Several years ago I had this terrible sunburn and a friend recommended I use pure sweet almond oil to help it heal. I was really nervous about putting pure oil on my face because during my teenage years I was trained to always choose oil free products, lest they cause a breakout. I tried it in spite of my fears and I loved the results so much that I’ve never looked back. Today’s post will be a primer in using simple oils to moisturize your skin, many of which are widely and easily available.
What I didn’t realize about the reason for “oil free” products is that the oil causing the trouble with breakouts was not all oils, but specifically mineral oil. Many oils are actually wonderful for skin, even for those with acne-prone or sensitive skin.
First let’s cover some of the oils commonly used for skin care along with their benefits and uses. Always look for cold pressed/unrefined oils to use for skincare. As far as brands go, I like using NOW brand oil (available in healthfood stores and on Amazon), and oils from Mountain Rose Herbs. Even though you may look at the price and quantity of the oils listed below, any of these 4-ounce bottles should last you well over a year for facial use. A little oil goes a long way.
- Almond – known for its ability to soothe and recondition skin, this is one of the most common and practical oils.
smell – nutty
skin types – all, great for acne prone skin
price – $3/4 ounces – healthfood stores, online - Apricot – similar to almond, and suitable for those with nut allergies or for particularly sensitive skin – Great for babies!
smell – nutty and deep
skin types – all skin types, sensitive or aging skin
price – $5/4 ounces – healthfood stores, online - Avocado – this rich oil contains Vitamins A, B1, B2, D, and E, along with amino acids, sterols, pantothenic acid, lecithin, and other essential fatty acids. It is great for eczema, psoriasis, or other skin conditions and is also wonderful for those with particularly sensitive skin. Another great choice for babies, and this is a truly luxurious oil!
smell – light
skin types – sensitive skin, those prone to rashes
price – $6/4 ounces – healthfood stores, online - Coconut – great for holding in moisture and acting as a protective layer – starts as a solid but melts at body temperature.
smell – coconut
skin types – dry or irritated skin
price – $12/16 ounces – most grocery stores (look for extra virgin), or online - Jojoba – is absorbed well because it is similar to our skin’s own sebum.
smell – mild
skin types – all skin types
price – $8/4 ounces – healthfood stores, online - Grapeseed Oil – great for skin that does not absorb oils well, as this does not leave a greasy feel.
smell – heavy, characteristic
skin types – all skin types
price – $5/4 ounces – grocery stores (with ethnic foods), or online - Olive – (extra virgin) has wonderful conditioning effects, and is an inexpensive but wonderful oil.
smell – rich
skin types – all skin types
price – $14/32 ounces – any grocery store
There are also some “extras” you can mix with oils to attain added benefits.
- Pure Aloe Vera Gel – great for soothing skin and for making any of the above oils “lighter” for use under makeup. ($9/8 ounces)
- Vegetable Glycerine – a great additive for dry skin because it retains moisture and draws oxygen to the skin. This is also a great option for preventing chapped or windburned skin. You can add it to one or more oils, or you can apply it to a face after first applying oil. ($3/4 ounces)
- Lavender Essential Oil – if you choose an oil that has a strong odor, such as olive oil, or if you prefer your moisturizer to have a fragrance, lavender essential oil is a great additive. Just add 5-20 drops per cup of oil, depending on how strongly scented you would like it. This is also great for a nighttime moisturizer since the lavender is calming and relaxing. ($7/1 ounce)
- Shea Butter – this stuff is great for dry, cracking hands or feet and it can also be carefully melted and added to another oil to create your own deep-moisturizing lotion or body butter. I personally keep some in a little container in my purse for dabbing on my lips or rubbing into dry cuticles. ($8/7 ounces)
If you have normal skin, olive oil is a great place to start since most of us have some sitting in the cabinet already. My personal favorite is sweet almond oil, and I often use it by itself for my face. For body moisturizer, I like to use olive oil with lavender essential oil added, or coconut oil if my skin gets particularly dry.
Here are a couple of recipe suggestions if you want something extra fancy but that won’t break the bank:
Deep Moisturizing Oil:
(great for nighttime use)
- 1/8 cup melted coconut oil
- 1/8 cup sweet almond oil
- 1/8 cup olive oil
- 1 teaspoon vegetable glycerine
Light Moisturizing Oil:
(great for underneath makeup)
- 1/3 cup sweet almond oil
- 1/4 cup aloe vera gel
So pick an oil, try it out, and let us know what you think. Using a simple oil is a great way to save on expensive skin care items, and I have found that these simple oils do a much better job than even the fancy high end stuff I have used in the past.
