For the first time, oil for skin rejuvenation was used several centuries before our era. Ancient Roman emperors, ancient Greek priestesses and ancient Egyptian pharaohs anointed the skin with oils. Then they were almost the only cosmetics, were literally worth their weight in gold and were available only to the nobility.
With the development of the chemical industry, more effective synthetic creams appeared and for some time the oils were undeservedly forgotten.
But today, when, after careful study, scientists have discovered new anti-aging properties of vegetable oils, they are experiencing a rebirth.
Nowadays all over the world there is a real boom in the use of natural cosmetics based on natural oils and plant extracts.
Why oils are useful
All vegetable oils can be divided into two large groups - natural and essential. They can be used both individually and in combination, buying ready-made compositions or composing them yourself. These products are obtained by cold pressing from quality natural raw materials. They can be sourced from nuts, seeds, grains, and fruit pits. These oils are primarily a valuable nutritional source, as most of them contain:
- the strongest natural antioxidants - vitamins C and E;
- vitamin A that increases skin elasticity;
- B vitamins that improve the condition of the skin, hair, nails;
- valuable trace elements - selenium, iodine, manganese, iron, copper, etc . ;
- vital minerals - potassium, calcium, magnesium, fluoride, etc.
The secret of such a powerful effect of natural oils on human skin is that they have a chemical composition similar in their formula to sebum. Allergies are extremely rare on them, they do not cause irritation and have a pronounced softening and soothing effect.
Most often, natural vegetable oils are the base components of creams and masks, in which essential oils with truly unique properties are easily dissolved.
Interestingly, in many ways, essential oils still remain a mystery to humans. By their origin, these are volatile aromatic substances that can be found in different parts of plants. Sometimes tons of raw materials have to be processed to get a small amount of pure essential oil, so the cost can be very high.
The most remarkable property of essential oils is their ability to penetrate into the deep layers of the skin due to their low molecular weight structure. In addition, absolutely all of them have pronounced antiseptic and bactericidal properties, and in one way or another are capable of influencing the mental state of a person.
Now their medicinal properties are being studied. But even what we already know about them allows them to be effectively used both in home and in professional cosmetology.
Natural oils
Natural vegetable oils are used not only for the face, but also for the whole body. Massage with them quickly and effectively improves the condition of the skin, moisturizes it and even smoothes fine wrinkles.
But not all of them are constantly in a liquid state. Some of them (cocoa, shea, coconut, etc. ) harden at room temperature and resemble oily paraffin in structure. Before use, they must be warmed up in a water bath until solids dissolve. Due to this property, such oils often become the base components for making homemade creams.
Different types of oils have different properties, so they should be selected individually, depending on the condition of the skin and the problem that needs to be solved by using them.
The best product for you is the one that is completely absorbed by the skin and does not leave an oily film on it. The most pronounced anti-aging properties of these oils:
- Arganovoye. Perfectly moisturizes the skin and, thanks to its chemical composition, restores its Ph and water-salt balance. It is able to smooth wrinkles and even shallow scars.
- Shea Butter. It actively stimulates tissue regeneration, has powerful anti-inflammatory properties, improves skin elasticity and gives it a healthy glow.
- Avocado. Saturates the epidermis with valuable nutrients, penetrating into its deep layers. Creates a protective barrier that retains moisture, absorbs quickly, gradually removes pigmentation.
- Cocoa. Contains unsaturated fatty acids, which quickly restore the skin's protective properties, and is also a natural sunscreen filter.
- Grape seed. It actively neutralizes free radicals, slowing down the aging process, smoothes fine wrinkles, and improves skin tone. Well removes bruises and bags under the eyes.
- Almond. It successfully fights cellulite, quickly tightens the skin, perfectly moisturizes it, making it softer and more elastic.
- Sea buckthorn. Possesses the strongest wound healing and anti-inflammatory properties, is a powerful natural antioxidant, successfully fights wrinkles.
You must be aware that when working with natural oils, you must avoid their contact with metal objects. They can be stored for up to six months, in a tightly closed glass container, removed away from exposure to ultraviolet rays, preferably in a dark, cool place.
Homemade creams prepared on a natural basis are stored in the refrigerator for no longer than one month.
Essential oils
Essential oils have pronounced healing properties, and their variety is very great. Today, more than 3000 essential oil plants are known. However, there are just over 200 of those that undergo industrial processing. In cosmetology, only about 50 types of essential oils are used.
Most often, the following types of essential oils are used for facial rejuvenation:
- aniseed - refreshes the skin, increases its elasticity;
- orange - accelerates cell regeneration, copes well with cellulite;
- basil - perfectly removes puffiness and bags under the eyes;
- valerian - soothes, relieves irritation, smoothes wrinkles;
- coniferous - improves complexion, activates blood circulation, strengthens capillaries;
- ylang-ylang - one of the most powerful stimulants of skin tone, gives a lifting effect;
- coriander - quickly tightens the skin, makes it smooth and elastic;
- lavender - gently and effectively affects sensitive skin;
- lemon - whitens and rejuvenates, stimulates cell regeneration;
- juniper - with regular use, significantly reduces stretch marks;
- peppermint - an excellent natural stimulant of intracellular processes;
- neroli - increases firmness and elasticity, eliminates vascular networks, evens out the color;
- patchouli - refreshes, moisturizes, removes flabbiness and earthy color;
- rosemary - makes the skin fresh and elastic, quickly rejuvenates;
- pink is the most popular and versatile anti-aging agent;
- sage - significantly improves the structure and appearance of the skin, visibly shrinking pores;
- tea tree - a powerful antioxidant and antiseptic, restores the skin after acne and dermatitis.
Do not mix more than 2-3 types of essential oils at the same time, as this can lead to a weakening of their healing properties. It is strongly not recommended to apply 100% essential oils to the skin in their pure form - this can lead to irritation, an allergic reaction and even a burn. Spot applications of these are sometimes used to treat acne.
Reviews and contraindications
Reviews and results after using natural oils are the most positive.
In terms of their effect, they are often not inferior to the most expensive creams, and practically have no contraindications. The only limitation is not to apply them to areas affected by skin diseases and pustular eruptions.
Individual intolerance is extremely rare.
Almost all essential oils should not be used during pregnancy, breastfeeding, and fever. Also, for each of them, there are additional restrictions and contraindications that must be carefully studied before use.
Unlike natural oils, if used improperly, they can cause high blood pressure, irritation and even bronchial spasm. Because of their powerful effects on the body, you need to treat them with caution.