Why your Skin loves Botanical Oils?

April 24, 2020

We have been taught that our skin doesn't like oil, how this is so untrue. We have been brainwashed by commercial skincare and large pharmaceutical companies selling us chemical-laced cleansers, moisturizers, and a myriad of other products designed to keep the oil out, which causes damage to our skin.

the composition of our skin

The skin is comprised of two layers, the outer epidermis, and the inner dermis. The epidermis is the thinnest of the skin layers and is also the outermost one, (the one that you see). It has the important role of serving as our armor against infections and diseases. The layer holds a large amount of water. This is why it's important to drink lots of water for healthy skin. Additionally, the ability of the skin to retain water decreases with age, making the skin more vulnerable to dehydration.

why your skin needs essential fatty acids

Essential fatty acids (EFA's) help to keep water and vital nutrients within our cells, while allowing bad things out. Healthy skin needs essential fatty acids or EFA. However, our bodies don't make EFA, we only get them from what we eat and topical application on the skin. There are three types of omega fatty acids: Omega 3 - Linoleic Acid, Omega 6 - Linoleic Acid, and Omega 9- Oleic Acid. Let's talk about each.

Omega 3 Fatty Acids - are powerful anti-inflammatories. They fight wrinkles and keep your skin hydrated.

Soybeans
Walnuts
Salmon
Chia Seeds
Flaxseeds

Omega 6 Fatty Acids - nourishes the skin and reduces scaling of the skin

Walnuts
Hempseed
Grapeseed
Pumpkin Seeds

Omega 9 Fatty Acids- softens the skin and seals in moisture, also has cancer-fighting abilities

Olive Oil
Olives
Avocados
Peanuts
Macadamia

how does these EFA's help to promote healthy skin

Now we have an understanding of the makeup of our skin and what it needs, let's divulge further into the purpose of these EFAs for our skin. I hope now you understand that your skin needs oil because nut oils contain EFAs that our body needs even though it doesn't produce EFAs. Our skin needs the EFAs to fight oily skin, they push out or flush out the bad oils that tend to clog pores while providing the balance of moisture that the skin needs. It's important to use oils that are non-comedogenic or oils that will not clog pores on our face to combat oily or acne-prone skin. Those with oily skin should use oils that are high in omega 3 and 6 fatty acid or linoleic oils and those with dry skin should use oils high in omega 9 fatty acid or oleic oils, check out our blog post that breaks down those oils.

Comedogenic Oils

rating 0 - will not clog pores

Argan Oil
Babassu Oil
Camellia Oil
Hemp Seed Oil
Kukui Oil
Poppy Seed Oil
Prickly Pear Seed Oil
Raspberry Seed Oil
Shea Butter or Oil
Sunflower Oil
Safflower Oil
Watermelon Seed Oil

rating 1 - low

Black Cumin Seed Oil
Calendula Oil
Castor Oil
Emu Oil
Neem Oil
Pomegranate Oil
Rosehip Seed Oil
Sea Buckthorn Oil

rating 2 - moderately low

Almond Oil
Avocado Oil
Baobob Oil
Borage Oil
Camphor Oil
Evening Primrose Oil
Grape Seed Oil
Hazelnut Oil
Sandalwood Seed Oil
Jojoba Oil
Olive Oil
Papaya Seed Oil
Peach Kernel Oil
Peanut Oil
Pumpkin Seed Oil
Sesame Oil
Tamanu Oil

Those with acne-prone skin shouldn't use oils as a facial cleanser with a rating of more than 2.

rating 3 - moderate

Corn Oil
Cotton Seed Oil
Soybean Oil

rating 4 - fairly high

Cocoa Butter
Coconut Butter
Coconut Oil
Flax Seed Oil
Linseed Oil
Palm Oil

rating 5 - high

Wheat Germ Oil

Learning how to create your own skin ritual with the corresponding cleanser and oils depends on your skin type and what it best responds to for a clearer complexion. All of our Facial Serums contain some of these amazing oils to heal and renew your skin. I will be discussing this soon in my next blog post. I love to hear about your journey, stay in touch.