Beauty oils 101: Argan, tea tree, marula, jojoba, and more

MANILA, Philippines – These days, oil coming from trees and plants are not just used for cooking anymore.

The beauty market has recently seen an influx of oil products being harvested, bottled, then marketed as the latest beauty tool which may help to slow down your skin’s aging process.

But which of these oils in the market are actually right for you and your skin type? We rounded up some of the oils that beauty junkies are investing in so you can make up your mind.

Sweet almond oil

By now, you might have noticed that a lot of your beauty products – from your moisturizers to your conditioners – have almond oil as an ingredient. No surprise there as it’s loaded with beauty and health benefits. 

Almond oil is suitable for many skin types and is easily absorbed your pores.

Are you prone to acne? No worries. Almond oil is considerably light and isn’t likely to block your pores. It will help you stablize your skin’s moisture levels and is best for people who have really dry skin. It also removes impurities, dead skin cells, and can help people suffering from psoriasis and eczema get rid of their most common symptoms – inflammation, redness, and itching of skin.

One of the most common beauty woes is having to get rid of dark under eye circles. Rubbing almond oil over your eyes religiously (but not vigorously) every night is supposed to help lighten those circles and help you prevent getting fine lines around your eyes.

Meanwhile, using almond oil as a substitute for your leave-on conditioners and shine enhancers will help your hair grow longer, treat your dandruff, and keep your tresses safe from getting split ends.

Are your nails prone to breakage? Rub some almond oil on them before going to bed to moisturize and strengthen them.

For sparse eyelashes, you can also use almond oil to give them a boost Just dip an old mascara wand into a bottle of almond oil and use it on your lashes the way you would normally apply mascara. Go for multiple coats and repeat every night.

Grape seed oil

Following the success of Moroccan argan oil, grape seed oil has slowly been making its way into commercial beauty products as an ingredient.

However, Hollywood actress Emma Stone swears by using grape seed oil on her skin, buying bottles of it from grocery stores where it comes cheap.

Stone, who admits to having very sensitive skin, uses grape seed oil after a shower. She would use it as a moisturizer, patting it on prior to makeup. She would repeat the process throughout the day and before going to bed.

Grape seed oil is also rich in linoleic acid that helps strengthen cell membranes in your skin. It also has anti-inflammatory properties.

Scared of using oil as a makeup primer, thinking it might be too greasy? No worries. Grape seed oil leaves a satiny finish on your skin.

Aside from being hypoallergenic, grape seed oil also has high astringency which helps you refine your pores, making it best for people with oily skin. 

Virgin coconut oil

A fair warning: if you have oily skin, coconut oil is NOT for you.

Known as a comedogenic, its thick and heavy composition can easily block your pores. If you’re acne-prone, avoid using it on your face.

Coconut oil works best for people with dry skin and hair as it is an extensive moisturizer rich in vitamin E. 

  

Argan oil

This is produced from the kernels of the argan tree which is endemic to the Sous valley in southwestern Morocco, where people have several uses for it – from skincare to food products made from the oil. Worldwide, it has gained immense popularity as a beauty elixir.

Argan oil is rich in fatty acids and vitamin E. It can be used for hair and is good for everyday use to improve dry skin or coarse hair. It’s commonly used as a moisturizer and can help prevent the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, leaving skin feeling smooth and supple.

Rich in proteins, it can help you tighten your skin and can also salvage your nails if they are peeling or cracking.

Jojoba oil

This type of oil comes in a beautiful golden color.

The properties of Jojoba oil make it easier for your skin to absorb jojoba naturally and quickly. This makes Jojoba a good body lotion and hair conditioner.

It’s also widely used as a makeup remover that’s perfect for waterproof eyeliner and the most matte of lipsticks.

It works well as a lipbalm and can even be used to prep your skin for shaving and prevent razor burns.

Tea tree oil

Also known as melaleuca oil, tea tree oil is known as a zit buster as it can help in drying up your pimples and even improve acne. However, it also has several other uses.

It can aid body problems like nail fungus, corns, warts, and even ringworms. It can help cure your chapped lips and even chase away lice and dandruff.

Bad breath? Dillute 3 drops of tea tree oil into warm water or even your favorite mouth wash and gargle with it for a week.

 

Virgin olive oil

Olive oil’s regenerative powers are of great use to your skin. Regular application on skin will keep it moisturized, toned, and firm.

Irritated and sunburned skin can also be healed by olive oil while scars may lighten with continued use.

The squalene present in olive oil helps prevent your skin’s premature aging and like almond oil, it can also help make your lashes longer and thicker.

Women with curly hair can use olive oil as conditioner to tame unruly locks. Massage a few drops (not too much to prevent your hair from being too clumpy) of olive oil onto your hair and leave it there over night. Wash it off in the morning and enjoy smooth and bouncy curls.

Marula oil

This is Africa’s version of argan oil. Because of its smoothing and moisturzing properties,  For generations, it was their well kept secret but now, it’s making its way into mainstream beauty stores.

Marula oil is rich in Vitamin C and E, oleic and omega-9 fatty acid, and flavonoids. Women who are afraid of getting their skin damaged due to harsh weather often count on marula oil to protect it and slow down their skin’s aging process.

Has your skin started showing fine lines? Apply marula oil to keep them from getting any worse.

With marula oil having higher levels of antioxidants than argan oil, some are starting to switch from the Morocco-produced oil to this African export.

How about you? What are your favorite oils for your skin and hair? Let us know in the comments section below. – Rappler.com

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