Sometimes, a little bit of grease can be a good thing. Not when it comes to an unwanted oily breakout on your complexion (oh no!) – nor when you stare down at a plate of food and it’s swimming in fat. But, if healthy, shiny radiant skin and hair is what you’re after, it seems that grease (in its most natural and beautifying state) is the word.
If the thought of smearing oil on your face or locks leaves you a little scared, fear not; below is a guide to some of the world’s most beautifying oils – from good fats to include in your meals to rejuvenate your complexion, to gorgeous serums to rub into your skin and hair for long-lasting radiance.
Coconut oil
The wonder of this oil is it’s beautifying for you inside and out. Although high in fat content, coconut oil is full of ‘good’ fatty acids, which are more easily processed by the body than conventional saturated fats, so it boosts energy while helping protect against heart disease. Eating it is also thought to give your skin and hair a more lustrous appearance. (Aussie supermodel Miranda Kerr eats four teaspoons of the stuff a day – and we all know how super-shiny her hair is!). As an added beauty bonus, try smoothing some on dry skin and feel the roughness melt away – or massage into your scalp as a pre-shampoo treatment to reduce dandruff and intensively condition your hair. Product pick:Montville Organic Skincare Shea & Coconut Moisturiser for super-soft, hydrated skin.
Rosehip oil
OK, so it may not smell all rose-like and fragrant as its name suggests (the aroma is more akin to cooking oil), but if it’s a rosy, radiant complexion you’re after this could be your new go-to skin salvation. Rosehip oil contains a cocktail of anti-ageing goodies – including naturally-occurring vitamin A, which helps prevent premature ageing and can improve the appearance of wrinkles and acne-scarring, and other powerful antioxidants that help promote healthier, more youthful-looking skin. Use a few drops neat as a moisturiser before bed for a brighter, smoother complexion when you wake. Product pick: A’kin Pure Radiance Rosehip Oil.
Castor oil
Although castor oil is derived from the poisonous castor bean plant, it has a wealth of benefits for your skin and hair. (Ricin, the toxin contained in the seeds, is removed during the oil extraction process making it safe to use). It has been used to treat dry skin complaints for centuries, and also promotes healthy, strong hair growth. Try rubbing it on dry elbows and cracked heals to help your skin regain its softness, or smooth it on over-plucked eyebrows before bed to encourage regrowth. Product pick: 1000 Hour Softsole is a foot exfoliator enriched with Castor oil and other natural ingredients for smooth soles and heels.
Fish oil
The essential omega-3 fatty acids in fish oil are a great way to ensure your skin has the moisture it needs to stay healthy. As well as fighting ageing and preventing dryness, fish oil has been used to help acne sufferers as it inhibits the hormones that trigger breakouts. Adding fish such as salmon, mackerel and herring to your diet can be a great way to up your intake of fish oil – or if these culinary delights aren’t really your bag, you could try taking supplements such as Pretorius Maxi Fish Oil.
Argan oil
For centuries this skin and hair-nourishing wonder was the beauty secret of the women of Morocco, where the almonds of the argan tree are grown. Luckily for us, the rejuvenating benefits of argan oil were too plentiful to stay off the world’s beauty radar for too long, and it is now an ingredient incorporated into many hair and skin products. This rich oil assists in cell renewal, protects and smooths skin, and helps reduce the appearance of acne scars, stretch marks and wrinkles. And if you’re looking for a way to transform tired tresses, giving them an argan oil treatment will result in silky smoothness and stronger strands. Product pick: Silk Oil of Morocco Pure Argan Oil.
Camellia oil
Camellia oil is historically renowned for helping geishas keep their complexions beautiful and soft, and their hair lustrous and shiny. It is extracted from the seeds of the Camellia Oleifera plant and can today be found as a key ingredient in many beauty products such as lip glosses, moisturisers and foundations. One of the key properties of the oil is it so easily absorbed into the skin, which allows it to penetrate deep and provide long-lasting hydration, as well as smooth out wrinkles. Product pick: try Bellamer Botanical Skin Care Renewing Face and Neck Mask for an indulgent anti-ageing treatment.
Do you use any natural oils as part of your beauty routine? What are your top tips for using oils on your skin and hair?
More beautifying goodness on bh:
– Spotlight on rosehip oil
– Why we love coconut oil
Get all the latest trends, photos and news from bh: follow us on…
