Which vegetable oil should I choose for my skin?

Inherited from our genetic heritage, skin type varies from one person to another. To assist you in identifying your skin type and finding the best vegetable oil-based treatments for it, here is a review of the references in the field.

A normal skin is healthy, well-balanced, free of blemishes, and soft and velvety to the touch. As for dry skin, it is recognized 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 characterized 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 more oily and cheeks that are normal to dry.

Other factors such as hormonal imbalances, medication treatments, stress, and comedogenic cosmetic products can also influence skin type. In the most 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 natural skincare products that are gentler on the skin, like vegetable oils free from parabens, paraffin, and other irritating ingredients. To determine which skin type category you fall into, take our skin diagnosis.

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 come into play to restore balance and return the skin's glow. Among the oils to prioritize 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 skin that needs 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.

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 stabilize 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.

On combination skin, different areas of the face can be identified by touch and outward appearance. Reliable markers 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: Its Vitamin A content 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, revitalizing, softening, anti-inflammatory, and emollient properties.