When you think about oils, you’re typically looking at something that’s going to moisturize your skin and your body, from head to toe. Oils referred to as carrier oils are used to hydrate, nourish, replenish and nurture your skin. They’re often referred to as specialty oils.

Not all oils are equal. Some of these oils are heavy and greasy and they will leave residue on your skin and cause you more harm than good. If you put on any type of clothing, the fabric may absorb the oil much more quicker than the skin on your body. What you really want to do is learn about these oils and how they can assist you in taking care of your skin whether it’s your face or body.

Oils have been used throughout history for beauty, massage and aromatherapy as well as food preparation. But here’s how these oils impact your skin as opposed to how they’re used in your kitchen.

When we look at hydration, we’re looking for an oil that’s going to prevent water loss, lock the moisture into your skin without it being greasy and heavy. You also want these oils to be beneficial in balancing your natural oil production.

Carrier Oils That Nourish, Nurture and Replenish Your Skin

When you’re looking for oils that nourish, nurture and replenish, you want to look for an oil that will provide you with vitamins and antioxidants and repair any damage that’s been caused by free radicals such as the sun or pollutants from the air or building exhaust. You want an oil that will build a barrier on your skin and you want this oil to work together in a synergy with others. An oil like this is going to have proven itself beneficial to treating conditions like psoriasis, eczema and acne.

Apricot Kernel – an oil that’s extracted from cold pressing the apricot kernel. It’s ideal for sensitive and oily skin and it’s rich in omega fatty acids and it balances the hydration and helps firm and tone the skin. You’ll find vitamins A and E and apricot oils sooth and provide that youthful appearance to your skin. It’s absorbed nicely, improves the texture of your skin especially if it’s dry or maturing skin.

Baobab – cold pressed from the baobab tree. Known as the upside down tree from Africa, it delivers a potent dose of vitamins A,D, E and F as well as your omega 3, 6 and 9 fatty acids. It hydrates, improves elasticity and fights free radicals.

Evening Primrose – This has been used throughout history to improves wounds. It is high in linoleic acid which helps maintain cohesion in your skin and reduce the loss of moisture. It’s high in antioxidants and fights inflammation and oxidation in your cells.

Jojoba oil is actually a wax, it’s taken from the seed of the jojoba tree. It has been shown to balance out oil levels in your skin. It’s wonderful for treating acne and helps to prevent the loss of moisture in your skin.

Sea buck Thorn is rich in beta carotene, Vitamin E, and lenoic acid. It softens and strengthens your skin and allows for your skin to heal itself. It’s a valuable oil in treating acne and rosacea In African Americans you may not see a lot of rosacea unless it’s on the fair skin side.

For African American skin, all of these oils are wonderful components to have as part of the ingredients that grace your vanity or in your cabinet. Just because we’re known to have oilier skin than other ethnic groups, it does not mean that oils cannot be used on your skin. That’s it for this week!  As always …

Dedicated To Your Beauty,

Juliette Samuel

Esthetician/Author/Publisher

Nyraju Skin Care