For the first time, oil for skin rejuvenation was used several centuries before our era. Ancient Roman emperors, ancient Greek priestesses, and ancient Egyptian pharaohs anointed the skin with oils. So 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 effective synthetic creams appeared and for some time oils were undeservedly forgotten.
But today, when, after careful study, scientists have discovered new anti-aging properties of vegetable oils, they are experiencing a renaissance.
Today all over the world there is a real boom in the use of natural cosmetics based on natural oils and plant extracts.
Why oils are useful
All vegetable oils can be divided into two large groups: natural and essential. They can be used both individually and 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 fruit pits. These oils are primarily a valuable nutritional source, as most of them contain:
- the strongest natural antioxidants: vitamins C and E;
- vitamin A that increases the elasticity of the skin;
- 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, fluoride, etc.
The secret of such a powerful effect of natural oils on human skin is that they have a similar chemical composition in their formula to sebum. Allergies are extremely rare in them, they do not cause irritation and have a pronounced softening and calming effect.
Most of the time, natural vegetable oils are the building blocks of creams and masks, in which essential oils with truly unique properties dissolve easily.
Interestingly, in many ways essential oils remain a mystery to humans. Due to their origin, they are volatile aromatic substances that can be found in different parts of plants. To get a small amount of pure essential oil, sometimes tons of raw materials have to be processed, so the cost can be very high.
The most remarkable property of essential oils is their ability to penetrate the 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 they are capable of influencing the mental state of a person.
Now its medicinal properties are being studied. But even what we already know about them allows them to be used effectively both at home and in professional cosmetology.
Natural oils
Natural vegetable oils are used not only for the face, but also for the entire body. Massaging with them quickly and effectively improves the condition of the skin, hydrates it and even smoothes fine wrinkles.
But not all are constantly in a liquid state. Some of them (cocoa, shea, coconut, etc. ) harden at room temperature and resemble the structure of oily paraffin. Before use, they must be heated in a water bath until the solids dissolve. Due to this property, these oils often become the basic components for making homemade creams.
Different types of oils have different properties, so they must be selected individually, depending on the condition of the skin and the problem to be solved with their use.
The best product for you is one that completely absorbs the skin and does not leave an oily film. The most pronounced anti-aging properties of these oils:
- Arganovoye. It perfectly hydrates the skin and, thanks to its chemical composition, recovers its Ph and water-salt balance. It is capable of smoothing wrinkles and even superficial scars.
- Shea butter. Actively stimulates tissue regeneration, has powerful anti-inflammatory properties, improves skin elasticity, and gives it a healthy glow.
- Avocado. Saturates the epidermis with valuable nutrients, penetrating its deep layers. Creates a protective barrier that retains moisture, absorbs quickly, gradually removes pigmentation.
- Cocoa. It contains unsaturated fatty acids, which quickly restore the protective properties of the skin, and it is also a natural sunscreen filter.
- Grapeseed. Actively neutralizes free radicals, slows down the aging process, smoothes fine wrinkles, and improves skin tone. Well removes bruises and bags under the eyes.
- Almond. It successfully fights cellulite, quickly tightens the skin, perfectly hydrates it, making it softer and more elastic.
- Buckthorn. It has the strongest healing and anti-inflammatory properties, it is a powerful natural antioxidant, it successfully fights wrinkles.
You must bear in mind that when working with natural oils, you must avoid contact with metallic objects. They can be stored for up to six months, in a tightly closed glass container, away from UV exposure, preferably in a dark, cool place.
Naturally prepared homemade creams are stored in the refrigerator for no more than a month.
Essential oils
Essential oils have pronounced healing properties and their variety is very great. Today, more than 3, 000 essential oil plants are known. However, there are just over 200 of those that undergo industrial processing. In cosmetology, only about 50 types of essential oils are used.
Most often, the following types of essential oils are used for facial rejuvenation:
- anise - refreshes the skin, increases its elasticity;
- orange - accelerates cell regeneration, copes well with cellulite;
- basil - perfectly removes puffiness and bags under the eyes;
- Valerian - calms, relieves irritation, smooths wrinkles;
- conifers - improves complexion, activates blood circulation, strengthens capillaries;
- ylang-ylang: one of the most powerful stimulants of the skin tone, gives a lifting effect;
- coriander - quickly tightens the skin, makes it soft and elastic;
- lavender - gently and effectively affects sensitive skin;
- lemon - whitening and rejuvenating, stimulates cell regeneration;
- juniper - with regular use, significantly reduces stretch marks;
- mint - an excellent natural stimulant of intracellular processes;
- neroli - increases firmness and elasticity, removes vascular networks, unifies color;
- patchouli - refreshes, hydrates, eliminates sagging and earthy color;
- rosemary - makes the skin fresh and elastic, quickly rejuvenates;
- pink is the most popular and versatile anti-aging agent;
- sage - significantly improves the structure and appearance of the skin, visibly reducing pores;
- tea tree: a powerful antioxidant and antiseptic, restores skin after acne and dermatitis.
Do not mix more than 2-3 types of essential oils at the same time, as this can weaken their healing properties. It is not recommended to apply 100% essential oils on the skin in its pure form; This can lead to irritation, an allergic reaction, and even a burn. Localized applications of these are sometimes used to treat acne.
Reviews and contraindications.
Reviews and results after using natural oils are the most positive.
In terms of their effect, they are often not inferior to the more expensive creams and have practically no contraindications. The only limitation is not to apply them in areas affected by skin diseases and pustular eruptions.
Individual intolerance is extremely rare.
Almost all essential oils should not be used during pregnancy, lactation, and fever. In addition, for each of them, there are additional restrictions and contraindications that must be carefully studied before use.
Unlike natural oils, if used incorrectly, they can cause high blood pressure, irritation, and even bronchial spasms. Due to their powerful effects on the body, you should treat them with caution.