History of Oils
It may surprise you that the first oils were actually liquid animal fat. This is assumed to have started when humans first found fire and started cooking meat. Even today animal fats are used as oils when cooking. What about use on the skin though? Ancient Egypt is always mentioned when it comes to firsts of skin care. Plant based oils and infusions like Castor, Olive and Sesame oils were used heavily for baths, hair cleansing and treating the face of sunburn or other ailments. The history of skin oils continues into the Roman era with the use of Olive oil and a strigil to cleanse the body. Many oils we use today have been used through out history for skin, religious rituals, cooking, medicine, and more.
What are the best oils for your skin?
The best oil for your skin may not be the best oil for your face. The skin on the facial area can be more sensitive than other parts. You may also suffer from hormonal skin disfunctions like acne or allergic reactions like bug bites and eczema. Auto immune disorders that affect the skin are common ailments that should be considered as well. Think about what goals you have for your body skin and any specific areas or conditions that need to be addressed. This info will come in handy to figure out what oil would be best for you, your face and body.
About Oils
There are two main types of fatty acids that people talk about when discussing oils for your face or body. Each oil has a combination of both however we rate them based on the highest percentage that each oil contains.
- Oleic Acid – is a thicker, heavier oil. These are good for dry skin and are the most hydrating.
- Linoleic Acid- is thinner. lighter oil. These are good for Oily and/or Acne prone skin.
The oils that are most hydrating to the skin are those with a high percentage of Oleic acid. Thanks to this site for the chart below.
However, oils that have a higher percentage of Oleic acid tend to be comedogenic where as Linoleic acid oils are usually non-comedogenic.
What does Non-Comedogenic mean?
Non-Comedogenic means that an oil is less likely to clog pores. This is important to know when applying oils to your face. Each oil has a rating of 0-5 depending on how likely they are to clog pores. 0 is the best, and means that this oil is 100% non-comedogenic. Lastly, 5 is given to thick oils that will clog pores. Thanks to Simple Pure Beauty for creating the explanation below.
What oils are best for your face?
The oil that is best for your face depends on your skin type and specific conditions you may have. It also depends on your skin goals and what you want the oil to do. For example if you have dry patches on your face may need different oils for different areas or an infusion of several different oils for one product. If you have acne due to any reason you should make sure to use a 0-1 rated oil. I have added more info below from Perfecting my Beauty blog.
What oils should I avoid?
The answer to what oils you should avoid lies in your skin type, your skin issues and any sensitivities you may have. Obviously if you have acne or overly oily skin you should not over saturate with comedogenic oils. Please know that if you use an oil or essential oil that contains vitamin C they are usually phototoxic. Phototoxic is when effects become intensified by the sun’s rays. DO NOT APPLY OILS TO THE FACE BEFORE GOING OUTSIDE. This can cause sunburn and sun damage. Instead use oils as a last step in your skin care routine at night before bed. In addition it is always a good idea to spot test first for allergic reactions especially if you have sensitive skin.
The Top 5 Oils to use on the face.
- For Eczema, dry or easily irritated skin — AVOCADO OIL
- For Acne prone skin — HEMP SEED OIL
- For Oily or combination skin — GRAPE SEED OIL
- For Aging skin — ROSEHIP OIL
- For Normal skin — COCONUT OIL or OLIVE OIL
So there you have my top 5 (well 6) oils to use on the face. My favorite three oils to use are Hemp Seed, Grape Seed and Avocado oil. I use them in most of my blends and infusions like these oil body rollers.
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