After all, we’ve been using face creams made of organic foods and cucumbers for decades. Natural or Botanical oils tend to do great things for us, like cleaning, moisturizing, hydrating, tightening and rejuvenating. They can sooth irritated skin and reduce inflammation, allowing the body to heal more readily and naturally. Some even help scars to fade, and reduce harmful bacteria. A few oils also reduce the overproduction of surface oils secreted by sebaceous glands in the skin. Balancing pH or the alkaline/acid balance is another result of many products.
The key to good results is selecting pure, high quality oils free from toxins, and chemical additives. Read the labels, if they list too many chemical sounding names you can’t pronounce, avoid them and opt for the things you can read. “Organic, 100% pure, cold-pressed” and “unrefined” are good things to try, and should insure the best oils. Items like parabens, synthetic colors, fragrances, sulfates and unnatural preservatives are less desirable.
Aging skin usually reflects the aging process of the whole body. Free radical damage (ever present in all of us) requires anything that says that it’s an “anti-oxidant.” Look for ingredients that say they help with tightening or plumping of the skin, or that help with dark circles, and others that work on age spots or help with cell regeneration.
Don’t forget to enlist the help of a professional dermatologist or aesthetician for advice on what to use, especially if you’ve used something that has damaged you skin previously.
The following oils have great benefit for aging or unhealthy skin:
Avocado Oil: Avocado oil can do a wonders for your skin. Scientific research reveals it contains “sterolins” which can soften skin, fade ages spots and increase collagen (the stuff that makes your skin more elastic).
Evening Primrose oil: Used for many decades, Evening Primrose oil is available in capsules to help with PMS, menopause and other related issues. Caution, use only under the advice of a professional nutritionist, Naturopath or Chiropractor. It contains GLA (gamma-linoleic acid). Topical application is great for aging skin, age spots and other discoloration, inflammation, scars, firmness and elasticity.
Marula Oil: Has been used for many years to help treat acne and blemishes as it has strong anti-inflammatory and antibiotic properties. It actually contains 60% more anti-biotics than does south American Moroccan Argan oil. It’s also rich in Vitamins C and E as well as Omega 9 Fatty acids which are essential for good health, skin elasticity and health.
Prickly Pear Seed Oil: Sounds uncomfortable but it’s really great for dry older skin – “anti-aging”! Full of Vitamins E&K and Omega 6 & 9, which help restore moisture, and elasticity, lighten dark circles, and absorb free radicals, all of which helps to soften skin, restore elasticity, tackle free radicals and help to brighten dark circles.
Pomegranate Seed Oil: Not only delicious to eat, Pomegranate absorbs quickly on the skin and is a strong anti-oxidant to absorb skin damaging free radicals. It helps reverse aging, dry skin, and wrinkles and promotes elasticity.
Rosehip Seed Oil: With high amounts of Vit A and C, it is a scavenger of free radicals (which means it’s a strong anti-oxidant) the seeds of the rose plant help with dryness, lines and wrinkles, and scar reduction.
Sea Buckthorn Oil: With 12 times more vitamin C than an orange, three times more Vitamin A than carrots, this unusual oil can help repair damaged skin and helps get rid of free radicals, i.e. good for aging skin.
Raspberry Seed Oil: Environmental damage (toxins) can be negated with this oil rich in Vit E and both Omega 3 and 6 fatty acids. It’s also a UV sun protectant, and it helps with aging skin.
Wheat Germ Oil: With lots of Vitamin E, proteins and essential fatty acids this age old remedy is still wonderful for improving circulation thereby revitalizing moisture and therefore new skin cells.
Note: if you’re gluten intolerant check with a professional or get it tested before using.
