Favorite Oils for Anti-Aging Skin Care

These are my favorite oils.  I switch them around but I have my favorites. 

Apricot Kernel oil – This oil absorbs into the skin quickly and does not feel greasy therefore all skin types can use this oil.  It is rich in Omega 6, which helps hydrate and nourish skin.  The Vitamins A & E encourage collagen production to help in the reduction of fine lines and wrinkles. 

Sweet Almond Oil – Contains Vitamins E & K to help skin regenerate and maintain its elasticity as well as promote better circulation.  In addition, it is a UV blocker.  

Avocado Oil – the only thing this oil has against it is that it is very thick.  It is rich in Vit A & E and contains a plant considered collagen boosting – sterolins.  I recommend use of this oil only at night because it is so thick and should be mixed with another carrier oil as it can be pretty sticky.  This is one oil I use very sparingly.

Argan oil – Another favorite for skin care.  This oil works wonders to hydrate skin, restore elasticity and face fine lines and wrinkles.  

Rosehip Seed Oil – This oil has the highest concentration of natural Vitamin A (Retin-A?).  It reduces deep wrinkles, fades fine lines and boosts the rate of growth in new cells as well as increase collagen production therefore healing the skin.  It contains Omega 6 & Omega 3 helpful for the elasticity and appearance of skin.  It is lightweight and absorbs into the skin quickly.  

Marula Oil – contains high levels of anti-oxidants which include Vitamin C and Vitamin E as well as essential amino acids and flavonoids that help in cell renewal and resist the environmental effects that are damaging. It is rich in Omega 6 and Omega 9 that moisturize and improves the elasticity of the skin.  It absorbs into the skin easily and has a light and non-greasy texture making it the perfect oil for anti-aging skin and can be used by all skin types. 

Coconut Oil – I’ve saved this oil for last. This oil is full of Vitamin E, a powerful anti-oxidant.  It not only reduces the signs of aging but it helps in strengthening the skin against cellulite and fade stretch marks.  It is also known to help eliminate KP (keratosis pilaris, a common skin condition that causes rough patches and small bumps on the arms, thighs, cheeks and buttocks).  It is a natural sunscreen, can be used in treating certain skin infections and not to mention all the benefits of using it in your daily diet and in cooking.  

There are more oils out there on the market that are can be used either alone or as ingredients in anti-aging skin products.  I use most of the oils listed above interchangeably and will add a drop mixed in with either my Clarins Lotus oil at night or I mix it into my serum in the morning but my favorites are Rosehip Seed, Marula and Coconut oil. 

An oil I have yet to try is Dilo oil, a skin regenerating oil that is part of the Kate Somerville skin care line.  Stay tuned.   

I can’t reiterate enough how important it is to study your skin day and night.  Know its needs and how it reacts to certain products. 

Oil on oily skin? - OH MY!!!!

So many to chose from...and why would you even THINK about using oil on oily skin?????

As you may know by now, as a teenager my skin was extremely oily.  It never had that healthy glow, it was just downright SHINY!  I carried a powder compact with me wherever I went.  Imagine to my surprise when in the early 70's the woman behind the Clarins counter studied my skin (flawless skin back then, I was in my 20's but oily nevertheless) and she "prescribed" my new skin care regimen that I still follow to this day with a few added bonuses.  

A foaming cleanser, a toner, moisturizer and (GASP!) a skin oil. A skin oil? Really? Seriously? You're joking, right?

It was called Lotus Face Oil and made from 100% Plant Extracts: Rosewood oil, geranium oil, sacred lotus oil (a holy experience), hazelnut oil and maybe one or two other oils.  My instructions were clear, cleanse, tone and put several drops of the oil into the palm of my hand and rub my hands together to warm the oil.  I was to place my hands over my face and press the oil into the skin.  I felt I had died and gone to heaven! The scent!!! 

I looked in the mirror. My face was surely oily now and to top it off, I was supposed to add a moisturizer to this?  Trusting the woman with the red blazer (and flawless skin, I must add), I proceeded to slather on the moisturizer and went to bed. It couldn't get any oilier.  

