Miracle Oils for your Skin
Oils and fats and their effect on your wellbeing have never been far from the headlines - from being perceived as the optimum baddie for your health and skin, associated with high cholesterol and breakouts - they have since transformed from sinner to saviour, with essential fats important for aiding everything from your digestion to your décolleté.
Why we need oils - inside and out
Our bodies need certain essential fatty acids to help maintain optimum health. On the inside they help build healthy cell membranes, assist the nervous system in sending messages to the brain; help the body absorb and store vitamins A, D, E and K and play an important role in regulating hormones.
On the outside, EFAs help calm irritated skin with their anti-inflammatory properties; lock in moisture to help keep the skin hydrated and help to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
If you've always shied away from the slippery stuff, now's the time to overcome your reluctance and add a little oil. Here are my three current heroes...
Rosehip Seed Oil
Obtained from the seeds of the rosehip fruit, this skin-rejuvenating oil is high in essential fatty acids (Omega-3, Omega-6) which promote skin regeneration and help improve the appearance of stretch marks and scarring.
Evening Primrose Oil
Ultra-gentle Evening Primrose oil is a therapeutic oil that helps calm the skin. It is rich in gamma linolenic acid (GLA), an Omega-6 essential fatty acid that has anti-inflammatory properties which can help ease mild irritation and redness.
Flaxseed Oil
To keep your complexion glowing and healthy, it's also important to nourish your skin from within. Ensure you maintain the right balance of essential fatty acids by including a cold-pressed seed oil, such as flaxseed oil, in your diet.
Rosehip Seed Oil
Rosehip seed oil is also rich in vitamin C and vitamin A (retinol) and the antioxidant lycopene which combined with the essential fatty acids make it a superstar for skin helping to protect against free radical damage.
Use:
- to help diminish the appearance of scars and stretch marks.
- to protect against free radical damage - just add a couple of drops and blend with your usual moisturiser
- as a night treat to rehydrate and repair the skin.
Try:
- Trilogy Certified Organic Rosehip Oil, £28.50, 45ml . www.trilogyproducts.com
Evening Primrose Oil
Evening primrose oil, with its high concentration of EFAs, also rehydrates dry skin, protects against moisture loss, promotes cell regeneration and has a natural firming and toning effect.
Use:
- to boost tired skin and add a healthy glow - add a couple of drops to your usual moisturiser.
- to help diminish dark circles around the eyes. Add 2 drops to a carrier oil, such as grape seed oil, and gently pat on to the skin around the eye area. Use sparingly.
- as a cuticle oil to nourish nails. Gentle massage a little oil into each nail bed.
Try:
- Weleda Evening Primrose Age Revitalising Concentrate, £34.95, 30ml. www.weleda.co.uk
Flaxseed Seed Oil
Flaxseed oil is a good source of both omega-3 and omega-6 essential fatty acids which help cell membranes hold on to valuable moisture and keep the skin hydrated. They also help keep hair and nails healthy and strong too.
Use:
- cold. Do not cook with flaxseed oil as the heat breaks down its valuable nutrients.
- with food to enhance the absorption by the body.
- by adding 1-2 tablespoons of cold-pressed flaxseed oil to salad dressings, smoothies, soups, shakes, casseroles, porridge or pasta dishes.
Try:
- Udo's Choice Ultimate Blend Oil, £22.99, 500ml. www.udoschoice.co.uk
DISCLAIMER: The material presented on this website is not intended to replace the advice and recommendations from a qualified doctor or other health practitioner. Always consult your doctor or health practitioner if you have any health concerns and before embarking on any health, fitness or wellbeing programme. See my full Disclaimer here
