For the first time, skin rejuvenating oil was used several centuries before our era. Ancient Roman emperors, ancient Greek priestesses and ancient Egyptian pharaohs anointed their skin with oil. At that time, they were almost the only cosmetics, they were literally worth their weight in gold and were available only to the nobility.
With the development of the chemical industry, more efficient synthetic creams appeared and for a while, oils were undeservedly forgotten.
But today, when, after careful study, scientists have discovered new properties of anti-aging vegetable oils, they are experiencing a rebirth.
Today, the use of natural cosmetics based on natural oils and plant extracts is flourishing all over the world.
Why oils are useful
All vegetable oils can be divided into two major groups - natural and essential. They can be used individually or 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 obtained from nuts, seeds, grains and stone fruits. These oils are primarily a valuable nutritional source, as most of them contain:
- the strongest natural antioxidants - vitamins C and E;
- vitamin A which 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, fluorine, etc.
The secret of such a strong effect of natural oils on human skin is that they have a chemical composition similar to sebum. Allergies are extremely rare, do not cause irritation and have a pronounced emollient and soothing effect.
Most often, natural vegetable oils are the basic components of creams and masks, in which essential oils with truly unique properties are easily dissolved.
Interestingly, in many ways, essential oils remain a mystery to humans. By their origin, these are volatile aromatic substances that can be found in different parts of plants. In order to obtain a small amount of pure essential oil, it is sometimes necessary to process tons of raw materials, so the price can be very high.
The most important property of essential oils is their ability to penetrate 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 can affect a person's mental state.
Their healing properties are now being studied. But even what we already know about them allows them to be used effectively in both home and 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 small wrinkles.
But not everyone is constantly in a liquid state. Some of them (cocoa, shea, coconut, etc. ) harden at room temperature and resemble oil paraffin in structure. Prior to use, they must be heated in a water bath until the solids dissolve. Due to this property, such oils often become the basic components for making homemade creams.
Different types of oils have different properties, so they should be chosen individually, depending on the condition of the skin and the problem to be solved by their use.
The best product for you is the one that is completely absorbed into the skin and does not leave a greasy film on it. The most pronounced anti-aging properties of these oils:
- Arganovoye. It perfectly moisturizes the skin and, thanks to its chemical composition, restores its Ph and water and salt balance. It is able to smooth out 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. It saturates the epidermis with valuable nutrients, penetrates into its deep layers. It creates a protective barrier that retains moisture, is quickly absorbed, and gradually removes pigmentation.
- Cocoa. It contains unsaturated fatty acids that quickly restore the protective properties of the skin, and is also a natural filter for sun protection.
- Grape seeds. It actively neutralizes free radicals, slows down the aging process, smoothes fine wrinkles and improves skin tone. It removes bruises and bags under the eyes well.
- Almond. It successfully fights cellulite, quickly tightens the skin, moisturizes it perfectly, making it softer and more elastic.
- Sea thorn. It has the strongest wound healing and anti-inflammatory properties, is a powerful natural antioxidant, successfully fights wrinkles.
You need to be aware that when working with natural oils you need to avoid their contact with metal objects. They can be stored for up to six months, in a well-closed glass container, away from exposure to ultraviolet rays, preferably in a dark and cool place.
Homemade creams prepared on a natural basis are stored in the refrigerator for no longer than a month.
Essential oils
Essential oils have a pronounced healing properties, and their variety is very large. Today, more than 3, 000 essential oil plants are known. However, there are just over 200 of those who undergo industrial processing. Only about 50 types of essential oils are used in cosmetology.
The following types of essential oils are most commonly used to rejuvenate the face:
- anise seeds - 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 acts on 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 strength and elasticity, removes vascular networks, evens out color;
- patchouli - refreshes, moisturizes, removes sagging and earthy color;
- rosemary - makes the skin fresh and elastic, quickly rejuvenates;
- pink is the most popular and versatile anti-aging remedy;
- sage - significantly improves the structure and appearance of the skin, visibly narrows pores;
- Tea tree - a powerful antioxidant and antiseptic, regenerates 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 strictly not recommended to apply 100% of essential oils on the skin in pure form - it can lead to irritation, allergic reactions, and even burns. Such applications are sometimes used to treat acne.
Reviews and contraindications
Reviews and results after using natural oils are the most positive.
By their action they are often not inferior to the most expensive creams and have virtually no contraindications. The only restriction is not to apply them on the 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 limitations and contraindications that must be carefully studied before use.
Unlike natural oils, if used improperly, they can cause high blood pressure, irritation, and even bronchospasm. Due to their strong effect on the body, you must treat them with caution.