We never seem quite content with the state of our face, or with the rest of our skin just about anywhere else on our body. I often have people come into the store with complaints of the dermis, from “my skin is dry and cracked” to "my skin is flakey and red” to “my skin is oily and acne prone”. Many of these problems can be traced to oils. It’s not really that we don’t have enough oils in our skin. It’s finding the right balance of oils to help our skin flourish!
If you have a tendency to oily, acne prone skin, or in other words skin that is higher in Oleic Acid, this oil makes the skin's sebum thick and clogs pores. Oleic Acid is an Omega-9, monounsaturated fatty acid that is found abundantly in olive, avocado, and canola oil, and to a lesser degree in beef tallow, lard, peanut and palm oil. It is emollient and softening, so you'll find it in many skin products.
Oily skin that has a tendency to clog will find it's best allies are the oils that are high in Linoleic Acid, and lower in Oleic Acid. These include Evening Primrose oil which is 7% Oleic Acid and 74% Linoleic Acid and Wheat Germ oil, which is a more affordable option and has a ratio of 12% Oleic to 58% Linoleic Acid.
Tamanu oil and Kukui oil are some of my favorites for healing and protecting from sun damage as well as being the right ratios. Tamanu oil is anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antibiotic and accelerates healing of cuts, sores, burns and acne. Kukui nut oil has soothing properties.
And any high ratio oil can be blended with a carrier oil. A carrier oil is used to extend the life of your most expensive oils without giving up the benefits of them. A good carrier oil for oily skin is Hemp, Grapeseed or even Safflower, all with higher Linoleic Acid ratios.
For those of you suffering from dry, flaky, parched skin there are some great oil remedies out there for you too.
Sea Buckthorn oil is super moisturizing and healing, especially for aging skin. Rosehip oil is incredibly regenerating and known for its firming and anti-aging properties. As well Emu oil is very emollient, which is fancy talk for super crazy rich and moisturizing. And since some of these oils can be pricey, blending them with carrier oils is an excellent option. For dry skin try carrier oils like Argan oil, Jojoba oil or Apricot oil. Using any of these with a more therapeutic moisturizing, healing and protecting oil makes a great all day face and body oil blend.
If you would like to blend your own custom face & body oil, drop in to Foodsmiths and we'll help you choose the best ingredients for you.
-- Mhari
Crosby
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