Using oils in our beauty regime is commonly
thought to do more harm than good. If spots or greasy hair are a concern,
slathering on a rich, pore-clogging oil is the last thing you’d think of doing.
But oils are naturally brimming with vitamins,
minerals and essential fatty acids that can provide us with a multitude of
cosmetic benefits. Even celebrities are oiling up — Hollywood actress Emma Stone
recently credited her flawless skin to regular use of grape seed oil.
From smoothing wrinkles and preventing stretch marks to repairing damaged locks — the beauty industry is in the midst of a
full-on oil rush.
On trend: Victoria Beckham used oils to get through their
pregnancies with minimal stretch marks
‘A lot of people fear using oil will cause
breakouts and make their skin greasy,’ says Loraine Murry, natural beauty
consultant at Weleda.
‘But oils can be incredibly beneficial for all skin types — even those prone to spots. They can rebalance, moisturise, protect
and brighten complexions, and improve texture and tone. Oils can do wonders for hair, especially to repair and condition dry locks or boost thinning tresses.’
Unlike creams, oils penetrate deep. Dr Lionel
De Benetti, head of research and development at Clarins, says: ‘Because the body
has its own oil-producing sebaceous glands, the skin recognises and responds,
making it highly effective at rebalancing the skin and treating dehydration,
dryness, lines and even excess oiliness.’
Different oils possess unique cosmetic
properties. For hydration, try a nurturing nut or seed-based oil like Weleda Almond Soothing Facial Oil. Almond and plum kernel oils
boost the skin’s barrier, and help it keep the moisture in.
Some cleansers leave skin feeling dry and
tight. But as oil attracts oil, oil-based cleansers effectively dissolve grime
without stealing essential moisture.
This makes oils good for greasy or
breakout-prone skin. Products for oily complexions often contain harsh
ingredients that can strip the skin of its natural oils. It might temporarily reduce oiliness but, in the
long-term more sebum is produced as skin overcompensates.
The Shu Uemura Fresh Cleansing Oil is ideal for acne-prone complexions, as it gently purges pores
of unwanted sebum while maintaining natural moisture.
Most skin types will benefit from the new
Sanctuary Ultimate Facial Cleansing Oil. It’s packed with
argan, avocado, jojoba and soya oils and hydrates skin while wiping away
impurities.
If you’re concerned about ageing, oils
extracted from roses are rich in vitamins A and E. The new By Terry Huile de
Rose Firming Lift Oil is made with pure extracts of musk as
well as black and white roses known for their anti- ageing and ultra-nourishing
powers.
Face oils were also popular backstage at the
spring/summer catwalks. At the Moschino show, make-up artist Tom Pecheaux
massaged tired models’ faces with Mac Care Blends Essential Oil. The calming chamomile and stimulating grapefruit oil
helped relieve puffiness and boost hydration.
Clarins has re-launched and re-packaged the
Body Treatment Oil-Anti Eau this month. Filled with
essential oils of geranium, broom, majoram and lemon, it eliminates toxins from
the body and reduces unwanted water retention.
Jessica Alba and Victoria Beckham used oils to
get through their pregnancies with minimal stretch marks. The Sil Derm
Prevention Oil contains lavender and grape seed oil,
plus collagen stimulating plant extract gotu kola, and tissue damage-preventing
vitamin E — both proven to reduce formation of stretch marks in pregnancy.
And don’t be put off applying oil to hair,
either. ‘Today’s hair oils penetrate deep to mend split ends, counteract dryness
and tame frizz — without weighing it down,’ says hairdresser Richard
Ward.
Dull, damaged tresses can be transformed with
Moroccan Oil Treatment containing argan oil, which is
rich in fatty acids. And even fine hair
can benefit from the L’Oreal Professional Mythic Oil, which has become a staple for top stylists. The
lightweight spritz is infused with avocado and grape seed oil, and protects hair
from heat styling, boosts shine and controls frizz.
Coconut oil
is one of the best natural nutrients for hair and can help prevent dandruff
and lice
A slick new trend? Maybe. But the beauty benefits of these oils have been widely used for thousands of years.
A slick new trend? Maybe. But the beauty benefits of these oils have been widely used for thousands of years.
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