GROWING up I always thought of oil as being bad for my skin, and it all began in adolescence when shifting hormones created an overproduction of surface skin sebum, leading to my first battles with blemishes. From then, I stuck with “oil-free” products, hoping to put an end to the plague of pimples.

Unfortunately, that fear of all things oil is mostly unfounded. While products that contain mineral oil (a petroleum-derived ingredient) have been known to exacerbate acne, botanical-based oils offer a boon of benefits for the skin. If you are using a natural plant-based oil or essential oil that is 100 per cent natural, your skin recognises it, which allows it to do a number of different tasks. Here are my top five oils that have a plethora of benefits to the skin:

1.VITAMIN E OIL

Anti-ageing: Regular application of vitamin E oil can give a person younger looking skin. Isn’t that what we all want? Anti-ageing effects of most natural products are slow, and they become evident after regular application for months, even years. So, be sure to apply your vitamin E oil regularly for this effect.

Great for scars: Vitamin E has been noted by many people to hasten the recovery of injured skin tissue. So the entire process of scabbing, shedding and healing takes place much faster. Apply vitamin E oil on any kinds of scars, like pigmentation scars, keloid scars, scars made by cuts, scrapes, wounds, chemical peels, surgeries, etc. It can also be used for acne scars, like boxcar or icepick scars. People who are dealing with bleeding disorders should, however, avoid using it on healing tissue.

Relieves psoriasis: People who suffer from psoriasis often get relief by applying vitamin E from a punctured capsule. vitamin E oil should be applied to psoriasis lesions. Since vitamin E is a potent skin healer, thus scaly, irritated skin patches start to heal faster.It is also helpful in eczema and many other inflammatory skin conditions.

Anti stretch marks: Vitamin E is great for diminishing stretch marks. In fact, stretch marks are a kind of scar resulting from tearing in the dermis. Vitamin E penetrates down to the dermis (the second layer of skin underneath the epidermis) and starts healing the scar. Within a few weeks, the depression fills up and the scar diminishes in appearance.

2.GRAPESEED OIL

Combats acne: Grapeseed oil contains linoleic acid which is great for helping to strengthen cell membranes and improving skin health, generally. Grapeseed oil contains this fatty acid, so it can be a good solution to improve or cure various skin conditions such as acne. The oil also has a considerable amount of antioxidant ability, thus it can prevent the pores from clogging.

Clogged pores usually trigger acne breakouts, so regular application of grapeseed oil may prevent problems. Another good thing is that the oil possesses anti-inflammatory properties. Therefore, it does not only prevent acne breakouts, but it also helps to cure any existing acne problems.

Skin tightening: Astringent is one of the most important ingredients contained in grapeseed oil. Regular application of grapeseed oil will basically deliver a good amount of astringent, which is useful for skin toning and tightening. For these purposes, people with oily skin will take the most out of grapeseed oil’s advantages.

Minimise under-eye circles: Dark circles are common facial skin problems as the results of sun exposure, dehydration, excessive alcohol drinking, etc. The problems usually appear in adulthood, but children may develop the same conditions as well. Fortunately, removing under-eye circles is one of the greatest abilities of grapeseed oil for skin.

The compound will not be able to bring noticeable results overnight, but regular application for a week can completely eliminate the appearance of those circles. Furthermore, the oil does not contain any harmful chemical substances.

Moisturiser: Almost all types of essential oils can be used as skin moisturiser. The most common problem is the residue or oily coating on the skin after application. Grapeseed oil is very light, thus it is easily absorbed by the skin and it will not leave any oil residue. People with sensitive skin can even apply the oil without developing any allergic reaction. Another good thing is that the compound also helps to stimulate skin tissue regeneration.

Minimise skin ageing: The antioxidant properties contained in grapeseed oil are excellent for minimising skin ageing. Fine lines and wrinkles are common indications of ageing processes, but the oil may help to reduce the appearance of those signs by providing moisture and enough protection against free radicals. Other benefits of grapeseed oil for skin include the ability to maintain the existence of collagen and elastin.

3. COCONUT OIL

An amazing facial cleanser: Because coconut oil is naturally antibacterial, antifungal, moisturising, and according to research, great for atopic dermatitis, you can use this as a cleanser or make-up remover for your bedtime routine. Many women swear by its use as a night-time moisturiser for their face too. (If you’re adult-acne prone, avoid this technique unless you know your skin tolerates coconut oil.)

Skin softner: Coconut oil is a great skin softener and helps with severe dry hands and feet, which may happen due to excessive cold or strenuous work while standing on your feet. The cracks in your feet will not vanish, but your feet will become softer within days if you apply coconut oil to the affected area. Coconut oil is also able to penetrate your skin on a deeper level than your average product because of its low molecular weight and the way it bonds with proteins.

Cold sore treatment: Prone to cold sores? Dabbing coconut oil on them can help speed up healing time, alleviate pain and reduce the risk of scarring or discolouration.

Coconut oil contains three fatty acids — capric, caprylic and lauric acid — that possess both disinfectant and antimicrobial properties, helping to protect against as well as heal microbial infections.

Cuticle oil: Use coconut oil in your next at-home manicure. Rubbing the oil into cuticles helps keep germs at bay and will loosen up cuticles, making them easier to push back or cut.

4. ALMOND OIL

To remove dark circles and tan: If you have dark circles and bags under your eyes, almond oil can come to your aid. Apply the oil every night before going to bed. You will see a noticeable difference in about two weeks. Sun exposure can inflame the skin and cause pain and redness. Apply almond oil over these patches for quick relief. An unwanted tan can also be lightened with the oil.

To treat skin rashes: Skin rashes are very common in young kids wearing diapers. In adults too, skin may become inflamed from constant rubbing against hard materials. Skin-to-skin friction also can result in chafed skin. This type of contact dermatitis can result in soreness and burning sensation. Almond oil, with its rich store of zinc, is as good as any store-bought creams or lotions available to effectively treat rashes.

To reduce fine lines and wrinkles: Oxidative stress is one main reason for the deterioration of collagen layer. Almond oil contains vitamin E, which is one of the most potent antioxidants known. It can help repair some of the damage done to the collagen layer. The oil is especially rich in proteins and can provide the amino acids required for the formation of collagen. External application of the oil can prevent dehydration by reducing moisture loss from the skin.

5. TEA TREE OIL

Tea tree oil has antibacterial, antifungal and antiviral properties, and stimulates the immune system. Tea tree oil has been used to treat acne, boils, impetigo, psoriasis, septic wounds, cuts and abrasions, carbuncles, pus-filled infections, and ringworm. It is also said to ease the pain of burns and help rid the hair and body of lice and ticks.

Tea tree oil for acne: One of the most common uses for tea tree oil today is in skin care products, as it’s considered one of the most effective home remedies for acne. Studies found tea tree oil to be just as effective as benzoyl peroxide, but without the associated negative side effects that many people experience, including red, dried and peeling skin.

Tea tree oil for psoriasis: Tea tree oil can help relieve any type of skin inflammation, including being used as a natural eczema treatment and for reducing psoriasis.

Including natural oils in your skincare routine is vital in nourishing and promoting healthy skin cells. I understand in tropical climates this may be a bit heavy to use as your daytime moisturiser, so opt to making it a part of your nightly skincare routine and immediately see your skin glow with more benefits to come.

Michelle Vernon is a licensed aesthetician who operates the Body Studio Skincare establishment, located at 23 Central Plaza, Kingston 10. She may be reached at telephone 908-0438 or 684-9800, Instagram@bodystudioskincare, website: www.bodystudioskincare.com.