Oils for Beauty and Wellness

When you think of oils for health, the idea of essential oils is probably first to mind. While essential oils are great and ​good products to have on hand, today we want to shine a light on other types of oils and the benefits they carry.

Many varieties of oils have been used all over the world, for centuries due to their health and beauty benefits. If you’re curious about how to incorporate oils such as coconut or argan into your beauty routine, this is the blog post for you! 

Simply Favorites ~ Oils For Skin Care

Let’s start with one of the most popular oils for beauty routines, Coconut oil.

Coconut oil is fantastic and can be used for cooking, as well as in your daily skin care routine, no matter how you use it. “Coconut oil is a unique combination of natural fats, which makes it useful in treating the skin,” explains Joshua Zeichner, M.D., director of cosmetic and clinical research in dermatology at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City.

These fatty acids include linoleic acid (which can be beneficial for acne-prone skin) and up to 50% lauric acid (which is hydrating and antimicrobial), he says. Coconut oil also may improve skin barrier function and repair, has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties, fights the signs of skin aging, and makes an effective moisturizer.

Some of our favorite uses for coconut oil are:

1. Deep Moisturizing Hair Mask- Coconut oil is great for this because it easily penetrates hair and can prevent protein loss in the hair itself. Cover your hair from scalp to tip and let sit for 15-30 minutes. For thick, coarse, or damaged hair you can even leave it on overnight! 
2. DIY Body Scrub- Coconut oil can be used to make a homemade body scrub from ingredients readily available in most kitchens. It’s moisturizing, inexpensive, and is free from harsh chemicals and preservatives. Take ½ cup coconut oil, mix in 1 cup of sugar or salt, and add either a few drops of essential oils or a small amount of pure vanilla extract for a fragrant, good for you body care solution. 
3. Dental Freshen Up- Coconut oil is great for oil pulling (swishing coconut oil around in your mouth) because of its antimicrobial and antibacterial properties. Oil pulling can brighten your smile and kill off harmful microorganisms and is a great addition to your daily dental routine. Just swirl it around your mouth for 10 to 20 minutes before breakfast until it turns a milky white color, then spit it out into the trash (not your sink, as this can clog the pipes) and rinse with water.

Almond oil is another fantastic oil but not as well known or as commonly used.

Ancient Chinese and Ayurvedic practices have used almond oil for centuries to help soothe and soften the skin as well as to treat minor wounds and cuts. Almond oil is packed full of Vitamin A, Vitamin E, Omega 3’s, and Zinc. Using Almond oil for your face has been shown to: reduce puffiness and under eye circles, improve complexion and skin tone, moisturize dry skin, improve the appearance of acne, reverse harmful sun damage, and reduce the appearance of scarring.

Some of our favorite uses of almond oil are; 

1. Facial Cleanser & Moisturizer- Almond oil is a good 2 for 1 product, especially for those on a budget. Using a small amount of almond oil can remove makeup and the top layer of dirt and grime on our faces, following with a thicker application will lock moisture into your face for a radiant glow!
2. Sun Protection- Almond oil has been shown to be beneficial for protecting your skin from the sun, supporting the skin’s barrier function, and reducing signs of aging. This isn’t to say you should skip SPF altogether, but mixing in a bit of almond oil can increase your sun protection benefits while also giving you a glow.
3. Reduced Skin Irritation- Almond oil can be used to calm your skin in times of need. Whether you’re dealing with itchiness and swelling, or something more clinical like psoriasis or eczema, almond oil can soothe the irritation as a quick fix before finding a more permanent solution.

Argan oil is a classic and one you may be more familiar with.

It’s not as heavy as coconut oil, but not as light as grapeseed oil, making it great to use for all skin types. It’s packed with omega fatty acids, vitamin E, and linoleic acids, all of which work to lightly moisturize your skin, soften dry patches, and even reduce acne.

All too often people breakout because their skin barrier is dry, damaged, and inflamed from a regimen of harsh acne products. That damaged skin barrier then overcompensates by producing even more oil, which can clog pores and trigger breakouts. Argan oil, however, can help break that cycle.

Some of our favorite uses of argan oil are: 

1. Natural Acne Management- Hormonal acne is often the result of excess sebum that’s caused by hormones. Argan oil has anti-sebum effects, which can effectively regulate amounts of sebum on the skin. This can help to treat several different types of acne and promote a smoother, calmer complexion.
2. Improves Wound Healing Process- The strong combination of antioxidants and vitamin E found in argan oil can be used to help wounds and cuts heal faster. 
3. Natural Anti-Aging Treatment- Research has found that using argan oil can lead to a reduction in the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, while also providing a significant increase in the elasticity of the skin proving to be an effective anti-aging treatment.

Did you know that these and many other face oils may be one of the best-kept beauty secrets? You might be surprised to find out that many makeup artists and celebrities have been using them to smooth and soothe skin on set. These oils absorb into the skin quickly, providing instant moisture with a finish that isn’t greasy.

As an extra bonus these high-quality natural remedies are extremely budget-friendly compared to many other skin products on the market. So next time you’re shopping for some new skin care products, why not stop by Simply Nutrition and try something different?  We would love to help you refresh your skin care!

Conclusion

p.s. Just in case you are looking for a specific food, supplement, or any other wellness need, reach out to us here at 916-253-9276 and we would be happy to help you find exactly what you are looking for.

We are deeply committed to sharing our knowledge of health and therefore have carefully chosen the products we offer in our store. You’ll find only the highest quality brands and a large selection to choose from so you’re sure to find exactly what you need. 

If you can’t make it into the store, we’re always happy to deliver it to you because your health and happiness are our #1 priority! 

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