Did you know that you can treat, repair and nourish your skin using a product you probably already have in your kitchen cupboards? The secret to amazing skin lies with oil, a natural product that cleanses, moisturises and helps to make and keep skin smooth and blemish free.
Here is a quick rundown of five of the best oils to use on your face.
Rosehip oil
Popular with stars such as Gwyneth Paltrow, this dry oil sinks deeply into the skin to boost collagen cell renewal. Packed with vitamin C, omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, which heal scar tissue, it is also high in retinoic acid, which is said to shrink wrinkles and brighten the skin.
Jojoba oil
Light on the skin, this is absorbed quickly but can leave you looking shiny. For the best results, dilute with rosehip oil.
Castor oil
Take advantage of castor oil’s amazing antibacterial and anti-inflammatory qualities to help fight acne, scarring and similar skin problems. High in unsaturated fatty acids, vitamin E, proteins and minerals, castor oil reduces acne-causing bacteria and inflammation and can help to heal acne. As it is quite thick, you may wish to mix a little castor oil with a thinner oil such as jojoba.
Hemp seed oil
This is an excellent treatment for facial spots, blackheads and acne, or eczema and psoriasis on the body, due to its anti-inflammatory action.
A dry oil, hemp seed works best when mixed with another product, such as jojoba or castor oil. Ideally you should mix small amounts as needed and refrigerate anything unused, as the delicate composition of EFA-based oils gives them a short shelf life.
Tamanu oil
Renowned for its ability to kill bacteria, heal wounds and renew skin cells, tamanu oil is also great for treating sunburnt, broken or acne-prone skin. It contains calophyllolide, which is a unique and very strong anti-inflammatory lipid.
Raiding the food cupboard in this way is a practice borrowed from the success of fruit-based beauty items, such as KLORANE shampoo with mango butter. Available from stockists such as http://www.lifeandlooks.com/klorane-with-mango-butter.html, this is not experimental and can be tried with confidence.
As teenagers, we spend our lives trying to get rid of facial oil. It may therefore feel strange to embrace natural oils at first; however, keep with it and the value will pay off.
