Oil Based Skincare

I started using oils on my face instead of moisturiser just before I turned 40; so over 15 years ago, and I haven’t looked back. I believe that natural oils are the best kept secret in skincare, and put up the best defence against dry skin, fine lines and wrinkles. This is because the skins’ production of natural oils decreases as we grow older, and water in skincare products can make this worse.

Moisturisers contain predominantly water (labelled as Aqua), and small oil droplets are dispersed throughout the water. This added water can loosen the skin surface proteins that form a protective layer on the skin, and less protection leads to the skin being more susceptible to damage by free radicals, the sun, bacteria and viruses. Using oils on the skin instead of water-based products increases the acid mantle on the skin and keeps the surface proteins intact and protective. It has been scientifically proven that moisturisers are not that effective when it comes to hydrating the skin, and studies have also shown that oils increase skin elasticity. Using oils reduces water loss, and because the skin is able to retain moisture, it stays soft and supple.

Oils can help rebalance both dry and oily skin. It’s a myth that using oils on oily skin will make it oilier and prone to spots and acne. Water-based products strip oils out of the skin, and the skin responds by producing yet more oil. And if this continues it will lead to inflammation and oilier skin. And dehydrated skin can be more prone to not just lines and wrinkles, but also spots and blemishes. This is because dead skin cells are not sloughed away and can block oil glands, leading to spots.

And the conventional moisturiser is likely to contain mineral oil, petroleum, detergents and animal fat by-products that can clog the pores and cause further dryness as well as blemishes and wrinkles.

I have used Oleicia oil for years. it contains the fatty acid oleic acid (also predominant on olive oil), which is one of the most powerful anti-inflammatories found in nature. It protects against the inflammation that causes skin to age, and is also very similar in structure to the skin’s natural oil – sebum, so helps the skin to moisturise itself, keeping it firm and supple.

I also use Oleicia Camellia oil to clean my face and remove makeup instead of a conventional cleanser or face wash, which is likely to contain harsh detergents and petrochemicals that can also strip the skin of its natural oils and dry it out. Oils will remove oil, grime, and makeup without stripping the skin.

Oleicia oil is formulated to mimic the skin's natural acid mantle and will slow moisture loss from the skin and prevent uneven tone and age spots. I use it on top of Aloe Vera gel, which promotes the skin’s production of collagen. Try this winning duo and see the difference for yourself.

Reference

Buraczewska I, Berne B, Lindberg M, Lodén M, Törmä H., Long-term treatment with moisturizers affects the mRNA levels of genes involved in keratinocyte differentiation and desquamation; Arch Dermatol Res. 2009 Feb;301(2):175-81. doi: 10.1007/s00403-008-0906-6. Epub 2008 Oct 11.