Widely used in natural cosmetics, vegetable oils are an excellent foundation for adopting a comprehensive, healthy, and vegan skincare routine. Derived from oil-bearing plants with numerous benefits, these creamy preparations will nourish, soothe, repair, and protect the skin. As there are as many varieties of oils as there are skin types, here are some tips to guide you through the jungle of vegetable oils.
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Which vegetable oil should I choose for my skin?
Summary
- How to determine your skin type?
- Which oil for dry or sensitive skin?
- Which oil for oily skin?
- Which oil for combination skin?
Published July 12, 2021,
updated on October 4, 2024,
by
Stéphanie, PhD, Doctorate in Life and Health Sciences
—
4 min read
How to determine your skin type?
Inherited from our genetic heritage, skin type varies from one person to another. To assist you in identifying your skin and finding the best vegetable oil-based treatments for it, here is a reminder of the benchmarks in the field.
A normal skin is healthy, well-balanced, free from blemishes, and soft and velvety to the touch. As for dry skin, it is recognised by its dull appearance, tightness and roughness felt on its surface, an appearance linked to a lack of lipids supposed to protect it from external aggressions. On oily skin, the main signs to look for are enlarged pores, blackheads (comedones) and blemishes, due to an overproduction of sebum. As for combination skin, it is characterised by the presence of at least two different types of skin on a single face. People with combination skin often have a T-zone (forehead, nose, chin) that is oilier and cheeks that are normal to dry.
Other factors such as hormonal imbalances, medication, stress, and comedogenic cosmetic products can also influence skin type. In more sensitive individuals, the skin can be atopic, meaning that the face reacts more to cosmetic products and is at risk of developing allergies. Hence, the importance of relying on more skin-friendly natural care such as vegetable oils free from parabens, paraffin, and other irritating ingredients. To find out which skin type category you fall into, take our skin diagnosis.
Which oil for dry or sensitive skin?
In individuals with dry, sensitive skin, the sebaceous glands do not produce enough sebum to protect the skin and maintain a normal moisture level. Therefore, plant oils used in beauty care intervene to restore balance and return the skin's radiance. Among the oils to favour for tight, thin and chapped skin, sweet almond is neutral and generally very well tolerated. This oil provides the skin with vitamins A and E, which soothe, nourish and prevent it from drying out. Avocado oil is also an interesting alternative for dry and sensitive skins that need a lipid layer for protection. In its purest composition, cold-pressed coconut oil is beneficial for the dried-out skin of the face and body.
Which oil for oily skin?
Blackheads, enlarged pores and shine are typical of oily skin. Therefore, the treatment with vegetable oil aims to regulate the overproduction of sebum, treat pimples and comedones, and alleviate inflammation.
Thejojoba oil : Its composition closely resembles that of human sebum, making it perfect for rebalancing oily skin. Its content of fatty acids and unsaponifiables also makes it an effective ally in reducing the appearance of wrinkles;
Thehazelnut oil : On oily skin prone to acne, it will soften and stabilise the skin while providing a soft, silky, and non-greasy touch;
Black seed oil: On oily skin marked by acne scars, black seed oil will serve to boost the skin renewal process, reduce scars and soothe the skin thanks to its anti-inflammatory properties.
Which oil for combination skin?
On combination skin, different areas of the face can be identified by touch and outward appearance. Reliable indicators include a greasy and shiny T-zone, enlarged pores on the nose, while the cheeks are dry. The choice of vegetable oils for combination skin is more complex, but there are some reliable options available.
Apricot oil: The presence of Vitamin A in it notably provides a healthy glow effect, in addition to its antioxidant properties that slow down photoaging;
Evening Primrose Oil: Recommended for combination to oily skin types, which can benefit from its nourishing, protective, regenerative, revitalising, softening, anti-inflammatory, and emollient properties.
Diagnostic
Understand your skin
and its complex needs.
