How to Use Plant Based Oils for Skin

Just as people are examining and contemplating a plant based diet many consumers are seeking the same in their beauty items. As the name suggests, plant-based skincare products are made entirely from ingredients that are derived from plants such as fruits, vegetables, legumes, whole grains, seeds, nuts, and herbs. Plant based treatment of skin dates back to Ancient Egypt roughly 6,000 years ago. The awareness and use of plants to cure and treat skin continued through Ancient Greek and Medieval Times up until today. Let’s face it, mother nature provided us with key ingredients that have been healing us forever.

Here are some of the top safest and most popular natural oils you may want to try:

Olive Oil

Olive oil contains vitamins A, D, E, and K, and it’s a safe all-body moisturizer. Don’t use the olive oil in your kitchen – seek the cold-pressed, unrefined, extra virgin olive oil (aka EVOO). If you have dry skin you may want to try an olive oil cleanser or bar of soap.

Coconut Oil

Rich in vitamin E and K as well as having anti fungal and antibacterial properties coconut oil is easily absorbed into the skin. When used as a carrier oil, coconut oil is better than olive oil when moisturizing skin. The downside of coconut oil is that it can cause breakouts if your prone to oily or skin with acne. Be sure to look for cold-pressed, unrefined coconut oil for your face or skin care.

Sunflower Seed Oil

Sunflower seed oil is high in vitamin E, and absorbs easily into the skin, making it an excellent choice as a plant based moisturizer. Sunflower seed oil is very gentle and has even proven to be safe for children.

Shea Butter

Pure shea oil is rich in fatty acids and highly absorbent. Shea oil will moisturize all skin types and has been known to help with eczema, psoriasis and dermatitis. Shea butter is a tallow-like substance that is commonly found in a solid form, but it melts at body temperature. Unrefined shea butter can also be combined with other oils like olive or coconut to help create a smoother textured oil.

Jojoba Oil

Rich in vitamin E and B-complex vitamins, Jojoba Oil helps skin repair and damage control skin. It has anti-inflammatory properties which help to calm chaffing and chapping, reduce redness caused by drying, ease the effects of eczema and rosacea, and keep skin comfortable.

Almond Oil

Almond oil can help to improve complexion, smooth skin and improve overall skin tone. It helps to balance the absorption of moisture and water loss and is antibacterial. Full of vitamin A, it’s excellent for acne treatment. Almond oil that is made from pressed raw almonds is packed with vitamin E, zinc, proteins and potassium. With it’s lighter texture it’s perfect to use on your face. Tip: Remember that sweet almond oil can result in allergic responses, so avoid it if you have sensitive skin or nut allergies.

How do you apply plant based oils?

Before applying any oils to the skin, it is important to receive a recommendation from your doctor. When you’re applying natural oils it’s important to distinguish between your face and body as some of the best overall nourishing oils for your body like coconut oil can be problematic if used on your face. It’s also important to test an oil and see if your body absorbs it or reacts. Unrefined, organic and cold pressed oils are the best as they are in a more natural form that still has all of the nutrients which are best for your skin. It is best to pat oils onto your face and to allow for some time for absorption before adding makeup. Tip: Essential oils are not the same as a natural body oil. Essential oils are highly concentrated hydrophobic liquids containing volatile chemical compounds from plants. They are mush stronger and can be harmful it applied directly to skin without a carrier oil.