Oils are actually lipids (fats) and are critical to the health of our skin. Lipids are a main component of our skin making up 50% of our skin cells, they are also present between skin cells (intercellular lipids), and are produced by our oil glands (sebum) which coat the surface of the skin. The presence of lipids is key for many functions including the skin's "barrier function" which helps prevent water loss (dehydration) of the skin as well as help protect our body from pathogenic organisms, not to mention overall skin health. Lipids also help maintain skin's firmness and radiant glow!
When we are deficient in lipids in our skin it can result in:
Dry/flaky skin
Irritated/sensitivity
Burning/redness
Acne/Breakouts
Dermatitis
Eczema/psoriasis
Fine lines/wrinkles
Dull complexion
What causes our lipids to be deficient?
Sun Exposure - always be sure to use sunblock
Diet - be sure to include lots of healthy fats (lipids) in your diet as some lipids are considered "essential" meaning we have to get them from food or topically applied, avoid fried and high sugar foods
Lifestyle - de-stress and get good sleep
Skin Care Products & Routine - products high in surfactants (foaminess) can strip away our natural oils, as can washing and scrubbing our face too much and use of chemical peels.
Free Radicals - Be sure to use products rich in antioxidants to neutralize free radicals
Aging - as we age we do not produce as much lipids as we once did, applying topically is a great way to replenish the skin
Won't oils cause me to breakout? Yes and No. It depends on the oil and its composition. Each oil is ranked in terms of how "pore clogging" the oil is. Those with a zero or low ranking are good for the face. Some ranked higher are better used on other areas of the body that are not as breakout prone. The right oil for your skin will actually treat/resolve breakouts. Examples of non-pore clogging oils include: argan oil, sea buckthorn oil, rosehip oil, shea butter, and jojoba oil. These are all anti-inflammatory and healing among many many other benefits. Examples of pore clogging oils include: coconut oil, and cocoa butter. Keep these oils for the body:)
So which oils are best for my face? It is important to note that not all oils are created equal! The best oils are plant based and have a similar composition to our skin's own lipids. Below are some examples of good and bad carrier oils for the face (ones that are more readily available). There are many more wonderful oils our there! Keep in mind as that some oils are better than others for each skin type! A blend of oils is also best as no one oil has everything the skin needs.
Good Oils for the Face:) Jojoba Oil (actually a wax ester), Argan Oil, Rose Hip Seed Oil, Sea Buckthorn Oil, Sunflower Oil, Safflower Oil, Evening Primrose, Grapeseed Oil, Macadamia Oil, Shea Butter, Avocado Oil, Sweet Almond Oil, Olive Oil (no not the refined stuff at the grocery store - needs to be raw unrefined), Pomegranate Oil, Tamanu Oil
Bad Oils for the Face:( Mineral oils (baby oil, Vaseline, etc.), Coconut Oil (yes people! not good for your face), Cocoa Butter
So many wonderful benefits of using oils on the skin!!!
Supports healthy skin cell regeneration and skin cell repairing
Nourishing/moisturizing/softening
Soothing/healing
Rich in antioxidants for healthy aging
Reduces appearance of fine lines and wrinkles
Improves skin elasticity and firmness
Rich in fatty acids, restoring and maintaining skins protective barrier
Balances oil production in oily skin
Belle Aura Nourishing Oils include a blend of amazing oils for the face, restoring and maintaining the skin's lipids for healthy skin !