For centuries, people have used natural oils like coconut oil, shea butter oil, and olive oil for taking care of their skin and hair. These oils have been praised by many for their moisturizing, protective, and antibacterial properties. Despite the rise of modern cosmetics and wellness products, these simple oils have often been ignored. However, in recent years, they have become more popular again as people look for products that are free of additives, affordable, and still work well.
But which oils are best, and how should you use them? What sets them apart from each other? Keep reading to learn more about how natural oils can help you achieve glowing, healthy skin.
Is It Safe to Use Coconut Oil and Other Oils on Your Skin and Hair?
Using natural oils for skin and hair care has been a practice for many centuries. Ancient civilizations like Egypt used them, and even Greek athletes used olive oil on their skin to appear more radiant during competitions. Dr. Rajani Katta, a dermatologist, mentions that throughout history, there’s been little evidence of allergic reactions to natural oils like coconut oil, olive oil, and sunflower seed oil.
“I think one reason natural oils have become popular again is because people are looking for moisturizers that don’t cause allergies, don’t contain many chemicals that trigger allergies, and are affordable,” she explains.
Dr. Katta suggests being cautious about using natural oils, especially on your face, depending on your skin type. For example, if you have acne-prone skin, it might be better to use them only on your body. It’s a good idea to talk to your dermatologist before trying new oils on your face, as different skin types react differently to skincare products.
Another thing to think about is sun exposure. Dr. Katta advises being careful if you’re planning to be in the sun after applying oils, especially on your face, as oils can intensify the effects of sunlight on your skin.
To avoid sun damage, you can apply oils differently depending on the time of day. In the morning, apply a thin layer that should absorb into your skin in about 15 minutes. At night, when you’re not exposed to the sun, you can apply oil more generously. If your skin isn’t absorbing the oil, you’ve probably used too much.
How to Apply Natural Oils to Your Face and Body
When applying natural oils, it’s important to consider whether you’re using them on your face or body. Dr. Katta suggests avoiding oils on your face if you have acne, as they can clog pores and make acne worse. However, they can be great for moisturizing your body.
Figuring out how much oil to use may take some trial and error. If your skin feels too greasy after applying oil, you’ve probably used too much.
Cooking Oils vs. Unrefined Oils: Is There a Difference?
There’s a difference between cooking oils and unrefined oils for skincare. While you might have olive oil or coconut oil in your kitchen, not all cooking oils are suitable for your skin. For example, refined coconut oil is better for cooking at high temperatures, but unrefined coconut oil may have more beneficial properties for your skin. Dr. Katta recommends using extra-virgin, cold-pressed, organic, unrefined oils for skincare purposes.
Where to Start With Natural Oils for Skin Care
Before putting any oils on your skin, it’s important to ask your doctor for advice. But here are some common natural oils to consider:
Coconut Oil
Coconut oil is absorbed well by the skin and offers many health benefits because of vitamins E and K. It also has antifungal and antibacterial properties. However, it might cause breakouts, especially for those with oily and acne-prone skin. In a study, coconut oil was found to be better than olive oil at moisturizing the skin. Look for cold-pressed, unrefined coconut oil for your face or skin care.
Olive Oil
Olive oil usually doesn’t cause allergic reactions, according to Katta. For the best results, choose extra-virgin olive oil. It contains vitamins A, D, E, and K, and some studies show it can be a good moisturizer. Its thick texture makes it great for applying all over your body. You might even try using olive oil as a cleanser or soap because it won’t dry out your skin. However, if you have acne-prone skin, olive oil might not be the best choice. Non-comedogenic oils like sunflower, safflower, and jojoba oil are better options because they don’t clog pores.
Sunflower Seed Oil
Sunflower seed oil is easy to find, rich in vitamin E, and gets absorbed quickly by the skin, making it a great option as a natural moisturizer. A study showed that sunflower oil was better at protecting the skin and didn’t cause or worsen atopic dermatitis (a type of eczema) in infants compared to olive oil.
Shea Butter
Shea butter comes from the nuts of the African shea tree. It’s usually solid but melts when it touches your skin because of body heat. People often use it as a moisturizer and for their hair. Dr. Katta says she hasn’t seen her patients have allergic reactions to it. You can mix unrefined, organic shea butter with olive oil or coconut oil to make it easier to apply.
Jojoba Oil
Jojoba oil comes from a plant that grows in Mexico and the American Southwest. Native American tribes have used it for medicine. Dr. Katta says she hasn’t seen many allergic reactions to jojoba oil. It’s not as popular as some other natural oils, so she doesn’t have much experience with it. Studies suggest jojoba oil might help with inflammation and healing wounds, among other things.
Almond Oil
Almond oil is made from squeezing raw almonds and it’s packed with good stuff like vitamin E, zinc, proteins, and potassium. It’s lighter than olive oil and shea butter, which makes it popular for using on the face. However, Dr. Katta warns that sweet almond oil might cause allergic reactions, so it’s better to skip it if you have sensitive skin.
Grapeseed Oil
Grapeseed oil has vitamin E and fatty acids and it’s lighter than many other natural oils. It also has antioxidants, fights germs, and reduces inflammation. Dr. Katta hasn’t seen it used as much for skin care, but she thinks it could be promising. She hasn’t seen anyone have allergic reactions to it either.
Rose Hip Seed Oil
Rose hip seed oil comes from wild rose bushes and it’s getting more popular in facial skincare products for moisturizing and anti-aging. Studies suggest it has fatty acids and antioxidants that protect skin from inflammation and damage caused by oxidation. It’s also been helpful for skin problems like eczema.
