ORESTA's MARCH Tip for Glowing Skin in 2016 - FACIAL OILS

 

We recommend using facial oils throughout the year however we especially promote them during the winter months. Cold, dry weather and forced indoor heating wreaks havoc on our skin and parched skin becomes more susceptible to flaking, itching, cracking, psoriasis and eczema. Applying a facial and body oil to the skin deliversnutrients, locks in moisture, heals and protects the skin.

There is a huge misconception that applying oil to your skin will make you break out so women tend to shy away from facial oils.  The reality is that facial oils will not make you break out or look greasy. I promise you that once you start using facial oils you will never stop using facial oils! 

WHAT IS A FACIAL OIL?

A facial oil is a plant-based oil that supports the functions of the skin. It may be used alone or in a blend of other plant oils and essential oils. It can be used as a facial cleanser, a serum or a moisturizer.

WHAT DO FACIAL OILS DO?

Facial oils are rich in antioxidants and plant energy to nourish, repair and regenerate all skin types including dry, sensitive, hyper-pigmented, oily and acneic skin. Facial oils rebalance the skin and create a calm, clear, healthy complexion. Facial oils contain essential fatty acids which are critical for the proper functioning of skin. They replenish its lipid barrier, protect against extreme temperatures, over-cleansing, low humidity, sickness and travel. Strengthening the skin's lipid barrier is critical to accelerating the skin's natural healing and repairing process.

WHICH FACIAL OILS ARE BEST FOR MY SKIN?
All oils are not created equal so shop for products containing certified organic, raw, cold pressed, and unrefined oils. Oil quality is key to their efficacy and the process of chemically refining oils drastically reduces their antioxidant content, their efficacy, color and smell.
Although all plant oils are beneficial to the skin, the ratio of linoleic acid to oleic acid in the composition of the oil determines the best oils for your skin type.
Oleic acid (an omega-9 fatty acid) is produced naturally so it is not considered an essential fatty acid (EFA).  Oleic acid oils are richer oils that reduce inflammation, seal in moisture, plump and protect the skin. They are ideal for dry skin.
My favourite oils that contain oleic acid are:
1. Almond
2. Avocado
3. Seabuckthorn
4. Olive

 

Linoleic acid is an omega-6 EFA (essential fatty acid). The body cannot naturally produce linoleic acid, nor omega-3 (alpha-linoleic) EFA.  Linoleic-rich oils are lighter and thinner in consistency and are ideal for acne-prone and sensitive skin as they substantially reduce clogged pores, heal and strengthen the skin.
My favourite oils that contain linoleic acid:
1. Black Cumin
2. Calendula 
3. Evening Primrose
4. Grapeseed
5. Red Raspberry Seed
6. Rosehip
7. Safflower
8. Pumpkin Seed 
My favourite oleic + linoleic balanced oils are:
1. Jojoba
2. Argan
3. Cranberry Seed 
4. Pomegranate Seed
 
What about coconut oil? As a highly comedogenic oil, I do not use coconut oil to cleanse or moisturize my face. Instead, I prefer using it as a hair treatment, in oil pulling for dental care (we'll leave that for another day) or cooking. 

To use facial oil as a facial moisturizer, cleanse your skin and apply tonique. Layer tonique with 3-4 drops of facial oil directly onto the face or into your moisturizer. Massage into the skin

Facial oil can also be used to cleanse the skin. Oil gently dissolves oil and dirt on the skin leaving it clear, healthy, balanced and properly hydrated. To cleanse with a facial oil, apply to dry skin, massage and remove with a warm facecloth.

At ORESTA, we LOVE facial and body oils. If you aren't a fan yet, we invite you to come in and sample the spectacular organic facial oils that we retail as well as use in our facial treatments.

 

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