How to Use Essential Oils for Beauty Purposes
Essential oils are concentrated plant extracts obtained through mechanical pressing or distillation that retain the natural smell and flavor of their source.
Oils such as tea tree, argan, and lemon oil are more likely to cause allergic reactions than olive and coconut oil. "Tea tree oil has gained a reputation for being a wonderful kind of antibacterial, antifungal ingredient. It does have those properties, but you really have to use it very carefully".
In some instances, the side effects of the use of tea tree oil to skin can be fatal. "I would never apply it to exposed skin because I have watched people develop allergies as they used it on crack from eczema, among others".
We would not recommend that people with very sensitive skin ever use essential oils on their skin, most people, they should be safe to use — as long as they are used properly.
Some oils may cause side effects more than others. "If you have sensitive skin or eczema, I've seen a lot of reactions to things such as oil of cloves, oil of cinnamon, lavender oil, lemon oil. Those are some of my top concerns in terms of essential oils that can trigger allergic reactions."
In addition, pregnant women and new mothers should consult their health care provider beforehand on what's best for them before using essential oils.
Where to Begin With Natural Oils for Skin Care
Even before you get your first application of the oil, you need to be sure to consult your doctor for a recommendation. However, to give you a starting point, here are some of the most popular types of natural oil.
1. Coconut Oil
This is because coconut oil is readily absorbed by the skin. Nutritional values that it possesses come with vitamin E, vitamin K, as well as antifungal and antibacterial properties. Among the disadvantages of its uses, possible breakouts usually accompany its application together with cocoa butter. In general, coconut oil is a good fit for just about anyone, except if you have oily skin and are acne prone, I wouldn't recommend it on your face.
Research also revealed coconut oil proved more beneficial for skin hydration when compared with olive oil through use as a carrier.
2. Olive Oil
The great thing about olive oil, it doesn't induce allergic reactions easily. To use it best, though, opt for the extra-virgin variety. Vitamins A, D, E, and K are all in olive oil; some studies prove scientific evidence behind its moisturizing properties.
The high viscosity makes it perfect for an all-body application. Try using an olive oil cleanser or bar of soap for a cleansing that won't dry out your skin.
But olive oil can't be said to be a good skin oil for those whose skin is acne-prone. Noncomedogenic oils, like sunflower oil and safflower oil, as well as jojoba oil, are good choices for those who have acne. They do not clog pores.
3. Sunflower Seed Oil
Sunflower seed oil is easy to get and very rich in vitamin E and has an excellent penetrating capacity to be absorbed in the skin, and therefore is seen as an effective natural moisturizer. Sunflower oil provided superior protection for infant skin barriers, outperformed olive oil and did not initiate or exacerbate atopic dermatitis- a form of eczema.
4. Shea Butter
Derived from the African shea tree nut, shea butter is a tallow-like substance that is common in its solid form but melts at body temperature and it can be used not only as a moisturizer, but also as hair product, who has never seen allergic reaction among her patients with its use. Unrefined, organic shea butter can be mixed with olive or coconut oil to ensure a smoother application consistency.
5. Jojoba Oil
Jojoba is native to Mexico and the American Southwest, where its oils have been extracted from its seeds and used medicinally by Native American tribes.
Researchers have found that jojoba oil may have anti-inflammatory and wound-healing properties, among other skin benefits.
6. Almond Oil
Almond oil is a health-rich product extracted from pressed raw almonds. It contains vitamins E, zinc, proteins, and potassium. Compared to olive oil and shea butter, the texture is lighter, and most people love applying it on the face. Sweet almond oil, however, causes allergic reactions, according to Katta. Thus, if you have sensitive skin, avoid it.
7. Grapeseed Oil
Grapeseed oil, which contains vitamin E and essential fatty acids, is lightweight compared with other natural oils. It also offers antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory properties.
grapeseed oil is less commonly used for skin than the other oils, but she’s optimistic about its potential use for this purpose. I have not seen allergic reactions to grapeseed oil. It definitely has a number of phytochemicals that have antioxidant benefits, too, so that’s kind of intriguing.”
8. Rose Hip Seed Oil
A study review notes that the essential fatty acids and antioxidants in this oil, including provitamin A, provide “relatively high protection against inflammation” and oxidative skin damage, and that rose hip seed oil has shown promising results when used to alleviate inflammatory skin conditions like eczema.
Conclusion
The natural coconut, olive, or sunflower oils can greatly enhance your skin and hair care. These oils are relatively unlikely to cause allergic reactions and can be a low-cost alternative to ordinary items applied in skin-care treatment. However, before you start using these, you should first seek advice from your healthcare provider, especially if you have become pregnant or are a new mom.