Top Three Essential Oils for Skin

We’ve all heard, “Use coconut oil to cook; it’s good for you,” or “Avoid canola or refined oils,” and many more pieces of advice when it comes to oils. We know that excessive oil intake can add to our waistlines, but what about oils and our skin? How do certain oils affect our skin? Coconut, castor and argan oils are three of the most popular oils when it comes to skin care, and with good reason: They moisturize, tighten skin and clear acne.

Coconut oil: Recently experiencing a surge in popularity in the last few years, coconut oil seems to be a cure-all for almost any ailment. For skin, devotees claim it clears acnes, tightens skin, conditions hair and moisturizes deeply. And coconut oil is one of the few oils that help with weight loss, due to its medium-chain fatty acids. Just don’t overdo it. How to use: Cook with it and apply it sparingly all over as a body moisturizer. Let absorb completely before dressing.

Castor oil: Older generations have had castor oil in their medicine cabinets for years. Purported to be able to penetrate skin deeply, castor oil also contains a compound that helps cleanse the skin and kill bacteria. Fans of castor oil also say it helps tighten skin when used with essential oils like lavender. How to use: To cleanse skin, rub a small amount onto face, then rinse off. To tighten skin, mix a small amount with a few drops of lavender oil and apply to skin, making sure to dry completely before dressing.

Argan oil: Now found in a multitude of cosmetics and body lotions, this powerhouse oil is packed with Vitamins A and E, anti-oxidants and Omega-6 fatty acids. It reduces acne inflammation and speeds healing of razor bumps and burn, as well as conditions hair How to use: Find it in high-end cosmetics lines or use a few drops on your face as a nighttime moisturizer and in your hair as a leave-in conditioner. Argan oil can also help skin elasticity, so rub a few warm drops into stretch mark-prone areas.