Natural oils: benefits for the skin

Natural oils give the skin a radiant glow and a supple appearance. They are produced by the sebaceous glands, specialized organs of the dermis, found everywhere on the body except the palms of the hands and the bottoms of the feet. They are most abundant on the skin of the face and scalp. This is where they produce sebum, a protective oil for skin and hair.

The main purpose of sebum production is to keep the skin hydrated. However, in most of Canada, and particularly in winter, cold, dry air is a detrimental factor against which the skin must constantly fight. By supplementing the body's natural protection with oils such as coconut, sea buckthorn and argan, and omega-3-rich foods such as salmon and mackerel, it's possible to prevent the skin from drying out and reap other benefits at the same time. Healthy fats of plant origin, such as avocado and olives, also help the body produce its important oils.

Coconut oil is the preferred choice for those seeking an effective all-natural moisturizer. that won't break the bank. There has been some criticism of this trendy tropical oil due to its rapid rise in popularity; indeed, it's now found everywhere from chocolate chip cookie recipes to popcorn. But there's no denying its effectiveness when applied topically. Its benefits for the skin are due to its particular fatty acid profile. It contains abundant medium-chain triglycerides, in particular lauric acid, which has antibacterial and antifungal properties that complement the skin's protective barrier.

Remember, you don't need much. Although coconut oil is solid at room temperature (below 25°C), as soon as it comes into contact with the skin, it melts to become a silky oil, preserving moisture and giving your skin a healthy glow.

Sea Buckthorn oil is another natural oil that's gaining in popularity. It is extracted from a flowering plant native to European and Asian countries such as Russia, India, Pakistan, China and Nepal. Rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids and containing the trio of omegas-3, 6 and 9, the orange berries of this shrub have been used worldwide to nourish, revitalize and regenerate damaged skin. Best of all, it can be applied topically or taken as a supplement.

Sea buckthorn oil is high in various nutrients and phytonutrients whose moisturizing and healing virtues have been widely demonstrated. With growing awareness of its benefits, a number of Canadian producers have set out to bring this superfood to our shores.

A scientific analysis of the oil from these fruits reveals that the ratio of omega-3s to omega-6s is approximately one to one, the ideal composition for human health. The benefits of omega-3s are widely known. This star of the Mediterranean diet is found in abundance in fish oils such as salmon, herring and mackerel, but some short-chain versions are also present in plant sources such as olive, avocado and canola.

It's well known that long-chain omega-3s offer multiple heart-health benefitsBut we sometimes forget that they are essential to healthy, radiant skin. The skin is made up of three layers: the outer epidermis, composed mainly of dead skin cells; the dermis, which contains nerve endings, hair follicles and sebaceous glands; and the hypodermis, which connects the skin to deeper tissues and houses the fats that serve to insulate and maintain hydration. It is therefore essential for healthy skin to enrich this deep layer of the hypodermis with healthy fats. Studies show that sufficient quantities of long-chain omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids can help reduce skin inflammation and promote healing. They can also reduce oxidative damage and lower stress hormone levels in the skin. Some of these benefits also apply to olive oil.

Argan oil has been celebrated for centuries in Morocco for its cosmetic benefits.. In the past, it was used to enhance complexion and improve the appearance of acne-prone skin and scars caused by chickenpox. Recent studies, however, show that argan oil can also reduce pigmentation and age spots, mainly due to the high presence of tocopherols, nutrients in the vitamin E family.

The natural world is full of oils that offer important benefits for the skin. Natural moisturizers, such as organic coconut oil, are an economical way to retain moisture, while sea buckthorn oil has healing properties and an "ideal" ratio of omega-3 to omega-6. To add to the exoticism, try argan oil as a natural way to reduce age spots caused by the sun. When looking for skincare products, don't limit yourself to the cosmetics aisle and consider natural oils for radiant skin.