It’s time we talk about natural oils. While they have been adopted by many skincare and haircare buffs already, a lot of us are still reluctant to use oil on our hair or face from fear of over-oiling skin or resulting in a thick, sticky residue finale. As this can be true if you’re not using the right oils in the right way, we created a breakdown of the benefits from incorporating different natural oils in your routine and the different ways in which to use them.

Why Natural Oils?

Oils are tailored to work with your natural oils to help keep your skin balanced and help complement the natural oils our skin produces. They help strengthen the outer layer of your skin by softening and sealing moisture in. Face oils are mostly plant-based, offering solutions for a variety of purposes, such as moisturizing, healing and complementing your anti-aging or anti-blemishes routine. 

1. Add Moisture and Shine

Even if you use moisturizer, and you should, it’s best practice to seal the deal with a face oil of your choice. Commonly extracted from a seed oil such as sunflower oil, Vitamin E is a natural preservative and antioxidant. It can help tame frizzy, damaged, hair while helping reduce free radical damage on skin and hair + balances oil production. This is a great oil to use on both your hair and skin in combination with other oils as it is meant to replicate and supplement the natural oils that our bodies already make, resulting in that dewy, healthy look for your face and shiny hair we’re all looking to achieve.

2. Nourish and Improve Skin Tone

Apricot Kernel Oil is a great oil to use on your hair as it contains Vitamin A, C, E and Omega-9 Oleic Fatty Acid which moisturize hair while increasing moisture level and reducing dryness. It helps improve skin tone, nourishing the skin and lowering the appearance of wrinkles, fine lines and blemishes. You can top off your skincare routine with it or use it as a highlighter for cheekbones and cupid’s bow, dabbing a bit more product on those areas. 

3. Protection From Damaging UV Rays

Sweet Almond Oil contains proteins and vitamins A, B, and E that help boost shine to dull, dry hair. Rich in Fatty Acids and Omega 9, 6 and 3, it makes a perfect choice for sensitive skin. It helps to deflect damaging UV rays and protecting hair from sun and heat. Since Almond Oil can reach a 216°C  smoking point, it’s a perfect heat protector. Its natural moisture-sealing properties replenish hair’s moisture and when used on the skin clears your complexion and adds a warm glow to the skin, making it smoother and softer. 

4. Tame Frizzy Hair and Blemishes

Being that Grapeseed Oil has anti-inflammatory properties, contains high levels of Linoleic Acid, and doesn't clog pores, it is a commonly used moisturizer for acne-prone and sensitive skin which can also help reduce the appearance of blemishes.. It helps restore your hair’s strength and shine, locking in moisture and preventing frizz and split ends. What makes it even better is that Grapeseed Oil can reach a 216°C  smoking point, making it the ultimate heat protector.

5. Reduce Scars and Fine Lines

Rosehip Oil is rich in Essential Fatty Acids and antioxidants, which are integral for tissue and cell regeneration in the skin. This oil helps combat signs of aging and improving the overall appearance of the skin. It is filled with vitamins A, E, and C which are all active ingredients that help nourish and strengthen hair. Use in combination with a carrier oil on stretch marks, wrinkles or scars to improve their appearance, or apply to hair for a healthy shine.

6. Soothe and Heal Skin

Rich in Vitamins C, B, E along with Copper and Zinc, Jojoba Oil nourishes hair by working as a conditioner, adding shine, elasticity and softness. Jojoba Oil has soothing anti-inflammatory agents, healing properties and is a natural moisturizer and antimicrobial. These properties suggest that Jojoba Oil could help you avoid breakouts as well as promote healing for mild acne while nourishing the skin and not stripping it away of natural oil. It is perfect for all skin types, including skin that tends to get oily, as it doesn’t clog pores and helps minimize oiliness.

7. Reduce Stress, Anxiety, Depression, and Insomnia

Essential Oils can be used for various purposes and have healing properties while used topically or in aromatherapy. OAKEI’s TLC Dry Oil includes high-quality Essential Oils such as Furocoumarin-free Bergamot which can treat Psoriasis and Eczema and it is considered to relieve anxiety and stress, and Geranium, known for its astringent effect, helping in tightening and minimizing pore appearance while balancing the hair and skin’s natural oil production, making it a great essential oil to be used on all skin and hair types, dry and oily alike. Its therapeutic properties include combating insomnia and depression.

The Bottom Line

You can always add a few drops of oil to your facial moisturizer or serum according to what you’re looking to achieve. You can do a simple research online to figure out what oils you should be using and choosing your skincare products accordingly. Facial oils can also be added as the finishing touch of your routine as they lock in moisture on the top layer of the skin while protecting it. Oils can penetrate though the other products applied beforehand as they will most likely be water-based, and oil penetrates water, not the other way around.

Face oils can be applied either in the morning or evening or can be used as a spot treatment to tackle skin issues like dark spots and dryness.

You should consider what ‘problem’ you’re aiming to solve in order to choose the right individual or mix of oil. Our TLC Dry Oil offers a blend of nourishing oils that serve a variety of purposes and can be used on the face, body and hair alike, without clogging your pores nor leaving a greasy feeling behind.