When it comes to keeping your skin fresh and healthy, one thing people often swear by is how oil is one of the leading ways to make your skin look absolutely fresh and beaming. It is said that it will nourish the skin, revitalizing it and ensuring ‘clean skin’.
So here’s my question- how true is it? Does oil really act as a leading agent in making you look and feel good?
By Sakeena Aleem
Probably not and let me tell you why I think so. Oil is what you call being completely devoid of water. In fact, it’s what scientists call hydrophobic — literally afraid of water. So, it would seem, it’s certainly not adding or attracting it to your skin or hair. There are some leading dermatologists who have pointed out how oils cannot essentially hydrate. And this brings us to questioning as to why brands say or better yet, claim their oils are hydrating? Oils are actually part of the moisturizing process. So while oils can condition the skin and hair, they only retain water content — not add it — which means they are moisturizing but not hydrating.
One thing which I wanted to emphasize is that hydration is very different from what moisturization is. Where hydration in skin care means applying water or water-binding ingredients to your skin, moisturization, on the other hand, means lubricating the skin with emollients, thereby reducing dryness and transepidermal water loss.
Not Hydrating…Are Oils Moisturizing?
And this is probably clearing the confusion. Oils do, indeed, moisturize, and for the most part, they’re all very similar in composition. The general structure of oil is called a triglyceride, which is basically a glycerin molecule with three different fatty acids attached. Oils moisturize by supplementing and strengthening the skin barrier, which in turn will help trap moisture. Despite their similar structure, however, not all oils moisturize the same way. It depends on their lipid content. Oils can also work as emollients to help skin feel smoother and seal in hydration that is assuming that the skin is already hydrated before the oil is applied. But it’s also worth noting that, while they moisturize, they do so differently than cream and lotion moisturizers, which typically contain both oils and hydrating ingredients together in a single formula.
Hence it is safe to say that oil serves as a major skincare regime, but exactly how, is where the confusion lies. You may be able to get plenty of benefits from it, but it all comes down to accessing its formula to know how its implementation actually works to make a difference in how you care for your skin!
Top5 Reasons to Use Oil as Moisturizer
Reason1
Like we talked about above, the skin uses it’s own homemade oil to trap dirt and grime. When it’s not in balance, skin chaos can ensue on a spectrum that stems from clogged pores to fine lines and wrinkles to itchy, flaky skin. This is why it works essentially to create fine balance and allow you to have supple looking and moisture focused skin. Using an oil to moisturize is the best way to gently balance the skin, because it’s already accustomed to working with an oil and it helps to balance out the oils for the appearance of healthy, glowing skin.
Reason2
We’re into purity and Earth-based organic ingredients. An organic oil that has been sustainably sourced and processed safely is one of the purest ingredients. In the case of those who have really sensitive skin, it matters that you look amazing and not have any chemicals applied onto your skin. They’re full of the botanical benefits that come with the plant they’re sourced from, which are often very high in minerals and antioxidants!
Reason3
-Oils are great to infuse even more minerals into. They readily accept fat-soluble nutrients from anything they’re steeped in so when you’re using an infused oil in your skin care routine, you’re getting a protective moisturizer along with replenishing vital nourishment. But make sure you are getting yourself the authentic kind.
Reason4
Think about the person you know that has the most beautiful natural skin. Do they look too oily? Too dry? No, they’re blessed with that ‘just a little bit of dewy’ perfection that we crave. That’s all you need to add that little element of glow to your skincare. Finding the right balance with oils isn’t about using a lot or a little bit of oil, it’s about using the right one at the right times. A pea-sized amount rubbed into the palm of your hands and patting it into your face is all most people need for their daily moisturizer.
Reason5
– Just like oils help to preserve our skin, they help to preserve the seeds that they come from. A pure oil doesn’t need any added preservation for it to last a few years before going rancid, especially if you keep it in a cool, dark place (light and heat are catalysts and speed decomposition.)
