Essential Oils in Natural Skin Care Products

Author: Valerie Rosenbaumbr
Source: ezinearticles.combr
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Natural skin care oils can replenish the skins moisture content, protect against damage from wind and the elements, soften, soothe and refresh. But, the terms used by cosmetic companies can be confusing. Hopefully, this article will clear up things up.

Many of the lotions and creams on the market contain essential oil. That term was created hundreds of years ago. It was used to describe distilled and concentrated plant fragrances that were said to convey the essence of the plant.

They are not oil-based. They are water-based. Lavender oil is one of the common examples. It smells nice, at first. But, when it is heavily concentrated, it causes drowsiness and moodiness. It irritates the throat and nasal membranes. It can cause allergic reactions when applied directly to the skin. Its best use is in aromatherapy, incense, candles or similar items. As a skincare ingredient, it is not the best choice.

Essential fatty acids are entirely different. They are one of the components of human sebum, the skins own oils secreted by the sebaceous glands. Many natural skin care oils contain essential fatty acids. Some that are most similar to human sebum, on a molecular level, are listed below, along with the benefits provided by each.

Shea butter, pressed from the nut of the Shea tree, beneficial for acne, eczema and psoriasis, has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activity
Avocado oil, pressed from the fleshy pulp surrounding the pit of the avocado, contains numerous nutrients including vitamin A and E, which are known to be beneficial to the skins health, shown in clinical trials to increase the amount of collagen in the skins layers
Grape seed oil, rich in vitamin E and other antioxidants, particularly beneficial for healing the area beneath the eyes
Babassu palm oil, helps to balance sebum production, preventing excessive oiliness or dryness

Any of those natural skin care oils can be used by everyone, regardless of their complexion type. It is only mineral oil and other petroleum-based products that cause greasiness and cannot be used by people with acne or a tendency to have pimples.

Petroleum-based oil is not similar to the sebum. It is not absorbed, clogs the pores and causes numerous problems with the skins health. If you have an oiler complexion, youll be safe if you avoid mineral oil, petrolatum and paraffin. Those are the most common culprits.

As you may have noticed, most natural skin care oils have antioxidant activity. That is important for anyone that wants to delay or reverse the signs of aging.

Free radical damage is one of the leading causes of wrinkles, sagging, age spots and similar problems. Antioxidants neutralize free radicals before they can damage the cellular membranes and fibers. Some antioxidants have been proven to reverse damage that has already occurred.

Coenzyme Q10, for example, is a unique antioxidant that is quickly depleted when the skin is exposed to UV rays from the sun. Natural skin care oils dont contain coenzyme Q10, but it can be added to them. If you want the most benefits, youll look for it on the label of ingredients.

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pValerie Rosenbaum is an expert author on the subject of natural, anti-aging skin care products. She recommends only natural skin care products that use ingredients like a target=_new href=http://www.defendyourskin.com rel=nofollowcynergy tk/a and phytessence wakame. Visit her site to learn more about which skin care product line she uses and recommends./pbr
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Author: Jenny Patterson
Source: ezinearticles.com

There are many people looking for anti ageing products and most people realise that when skin is stripped of its natural oils it becomes dry and looks dull. Some skin care products could actually be stripping oils instead of replacing them so what you should be looking for are products containing natural skin care oils.

Many natural skin care oils contain essential fatty acids like those contained in human sebum and some of those most similar on a molecular level are grapeseed oil, avocado oil, shea butter and babassu palm oil.

Grapeseed oil -is rich in vitamin E and other antioxidants and is particularly beneficial for healing the delicate skin area beneath the eyes.
Avocado oil – contains lots of nutrients including vitamin A and E, which are known to be beneficial to the skin’s health. It has also been shown in clinical trials to increase the amount of collagen in the skin’s layers.
Shea butter – beneficial for acne, eczema and psoriasis and has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects.
Babassu palm oil – helps to balance the sebum production in the skin which control the oiliness or dryness of the skin.

These are the natural skin care oils that are important and they should be ingredients in any natural face creams that you choose to use. They can be used by anyone with any complexion type because they are so close to our naturally occurring oils they do not cause dryness nor do they cause excessive oil to build up.

Many natural skin care oils have antioxidant activity and this quality is important when you are looking for an anti aging product or even to reverse the signs of aging. The free radicals that cause cells damage and deterioration are eliminated by antioxidants and some even restore cells to their former glory.

For more information on these essential beauty ingredients visit our website and be guided to where you can get your hands on these products and more to help you retain or recapture your youthful self.

Jenny Patterson is a keen advocate of using natural products to promote health and well being for the whole body. She regularly writes specifically for women and comments on both health and beauty issues. She is editor of http://www.easyhealthyskin.com and uses the products recommended regularly.