Skincare

FOR THAT GLOW

This week You! takes a look at the advantages of a few facial oils...

Did you know that one of the secrets behind Cleopatra’s fascinating beauty was facial oil? Yes, that is true. Regular application of certain facial oils can do wonders for your skin and can rejuvenate and hydrate the skin leaving it soft, supple and radiant. So, don’t deprive your skin of the most lauded skincare item - facial oils. Read on to find out the advantages of a few oils.

Benefits

For centuries, face oils have been known for their revitalizing and repairing properties. It helps to reduce physical signs of ageing and aids in removing wrinkles and dryness. It is packed with antioxidants such as oleic acid, and fatty acids, which can penetrate deeply into the skin and replenish damages. These ingredients also prevent and protect skin against free radical damage caused by sweltering sun exposure and high humidity. A tiny drop of light facial oil is more deeply absorbed than a moisturizing cream and is more effective in smoothing out fine lines of the skin. Also, it can help to slow down the excess production of natural oil.

Types of facial oils

Sweet almond oil: The oil is extracted from almonds and is pale yellow in colour. It gets into the skin easily and penetrates deeply. The oil is also extremely light in texture, and glides on the skin. It usually does not cause any allergic reaction, however if you are allergic to nuts it is advised not to use sweet almond oil.

Sesame oil: Apply sesame oil to your skin daily to prevent the harmful ultraviolet rays of the sun from damaging your skin. Sesame seed oil is also helpful in treating sunburns. It provides a natural barrier protecting your skin from smoke and pollutants in the air. The oil is full of zinc, which is an essential mineral to produce collagen. Also, sesame seed oil maintains skin flexibility by keeping it soft and supple. Its regular application heals mild cuts and scrapes and aids in tightening facial skin.

Coconut oil: It contains fatty acids like lauric acid and caprylic acid. They work to fight some of the underlying causes of acne. Coconut oil has a natural SPF of 4-5 and contains antioxidants that help protect the skin from harmful radiation from the sun. Before going for a bath, massage your body and face with coconut oil for a few minutes to make the skin tighter and smooth. Place a warm washcloth on your face and let it sit for 10 minutes. After 10 minutes, scrub your face gently with the same washcloth until there is no residual oil left and see the magic.

Olive Oil: Olive oil can be used as a moisturizer for dry skin. At night apply this oil on your face, neck, hands and wake up in the morning with soft and smooth skin. Daily use of olive oil is also known to reduce stretch marks. You can apply it as a makeup remover and leave a fine layer of oil on skin to nourish it all night long. Olive oil is ideal to repair sun-damaged skin and protects against skin cancer as well.

Jojoba oil: Jojoba oil is an essential oil with moisturizing properties and amazing skin benefits. The oil is non-irritable and especially recommended for people with dry skin.

How to apply:

To get best results, it is important to apply the oil the right way. Proper application enhances the oxygen supply, eases stress, tones facial muscles and accelerates the blood circulation. Here are a few application tips:

• Apply oil immediately after taking a bath while the skin is still wet. This allows the water and oil to create a light, protective barrier on your skin’s surface, which locks in moisture.
• Another way to use face oil is to mix it with water and spray over your face to maintain hydration for the skin. Applying a few drops of face oil helps to reduce excess sebum production as the skin recognizes that it is hydrated and sufficiently lubricated, in effect, reducing its oil output.
• For daytime users it is advisable to apply oil over daytime sunscreen and before makeup. You can also add 1-2 drops into your foundation if you have dry skin. To enhance the oil’s properties, warm it up by rubbing your hands together.
• Preferably apply oils at night before going to bed, as this is the time when the skin can work effectively to repair the skin. Mix 4-6 drops of the oil directly in your night-time moisturizer and apply to both the face and neck. You can also use it as a cleanser to effectively wipe off the dirt and pollution from your face and neck.