When people hear the term moisturization, they often relate it to water. While this is true, it doesn’t fully encompass the description of skin moisturization. The use of water on the skin is necessary for skin hydration but not an effective moisturizing technique, so natural oil comes to play.
Skin moisturization is the process of retaining water in the skin by using natural or chemical products. It is necessary because water is constantly lost from the deep layers of the skin, making the skin dry, flaky, and dehydrated.
Skin moisturizers are products that help the hydration of the skin. There are skincare products that offer both hydration and moisturization, but their effectiveness for the individual task cannot be guaranteed. It is best to go with a product solely for moisturization, to yield a better outcome. Natural oils, mineral oil, and shea butter are the best moisturizers.
Functions of Moisturizers
Moisturizers contain active ingredients that can either function as occlusive properties or humectants to trap water in the skin.
Occlusive properties: They help create a skin coat to prevent moisture from escaping from the skin. Moisturizers with more occlusive properties have more moisturizing effects. Highly viscous oils or ointments have more occlusive properties than creams and lotions.
Humectants: They function by absorbing water. With high humidity, they can absorb atmospheric moisture to moisturize the skin. They also absorb moisture from the dermis into the epidermis of the skin. Their function is not as effective as occlusion, so they often get combined with products with occlusive properties.
Natural Oil For Skin Moisturization
Over the years, natural oil has been in use among many people for the skin. They are known for soothing the skin and producing healthier skin. One vital property for these effects is moisturization. The natural oil moisturizercan be used singly or combined with other oils and substances to enhance its effects.
7 Common Natural Oil Moisturizers
1. Coconut oil: This oil is not only a good moisturizer but contains other substances that provide good health benefits. It is easily absorbable, and its fatty acid acts as a skin barrier to keep moisture locked in. It contains vitamin E (protects the skin from toxins and reduces UV damage to the skin) and K (which helps address skin conditions like stretch marks and spider veins). It also contains antifungal and antibacterial properties that are beneficial for any skin type.
2. Olive oil: It is an ideal option for moisturizing all skin types. If you are afraid of skin reaction, you can opt for extra-virgin olive oil. It contains vitamin A (promotes natural skin moisturizing, maintains healthy dermis and epidermis and prevents breakouts), D (prevents premature skin aging), E, and K.
3. Sunflower seed oil: It is one of the best natural oil moisturizers because of its high absorbent property and high quantity of vitamin E.
4. Argan oil: It is a soothing moisturizer for all skin types (dry and oily skin). It has a light viscosity, which makes it non-greasy, and can be applied every day. It contains essential fatty acids and vitamin E.
5. Rosehip seed oil: It is commonly known as an anti-aging oil. It acts as both a dehydrator and moisturizer. This oil is most suitable for dry skin, and it contains vitamin E, C, D, and beta carotene.
6. Almond oil: For centuries, it has been used as a hydrator and moisturizer and has proven effective. The oil is rich in water and contains fatty acids that help replenish moisture, thereby keeping the skin hydrated. It is also rich in Vitamin A, E, and zinc (for healing acne and facial scars).
7. Safflower oil: It is an ideal moisturizing oil for soothing dry or inflamed skin, giving it a smooth and soft appearance. This oil is rich in vitamin E.
7 Benefits ofNatural Oils for Skin Moisturization
1. Prevent dryness: It is the most necessary function of any moisturizing natural oil. Irrespective of the weather and environmental factor, natural oils can help provide occlusive properties to prevent easy moisture loss from the skin.
2. Reduces aging signs: With increasing age comes paler and wrinkled skin. Wrinkled skin at any age creates an elderly appearance. Natural oils can help soothe and relax your skin while providing adequate moisture, therefore, reducing lines and wrinkles. They not only help hydration, but they also help boost self-confidence by providing a younger appearance.
3. Prevents acne: Many people usually question this benefit because acne is usually associated with oily skin. The answer lies in the mechanism of acne breakouts. Acne usually occurs more with dehydrated skin. When the skin gets dry, a message is sent to the gland responsible for oil production to generate more oil. This oil eventually clogs the skin pore and causes acne. When skin is properly hydrated and moisturized, the gland won’t receive a signal to produce oil, so the skin is saved from excessive oil production.
4. Protection from toxins: Some natural oils contain anti-oxidants (found in vitamin C and E) that not only traps moisture but creates a barrier between the skin and toxic substances. Some oils contain other substances that help fortify the skin barrier. Preventing toxins helps with maintaining healthy skin.
5. Topical analgesic vehicle: Due to their absorbent and water retention properties, natural oil moisturizers can be used to drive in topical medications to treat skin diseases like Psoriasis and xerosis.
6. Reducing chemical exposure: Numerous chemically made moisturizers can produce different side effects on people. With natural oil, you can get the required moisturizing effect without exposing yourself to harmful chemicals.
7. Cost-effectiveness: Natural oil moisturizers are easy to get and are cheap compared to other types of moisturizers.
Conclusion
Natural products are considered the best for the skin because of the reduced rate of allergies and side effects, yet, some natural oil has shown to be a mismatch for some people’s skin. To avoid using a natural oil that will cause allergies, it is necessary to talk to a skincare expert and test the product. Testing involves applying a small portion on the skin and watching for 24 hours for any reaction. In the absence of any allergy, the oil is well suited for the person.
An improper application will tamper with the moisturizing effect. Natural oil should be gently applied, following proper washing of the face. It should be applied once or twice a day (morning and 30 minutes before night sleep).
Your skin health is a priority; take care of it right.
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