Essential Oil September 29, 2016 12:05
One of beauty’s best kept secrets...
The beauty market is consistently flooded with products designed to keep oily skin in check. From foaming cleansers to toning spritzes and oil-free moisturizer’s, we’ve been programmed to look for beauty solutions that don’t contain oil to keep that shiny T-Zone under control.
So it’s understandable that as an oily skin sufferer, you might be a little skeptical about the idea of adding oils into your beauty regime.
But according to leading skin cream experts, all skin types can benefit from using facial oils - yes, even oily skin. Oil breaks down oil, so for oily skin it makes sense to use an oil cleanser to remove that excess sebum and other impurities. These cleansers are also great for dissolving makeup and giving a really thorough, deep cleanse, without stripping the skin of vital oils. And for drier skin types, you’re getting a good cleanse while still keeping the skin moisturised.
Not all oils are created equal and there are definitely some types you should be avoiding. “Mineral oils are a by-product of petroleum and can be quite irritating and congesting to the skin,” she says, recommending organic plant oils such as jojoba, avocado and argan oil topically and flaxseed and safflower oil internally for skin supporting Omega 3 and 6.
Jojoba is the most similar oil to the skin’s natural sebum, so is great for all skin types. Avocado oil is rich in vitamins and fatty acids and is great for problem skin, while argan oil is rich in Vitamin E and fatty acids and helps support ageing skin.
GETTING STARTED
If you’re new to oils, start by adding an oil cleanser to your routine. Follow with a nourishing rosehip oil or pure argan oil prior to moisturising to fight fine lines and increase skin’s elasticity and cell turnover. Body oils are also a great way to hydrate your skin daily and work best when applied to clean damp skin, fresh out of the shower. Unlike thicker products such as body butters, oils are absorbed quickly meaning you can get dressed faster - a saviour for those busy weekday mornings.
TOP TO TOE SOLUTIONS
CLEANSERS
Dermalogica Precleanse, $62
Murad Renewing Cleansing Oil, $62
Bobbi Brown Soothing Cleansing Oil, $80
FACIAL MOISTURISERS
Lancome Absolue Precious Oil Nourishing Luminous Oil, $335
This Works No Wrinkles Active Oil, $105 from Mecca Cosmetica
Go-To Face Hero, $49.95
Argania Pure Argan Oil, $24.99
BODY HYDRATORS
Trilogy Aromatic Body Oil, $35.90
Environ® AVST Vitamin A, C & E Body Oil, $95.80
Linden Leaves Aromatherapy Synergy Oil, $59.99
CUTICLE CURES
Faby Nails & Cuticles Fitness Oil, $32
The Body Shop Almond Nail & Cuticle Oil, $19.95
Essie Nail Care Apricot Cuticle Oil, $24.99
SUPPLEMENTS
Blackmores Flaxseed Oil, $31.30
Bioglan Calamari Gold Double Strength, $32.99
GO Healthy Go Evening Primrose Oil, $19.90
DID YOU KNOW?
Oils are a great alternative to traditional topical pimple-fighting treatments. When you get a pesky pimple, massage a small amount of rosehip or jojoba oil into the spot. This will accelerate the healing process without drying it out like most spot treatments tend to do.
Rosehip by essano Certified Organic Rosehip Oil, $34.99