Here is our list of the most beneficial botanical oils we could find and how they help our skin. You’d be surprised at the many uses of things like olive oil and sunflower oil, things you can find in your local grocery store, or in the ingredients list in your favourite natural skin care products!
Evening Primrose Oil:
This oil aids in skin cell restoration and contains a high percentage of GLA (gamma-linoleic acid), a natural fatty acid that maintains healthy skin and repairs tissue damage. An excellent oil for dry, mature, and aging skin. Found in moisturizers, night creams and serums.
Hemp Seed Oil:
Hemp seeds produce a vegetable oil that is high in protein and can be used within a variety of cosmetics. Hemp Seed Oil is one of the more effective skin-care oils. High in linoleic and linolenic acid – natural essential fatty acids known as the omegas – making this oil very nourishing and healing to the skin.
Linolenic acid: is one of the major forms of the Omega 3 fatty acids.
Linoleic acid: is an unsaturated n-6 fatty acid. It’s an essential fatty acid that the sebaceous glands use as a normal component of sebum. Essential fatty acids are required by the body and most people are more familiar with linoleic as omega 6 oil,
Both of the above are very similar in names and are very important in their roles relating to skin care.
Jojoba Oil:
(ho-ho-ba)
Jojoba is actually a liquid wax extracted from the fruit of the Jojoba plant, a desert loving plant found in North America. Its composition is very similar to human natural skin oils. For this reason it penetrates the skin rapidly. Jojoba is nourishing to skin and also softens and moisturizes mature and dry skin. Jojoba helps to heal inflamed skin conditions such as psoriasis or any form of dermatitis and can help control acne and oily scalps. It is an extremely beneficial oil in any skin care.
Olive Oil:
Olive oil is high in oleic acid and a good skin cell regenerator. Olive oil attracts external moisture to the skin (acts as a humectants) and is great for moisturizing dry skin. It helps to soothe itching and inflamed skin and helps the synthesis of substances like collagen and elastin. It makes for a wonderful ingredient in skin care or even on it’s own. Also great for taking off make-up, especially mascara!
Rosehip oil:
Rosehip seed oil is high in essential unsaturated fatty acids, namely oleic, linoleic, and linolenic. They are called “essential” because our body is not able to reproduce them. Rosehip seed oil is also high in vitamin A and retinoic acid. Retinoic acid was initially introduced for the treatment of acne, however, is now used widely for sun damage. Retinoic acid markedly improves the complexion by reducing fine wrinkles and improving pigmentation and fine texture of the skin. Rosehip oil is recommended for those who get too much sun, or have had past skin damage from over exposure to the sun.
Sunflower oil:
This pretty flower oil is rich in vitamins A, D, and especially in vitamin E and essential fatty acids and works as a protective barrier when applied to the skin. It has an excellent ability to help the skin retain moisture and helps the body manufacture new cells.
Sunflower oil is very moisturizing, has a light, non-greasy texture and is easily absorbed by skin. A gentle oil good for sensitive and all skin types and is helpful in relieving skin irritations such as acne, and other sensitive skin conditions.
Castor oil:
One of the world’s first medicinal oils because it naturally contains a unique and beneficial mixture of triglycerides, or fatty acids. About 90% of Castor seed oil contains the hydroxy fatty acid ricinoleate (ricinoleic acid). Ricinoleic acid inhibits the growth of many viruses, bacteria, yeasts, and moulds. Castor oil also has remarkable and anti-inflammatory effects. Castor oil can be used on its own and in many skin preparations. Also has a humectants effect and is an excellent moisturizer.
Coconut oil:
Obtained from the meat of the coconut. This amazing oil contains some of the largest amounts of lauric acid, giving it antiviral and antibacterial qualities. Has a medium chain triglyceride, making this oil very unique. Try to look for coconut oil that hasn’t been heavily processed and deodorized, deteriorating its very beneficial effects. Can be used on its own or found in skin care.
Borage Oil:
This botanical oil contains a high percentage of GLA (gamma-linoleic acid), a natural fatty acid that maintains healthy skin and repairs tissue damage. An excellent oil for dry, mature, and aging skin.
