Natural oils are very popular in cosmetology, they are part of most cosmetics for nutrition, rejuvenation and skin restoration. In addition to this, it is often advised to apply oils in pure form - about the rules and nuances of such use below.
The objective benefits of facial oils
To understand the basic process of exposure to oils, it is worthwhile to dwell on the physiology of the skin. The surface layer of the skin (epidermis) consists of microscopic scales, the space between which is filled with lipids and proteins - this combination is often called a protective layer. If lipids are not enough, our skin begins to dry actively, peeling and premature wrinkles appear, its barrier abilities are violated.
Vegetable oils are the same lipids of natural origin, they help make up for the lack of body fat, i.e. integrate between skin flakes, restore minor damage, prevent moisture from evaporating from the deeper layers of the dermis and protect cells from adverse external influences.
Benefits:
Oils actively soften the skin, as they can penetrate much deeper than the usual care cream. They improve the caring characteristics of all products that are applied before or after oils. Oils are a valuable source of a complex of vitamins, plant antioxidants and essential fatty acids. Natural oils actively fight facial wrinkles and help smooth the skin.
Harm to face oils: more does not mean better
At first glance, everything is simple: the more oils we apply to the skin, the more effectively it is protected from the harmful effects of the environment. In practice, overly active use of oils can cause serious skin problems. The conclusion suggests itself: an excess of lipids also negatively affects the protective layer of the skin, as well as a lack - in everything it is important to observe the measure. Most often, oils are recommended to be used locally - applied only to those areas of the skin that require additional nutrition (cheeks, eyebrow wrinkles, the area near the eyes, etc.).
Also, do not use any vegetable oils constantly - their use in courses of 1-3 weeks will be more effective.
The disadvantages of oils:
prohibition of permanent use in care; may provoke individual intolerance and a variety of allergic reactions; have a different level of comedogenicity, so oils should be carefully added to the care of girls with combination, oily and sensitive skin.
Oil Comedogenicity Index
The word "comedogenicity" for many years excites the minds of beautiful ladies. Simply put, comedones are black dots, i.e. pores with a large amount of sebum, dust and residues of decorative cosmetics. With comedone inflammation, redness appears, and we are dealing with a real pimple. Of comedones of varying severity, girls and women with oily skin are more likely to suffer.
However, there are cosmetic products that increase the number of comedones even for those who are not prone to their appearance.
Natural comedogenic oils are considered controversial products: some of them can aggravate the problem of black spots and rashes, while others can gradually cure problem skin. To distinguish between the first and second, a comedogenicity index was introduced (the higher it is, the faster a particular oil can clog pores, causing various problems, and vice versa).
Low comedogenic oils:
shea; sunflower; mango; hemp; argan.
Oils in a high degree of comedogenicity:
wheat germ; Coconut cocoa; Palm; flaxseed.
Why is it harmful to replace caring cream with vegetable oil?
Firstly, acne and a lot of comedones are possible. Natural oils of even very high quality tend to create an impermeable film on the skin that interferes with the processes of normal breathing, elimination of toxins from the cells, and sebum. Such a greasy film is good for enhanced skin regeneration, but with a constant presence it certainly clogs the pores. Thanks to a special formula, the cream is lighter than oil and does not provoke such problems.
Secondly, the skin becomes less protected. Vegetable oil is able to break down and remove its own skin fat, while the epidermis gradually loses its natural protection, becomes more vulnerable to the harmful effects of external factors: ultraviolet radiation, wind gusts, severe frost, city dust, etc.
Thirdly, the skin becomes tired and dull. The thing is that the vast majority of natural oils act on the surface layers of the skin and with constant use can glue dead cells. Such "armor" simply does not allow the penetration of useful substances deep into the dermis.
Fourth, the skin becomes extremely dry, which triggers the premature aging process. Long-term use of oils instead of caring cream can disrupt the processes of skin respiration and metabolism, which leads to total dehydration.
Thus, the harm of facial oils can be observed when trying to completely replace the care cream with this product only. Below is information on the proper use of oils, which will not only not harm the skin, but will also bring great benefits.
Practical advice: how to maximize the benefits of face oils?
It is worth choosing only proven high-quality oils, of which you are confident in the manufacturer. Also, do not independently prepare mixtures of oils - as there are incompatible species. It is better to trust professionals (a cosmetologist, a well-known cosmetic brand) in this matter. Natural oils should not be applied to the skin daily - it is more effective to conduct courses for 1-3 weeks with a minimum interval of 1 month. Oils themselves are not able to moisturize, while they perfectly retain moisture inside the cells. Therefore, it is worth applying oil to wet skin after washing (or using a tonic). The final result of using the oil depends on its compatibility with your skin: if you are the owner of a greasy or combination type, use oils with only a low level of comedogenicity. For dry and sensitive skin, it is also better not to risk it with coconut oil and the like. So that the skin always looks fresh and the oil is better absorbed, you should regularly use scrubs / gommazhi / peels. Exfoliating cells 1-2 times a week will significantly improve the effect of oil on the skin. If base oils are acceptable to apply to the skin in its pure form, then essential oils are too active and in their pure form can provoke a chemical burn of the skin. For safe use, it is worth adding essential oil to a suitable base from a cream or base oil (approximately 1-2 drops of essential oil per 100 ml of base).
The harm to facial oils is most often manifested due to ignorance of how to use them correctly and for what - considering your own skin type and following these simple recommendations, you can get the most benefit from home care with vegetable oils.
