Natural oils such as olive oil and coconut oil have been used for skincare and haircare since ancient times. That’s because they work.
Natural oils not only moisturise the skin, they nourish it deeply as well. Says Murray, “Our bodies need the right combination of both water and oil to create smooth and moisture-rich skin. So ensuring we are providing our skin with natural oils that truly sink in and are utilised by the skin is a fantastic way to keep our skin glowing and prevent premature ageing.”
Natural oils help to give the skin a healthy glow and make your hair shine, but they can also be a gentle way to treat skin ailments such as a flaky scalp or dry and itchy skin conditions.
Avocado oil is amazing for the skin in a number of ways. It is rich in antioxidants and vitamins such as A, D and E. It is high in sterolin, which studies have shown to facilitate the softening of the skin and to reduce the incidence of age spots and sun damage. It can also boost your scalp health and treat conditions such as eczema and psoriasis. Sweet almond oil is also great for dry, itchy skin and dry hair.
“Oils such as rosehip, argan and jojoba are rich in vitamins A and E,” says Murray. “They are a great source of antioxidants for the skin, as they mop up free radicals caused by sun exposure, air pollution or toxins in makeup. They can aid in the reduction of fine lines and scarring and decrease the inflammation associated with acne or eczema.”
Rosehip oil is a popular oil to use on the face as it’s rich in vitamin C, which evens out skin tone and helps to combat those wrinkles and fine lines. Apricot kernel oil is also a good choice as it can aid the skin in maintaining elasticity and softness.
Jojoba oil is a standout oil because it’s actually similar in composition to the skin’s own oils so is quickly absorbed. “Jojoba oil is fantastic for this as it is actually a wax ester, a substance that closely mimics the sebum created by our skin,” says Murray. “Therefore it truly is an oil that soaks right in and really nourishes the skin.”
