Oils are divided according to the type of production process:
- Refined oils is obtained during more complicated technological processes, thanks to which it is possible to obtain more of the ingredient from the same amount of raw material. Refining itself causes it to lose some of its precious ingredients; they contain fewer active substances. Purification, on the other hand, makes the oil tasteless and odorless, and its color and consistency are clearer. It turns out, however, that this is not such bad news for people with sensitive skin, these oils are definitely safer for people with skin prone to allergies.
- Unrefined These are completely natural oils, not subject to additional purification, have more nutrients and retain the natural scent of the plants from which they were obtained.
Oils are also divided according to their properties:
- drying oils, they have a light consistency, absorb quickly and do not leave a greasy film on the skin, intended for problematic and oily skin. They contain over 50% polyunsaturated fatty acids.
Examples: hemp oil, black cumin oil, jojoba oil , evening primrose oil, wild rose oil, prickly pear oil
- semi-drying oils are intended for the care of normal and combination skin, their consistency is light and they should not leave a greasy residue on the skin. They contain between 20% and 50% polyunsaturated fatty acids.
Examples: cottonseed oil, Argan oil , almond oil , apricot kernel oil, sunflower oil,
- non-drying oils , have a heavy consistency, are absorbed slower, and after application a greasy layer may remain, these oils may have clogging properties, they are intended for the care of dry and mature skin that requires deep moisturization. They contain up to 20% of Omega-3 and Omega-6 acids.
Examples: avocado oil, coconut oil, macadamia oil, olive oil, hazelnut oil.
Always choose cold-pressed oils, they are the best packed with nutrients and vitamins.
If you are looking for the right oil, think about what your skin needs, hydration, nutrition or maybe you are looking for a cosmetic to help fight imperfections? Check which oils meet the needs of your skin, but also see which ones are prohibited for it. If your skin is dry or normal, you have nothing to worry about, most oils should meet your expectations and you don't have to limit yourself very much, but if your biggest nightmare is blackheads, you need to give up highly moisturizing, non-drying oils that may tend to clog pores . Then, for example, choose jojoba oil - whose extraordinary properties I have described here .
How to use the oil?
The oil can be used alone on previously moistened skin or mixed with e.g. hyaluronic acid, serum or your favorite cream.
Remember that the regularity of using oil (as well as other moisturizing or oiling cosmetics) depends on the needs of your skin, i.e. you may feel the need to apply oil to your skin every day, but others may find greater relief using it every other day.
A few tips before you buy oil:
- The oil should be packed in a dark glass bottle, most oils are sensitive to sunlight and may lose their properties when exposed to it.
- Most oils should be kept in the refrigerator, before purchasing you can ask the seller how the oil was stored.
- Natural oils smell like the plant they are obtained from, make sure you like the scent.
- Natural oils should not contain paraffin, which may clog pores.
- A lower price is not always a good sign, good quality cosmetic oils are more expensive to produce.
- Typically, you should use the oil within 3 months from the date of opening the bottle.
Do you know which oil to choose for your skin type? Do you know your skin's needs? Is your favorite oil among the oils mentioned?
