Nowadays, there are so many beauty products to choose from that you can easily become overwhelmed. There are hair conditioners, moisturisers, soak-ins and repair treatments, and for skin, there are hundreds of moisturising creams and lotions offering something unique. If you want to give your skin and hair the moisture it needs naturally, consider switching out your expensive beauty products for oils. With its greasy nature and natural minerals, oils can make your hair and skin look smooth and healthy. Here are our favourites.
Coconut oil
The popularity of coconut oil has exploded in recent years, and it’s no wonder why. This oil is perfect for those with sensitive skin and eczema, as the oil’s fatty acids can be a powerful moisturiser without over-stimulating the skin. Coconut oil can also be good for dry hair, as its structure is designed to restore your hair follicle’s flexibility and strength. But that’s not all – companies such as The Big Fruit offer coconut oil to use in oil pulling, an old technique designed to improve your oral health and whiten your teeth. Celebrities such as Miranda Kerr, Angelina Jolie and Jennifer Aniston swear by using coconut as part of their diets.
Jojoba oil
Jojoba oil has a chemical structure which is similar to our own skin, so it can be absorbed easily to help combat dry and damaged skin. This oil can be found by crushing the beans of the jojoba shrub, which contains minerals such as zinc, copper, vitamin B and vitamin E – all of which can help to strengthen your skin. Its use dates back as far as the 1700s, when Native Americans used the oil to treat sores, cuts and bruises – and today, the oil can be used as a skin conditioner to sooth windburn and sunburn, so it’s great for taking on holiday.
Flaxseed oil
If you have irritated or sensitive skin or have a skin condition such as eczema or dermatitis, then flaxseed oil could be just for you. This oil contains a healthy amount of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids and can be used as a topical moisturiser. What’s more, this oil has anti-inflammatory properties and can help to improve skin conditions in just three months.
Olive oil
If you have particularly dry skin, then olive oil is another option to consider. Heavier than some of the other oils mentioned in this list, olive oil is recommended because it is rich in fatty acids and vitamin E, but it should be avoided on the face area, especially if you suffer from skin conditions such as acne. Back to hair, and olive oil can be used as a moisturising hair mask – perfect if you’ve spent too long outside in the cold or your hair has become dehydrated by salt water or by sitting on the beach in the sun. Olive oil is also known to sooth broken and burnt hair ends, so it can be used by those who straighten their hair.
Using natural oils as part of your skincare and haircare regime makes sense, but it’s important that you know the difference between the various oils available. Have fun!