Oils 101

Oils are really only thing I put on my skin. I use them to cleanse my skin as well as to moisturize my skin. I know you are probably thinking that i'm nuts to use oil. Who wants their face to be a greasy mess? Not me! Well what you might not know is that one of the most basic principals of chemistry is that 'like dissolves like.' The best way to dissolve a non-polar solvent like oil, is by using another non-solvent similar in composition: other oils. By using the right oils, you can cleanse and moisturize naturally with oils extracted from natural botanicals, vegetables and fruit.

Sweet Almond Oil
Sweet almond oil is extracted from the edible portion of the almond and has a slight nutty smell. It's a mild hypoallergenic oil that protects from UV rays and softens the skin. It has high vitamin A and vitamin E content which prevents blackheads and acne. It also provides the amino acids required for the formation of collagen.

Grapeseed Oil
Grapeseed oil is exactly what it sounds like, it is the oil extracted from the seeds of grapes. It's packed full of antioxidants, including skin brightening vitamin C. It treats acne, tightens skin, relieves dark circles under the eyes, moisturizes, and fights aging. It's a very light oil that quickly absorbs into the skin.

Apricot Oil
Apricot seed oil has a high level of B17 in the kernels, which is known to kill cancer cells and has been used as a holistic treatment in cancer patients. Apricot seed oil has also been used in ancient medicine to treat inflammatory skin disorders. The oil is made from cold pressing dried seeds. It's packed with fatty acids, vitamins A, C, and E, and a ton of antioxidants. It's also a very light oil and smells great!

Jojoba Oil
Jojoba oil is structurally and chemically very similar to the human sebum. It's actually the closest naturally occurring substance to sebum. Sebum is the oil your skin naturally produces. Despite its name, jojoba oil isn't actually an oil, its more of a liquid wax. It's non-toxic, non-comedogenic, non-allergenic, and antibacterial. I think this is the lightest of all oils and I use this in the morning as my skin absorbs this oil the fastest.

Coconut Oil
Coconut oil is naturally antibacterial and anti-fungal. It's protein rich, softens the skin, and contains a lot of vitamin E. Coconut oil has been praised for its anti-aging properties. It makes an excellent makeup remover or moisturizer. Just make sure you get one that's pure, unrefined, cold pressed, and 100% organic.

Castor Oil 
Castor oil is extracted by pressing the seeds of the castor plant. It's famous for its anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. Castor oil reduces pigmentation, fades blemishes, and reduces acne. The fatty acids in castor oil help stimulate the production of collagen and elastin. It aids in the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and works especially well for crows feet.

Extra-Virgin Olive Oil
Olive oil is loaded with vitamins and antioxidants. It is a brilliant moisturizer, helping to heal and nourish the skin. It also helps stimulate cell repair for firmer and smoother skin. It penetrates deep into the skin providing a long-lasting shield of moisture. It is best applied to damp skin, the dampness helps absorb it quicker.