My surprise came the next morning when I ran my fingers over my face and felt a new softness but more importantly, I wasn't oily.  My skin drank in the oil overnight and left my skin smooth and subtle, dare I say - dewy.  What miracle was this and why am I telling you?  

Fast forward to 2015 and in my early 60's and I still use Lotus Face Oil at night before I go to bed and I really believe it is responsible (plus genetics, Retin-A and some other stuff I'll go into at a later date) for the condition of my skin.  Yes, I have wrinkles and lines but my skin looks nothing like that of some friends and I'm very happy with it.  

So what is this obsession with oils nowadays?  Are we just rediscovering what some skin care companies knew all along and find ourselves in the process reinventing the way we look at face oils?  

What exactly do these new and improved skin oils do?  Oils provide free radical protection, allow anti-aging creams to sink deeper and plump the skin. Bear in mind that many moisturizers contain a bit of oil but the oil in and of itself is applied in its purest form. Oils are more hydrating than a moisturizer and absorb into the skin very quickly. 

Oils can be used either in your morning routine or evening or both. Because I tend to have an oily T-zone, I only use one drop which I mix in with my serum in the morning before applying my makeup. The oil absorbs into the skin leaving no residue behind.  

Some oils have added ingredients such as antioxidants which reduce the appearance of lines and wrinkles.  I will go into the different natural skin care oils and their benefits in my next blog (stay tuned).

I encourage you to comment below and feel free to ask any questions related to beauty.  

I have developed two skin oils for the face and neck and offer them in my Etsy shop: 
www.etsy.com/shop/nynativebeauty.   

Toners vs. Astringents

I've been away for a bit, but I'm back with a question a lot of people ask me.  What is the difference between toners and astringents?

In a past blog post, I mentioned using an astringent in my teenage years. Bonne Bell Ten-o-Six and Sea Breeze are two astringents I have used.   

Let's start with a general rule of thumb. Super oily skin requires an astringent; super dry skin requires a toner.  Note that skin changes with age, hormones and weather.  

Toners are usually water based and for the most part alcohol free.  They cleanse away any residue left after makeup removal.  Most of the toners out on the market today leave your skin feeling refreshed and rebalance your skin's pH.  Toners are basically mild and some even help to shrink pores. 

Toners may contain glycolic acid which can help in further exfoliating oils and dirt.  Get familiar with ingredients so that you know if a toner is right for you. I use a toner on my combination skin with great success and love spray on toners although there is nothing more pleasing than to use a cotton pad with toner and see that last trace of makeup being removed. The skin will be clean and balanced ready for your serums and moisturizers. As for storage, nothing beats putting on a toner that is cold.  I store mine in the refrigerator.  I also use a spritz of cold rosewater as a toner from time to time and my skin loves it. 

Astringents have differences that must be considered. They are usually recommended for oily skin and many are alcohol based or contain some form of chemical. They fight bacteria and are helpful to acne prone skin. After using an astringent, the skin may have a tingling, tightening feeling. Like its cousin, the toner, it also removes makeup residue.  

Astringents are not to be abused, instead of helping they can cause damage as the skin may begin to produce more oil than before to protect itself from the daily stripping away of natural oils.   

If one has combination skin, you may want to try alternating a toner and an astringent but bear in mind that the astringent may be too harsh for the drier parts of your face. It can leave your overall skin dry and irritated. Again, I encourage you to read your labels and become familiar with the ingredients that are beneficial to your type of skin.  

Astringents were a detrimental part of my skin care as I used to have excessively oily skin.  Age and hormones will play a major part in your skin care routine. Study the changes in your skin and make changes accordingly.  

As for pricing. More is not better or worse. Chose what works for you. I find that most astringents are priced modestly whereas every skin care and makeup line out there offer toners. The pricier the line, the pricier the toner. See a dermatologist if you feel that skin care is confusing. 

The most important part is to know your ingredients and study your skin.  It will definitely tell you what is working, what is not and what it is lacking.