Beauty file
Nafisah Mohammed
Beauty File realises that for many of us, the thought of rubbing oil onto our faces fills us with undiluted horror. Nevermind that oil cleansing is a tried and tested form of keeping skin clean and pores clear, the idea of slathering the enemy onto our faces is a big no-no. After all, we’re trying to get oil off of us, not on our skin! The truth is, there are certain oils than can aid you in the ongoing journey to perfect skin. Read on to find out more:
Tea tree oil
Best for: acne
It feels and smells more like an astringent than an oil, so it doesn’t have the same ick factor that other oils do. And tea tree oil really works: Studies have found that 5 per cent tea tree oil is as effective at treating acne as 5 per cent benzoyl peroxide. Dermatologists recommend it as a gentle, natural alternative to harsher acne treatments.
Try: Burt’s Bees Herbal Blemish stick
Best for: acne
It feels and smells more like an astringent than an oil, so it doesn’t have the same ick factor that other oils do. And tea tree oil really works: Studies have found that 5 per cent tea tree oil is as effective at treating acne as 5 per cent benzoyl peroxide. Dermatologists recommend it as a gentle, natural alternative to harsher acne treatments.
Try: Burt’s Bees Herbal Blemish stick
Grapeseed Oil
Best for: oily skin
If you have oily skin -- even if you don’t have acne -- you’re probably averse to oils; in the middle of the afternoon you’re hunting for your blotting papers or pressed powder and the last thing you need is more oil on an already shiny forehead, right?. Wrong. Grapeseed oil can actually help regulate your natural oil production, plus it’s packed with antioxidants, including skin-brightening vitamin C.
Try: Caudalie Vinosource Nourishing Concentrate
Best for: oily skin
If you have oily skin -- even if you don’t have acne -- you’re probably averse to oils; in the middle of the afternoon you’re hunting for your blotting papers or pressed powder and the last thing you need is more oil on an already shiny forehead, right?. Wrong. Grapeseed oil can actually help regulate your natural oil production, plus it’s packed with antioxidants, including skin-brightening vitamin C.
Try: Caudalie Vinosource Nourishing Concentrate
Argan Oil
Best for; anti ageing
This relatively new kid on the oil block (pun intended) contains a high concentration of vitamin E and fatty acids, and it’s more stable in sunlight than other antioxidants -- so it’s perfect to wear during the day. It is also very rare and expensive -- so it’s a good thing that you only need a tiny amount for it to be effective. Beware cheaper versions which may have added ingredients that make them less effective.
Try: Josie Maran Argan Oil
Best for; anti ageing
This relatively new kid on the oil block (pun intended) contains a high concentration of vitamin E and fatty acids, and it’s more stable in sunlight than other antioxidants -- so it’s perfect to wear during the day. It is also very rare and expensive -- so it’s a good thing that you only need a tiny amount for it to be effective. Beware cheaper versions which may have added ingredients that make them less effective.
Try: Josie Maran Argan Oil
Black currant oil
Best for: repair
No guys, not your favourite childhood drink but a bona fide extracted oil; highly recommended for skin that has been traumatised in some way -- like after a laser treatment, burns or even damage from skin lightening creams. Black currant oil is a favourite reparative treatment because it’s rich in fatty acids and has anti-inflammatory properties. It even works on eczema.
Try: Cecelia Wong Reviving Black Currant Serum
Best for: repair
No guys, not your favourite childhood drink but a bona fide extracted oil; highly recommended for skin that has been traumatised in some way -- like after a laser treatment, burns or even damage from skin lightening creams. Black currant oil is a favourite reparative treatment because it’s rich in fatty acids and has anti-inflammatory properties. It even works on eczema.
Try: Cecelia Wong Reviving Black Currant Serum
Chamomile oil
Best for: sensitive skin
The same way you can drink chamomile tea to relax, you can use chamomile oil to calm your skin. It soothes redness and irritation in a matter of seconds. It also has amazing anti-inflammatory properties that make it ideal for patients with eczema or irritable skin conditions. With sensitive skin, you have to extra careful so be sure to dab some on your wrist and wear it for a day to make sure you don’t have an allergic reaction.
Try: Darphin Organic Chamomile Aromatic Care
Best for: sensitive skin
The same way you can drink chamomile tea to relax, you can use chamomile oil to calm your skin. It soothes redness and irritation in a matter of seconds. It also has amazing anti-inflammatory properties that make it ideal for patients with eczema or irritable skin conditions. With sensitive skin, you have to extra careful so be sure to dab some on your wrist and wear it for a day to make sure you don’t have an allergic reaction.
