking pores;
- Tea tree - a powerful antioxidant and antiseptic, restores the skin after acne and dermatitis.
Do not mix more than 2-3 kinds of essential oils at a time, as this can weaken their healing properties. It is strongly advised not to apply 100% essential oils to the skin in their pure form - this can cause irritation, allergic reactions and even burns. Spot applications of these are sometimes used to treat acne.
Reviews and contraindications
Reviews and results after using natural oils are the most positive.
In terms of their effect, they are often in no way inferior to the most expensive creams and have practically no contraindications. The only limitation is not to apply them to areas affected by skin diseases and pustules.
Individual intolerances are extremely rare.
Almost all essential oils should not be used during pregnancy, breastfeeding, and fever. Also, for each of them there are additional restrictions and contraindications that must be carefully considered before use.
Unlike natural oils, if used improperly, they can cause high blood pressure, irritation, and even bronchial cramps. Because of their powerful effect on the body, you need to treat them with caution.