When I was a teenager I used to think oil was the devil. I hated the taste of it on my food, the texture of it on my face and couldn't BARE the idea of using it after a shower before getting dressed for the day. However, when I turned the meagre age of 12 I suddenly had a huge growth spurt (I know, young right?) and was one of the first people in my year to develop stretch marks, acne and well... everything else. It was around this time that I began to research what I could do to diminish the deep purple scars that were showing up all over my body and, thus, my love affair with oils began.
Obviously, the best way to aid in skin repair and elasticity is to digest the oils internally but here I am going to list the three oils that are both my favourites to eat AND to use cosmetically.
1. Coconut Oil - Currently a favourite the world over it seems and it's no wonder. Coconut oil is an absolute dream to cook with as it does not oxidise, even at very high temperatures. It is great for slow energy release and adds a sweet flavour to cooking so is wonderful for baking with.
Along with all of this coconut oil is a brilliant addition to your beauty regime. It is anti-fungal so works as an amazing moisturiser for eczema and athletes foot, it is similarly wonderful when used on underarms after shaving to both prevent razor burn and to diminish odour (even days after application). My personal favourite uses are; to apply it once a week as a hair masque to keep hair strong and shiny, and for makeup removal. I use it every night as the first step in a double-cleanse routine in order to remove all of the day's makeup before using a good cleanser to clean my face. It works incredibly well at removing even the toughest mascara and conditions lashes beautifully. However, I steer clear of using coconut oil as a facial moisturiser as I find it is too greasy and causes acne to break out across my jaw line and around my eyebrows.
2. Avocado Oil - Rich in Omega Fats, avocado oil has a light, delicate flavour that is divine when drizzled on salads, roasted veggies, fish and chicken.
Due to it's light texture it works wonderfully as a body oil. I use it every morning after a shower as it sinks in remarkably quickly and the vibrant green colour genuinely neutralises any redness so is a dream over scars of any kind. I also use it every night as a facial oil, taking my time to do a quality facial massage, and it has made significant improvements to my skins texture, acne, scarring and fine lines on my forehead and around my eyes. As if this wasn't enough, it has also completely cleared up any dry patches that I had on my face and body. In short, avocado oil is one of the best things I have EVER discovered and a 250ml bottle (costing around £8) is enough to last me three months!
3. Hazelnut Oil - Packed full of vitamin E, hazelnut oil is extremely light in texture and has the mildest, nutty flavour, it is therefore my preferred oil to use when mixing salad dressings as it doesn't overpower the other ingredients or separate easily.
Hazelnut oil applies to the skin almost like a dry oil and is therefore absorbed incredibly quickly. It is great for use on acne, oily, combination and highly sensitive skin but falls a little short when it comes to penetrating particularly dry skin. I also love using a couple of tiny drops to condition my makeup brushes after washing them.
What are your favourite oils to use on a daily basis? How do you like to use them?
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