Try: Darphin Organic Chamomile Aromatic Care
Rose hip seed oil
Best for: discolouration
Mally Steves Chakola, the founder of M. Steves Skincare, first realised the healing power of rose hip seed oil after applying it to an 18-year-old scar for two weeks -- it faded significantly. So she developed her brand around the ingredient, which contains essential fatty acids, an antioxidant (vitamin C), and a natural retinol (vitamin A). It’s ideal for protecting your skin as well as increasing cell turnover. She recommends using it as a boost for your moisturiser -- just mix in a few drops before you apply. If you’re sceptical about putting oil directly onto your face, this is a great option.
Try: M. Steves RHSO Power-Packed Ultra-Nourishing Boost
Best for: discolouration
Mally Steves Chakola, the founder of M. Steves Skincare, first realised the healing power of rose hip seed oil after applying it to an 18-year-old scar for two weeks -- it faded significantly. So she developed her brand around the ingredient, which contains essential fatty acids, an antioxidant (vitamin C), and a natural retinol (vitamin A). It’s ideal for protecting your skin as well as increasing cell turnover. She recommends using it as a boost for your moisturiser -- just mix in a few drops before you apply. If you’re sceptical about putting oil directly onto your face, this is a great option.
Try: M. Steves RHSO Power-Packed Ultra-Nourishing Boost
Olive oil
Best for: dry skin
Using olive oil as a face oil is probably the scariest of all. It’s thick, dense and heavy but some facialists love extra virgin olive oil for patients with very dry skin. (Note the word ‘very’). Good quality olive oil is relatively inexpensive and is readily available – just be sure to look for the term “first cold press” on the bottle; these formulas are higher in antioxidants than other varieties. Not only is it super moisturising, olive oil is also rich in compounds like polyphenols, squalene, and fatty acids -- all of which are nourishing and help fight aging.
Try: Goya Extra Virgin olive oil
Best for: dry skin
Using olive oil as a face oil is probably the scariest of all. It’s thick, dense and heavy but some facialists love extra virgin olive oil for patients with very dry skin. (Note the word ‘very’). Good quality olive oil is relatively inexpensive and is readily available – just be sure to look for the term “first cold press” on the bottle; these formulas are higher in antioxidants than other varieties. Not only is it super moisturising, olive oil is also rich in compounds like polyphenols, squalene, and fatty acids -- all of which are nourishing and help fight aging.
Try: Goya Extra Virgin olive oil
Marula oil
Best for: irritated skin
Marula oil, which is cold pressed from the East African marula nut, is extremely soothing. Because it has a high concentration of oleic acid -- an essential fatty acid our bodies produce naturally -- it sinks into the skin incredibly fast. It’s also high in antioxidants, so it helps defend skin from UV rays and pollution while moisturising as well -- if not better than -- a cream.
Try: Marula the Leaky Collection
Best for: irritated skin
Marula oil, which is cold pressed from the East African marula nut, is extremely soothing. Because it has a high concentration of oleic acid -- an essential fatty acid our bodies produce naturally -- it sinks into the skin incredibly fast. It’s also high in antioxidants, so it helps defend skin from UV rays and pollution while moisturising as well -- if not better than -- a cream.
Try: Marula the Leaky Collection
Dilo oil
Best for:firming
Dilo oil was discovered by skin care guru Kate Somerville on a trip to Fiji. She noticed that the locals had incredibly smooth skin despite working long hours in the sun, and they told her they use the oil from the dilo tree. It’s rich in omegas 3, 6 and 9, which plump up fine lines and give skin a fuller look. Somerville blends her dilo with rice bran and rosemary leaf extracts for an added antioxidant boost. Oh, and it smells like a tropical vacation. Bula! (That’s “hello” in Fijian.)
Try: Kate Somerville Dilo Oil
Best for:firming
Dilo oil was discovered by skin care guru Kate Somerville on a trip to Fiji. She noticed that the locals had incredibly smooth skin despite working long hours in the sun, and they told her they use the oil from the dilo tree. It’s rich in omegas 3, 6 and 9, which plump up fine lines and give skin a fuller look. Somerville blends her dilo with rice bran and rosemary leaf extracts for an added antioxidant boost. Oh, and it smells like a tropical vacation. Bula! (That’s “hello” in Fijian.)
Try: Kate Somerville Dilo Oil
Baobab oil
Best for: dry skin
Many of us will be familiar with the northern miyan kuka soup from the dried leaves of the baobab tree but did you know the seeds also provide a power packed oil? Baobab oil is an excellent skin moisturiser, which absorbs quickly into the skin without clogging pores. It leaves the skin feeling soft and moisturised. Baobab oil contains Omega 3, 6 and 9 fatty acids which contribute towards maintaining healthy, supple skin.
Try: Seeds Baobab oil (proudly made in Nigeria!)
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