12 vegetable oils that are used in natural cosmetics (and their properties)

Vegetable oils, in addition to containing different percentages of essential fatty acids, provide vitamins and active principles excellent for skin and hair care.

Basically, nourish and revitalize, but also promote hydrationsince they form a waterproof barrier on the skin that, in addition to protecting it, retains moisture, allowing perspiration.

but not everything is the same. Some are rich in antioxidantsothers improve the elasticityyou have to protect from solar radiation and some help avoid stretch marks.

many serve as vehicle to dilute essential oils in them which, being very concentrated, cannot be applied directly to the skin.

Essential oils are volatile substances that are extracted from plants by distillation, while a high percentage of body oils are extracted by cold pressing. This is a selection of vegetable oils made by Maripí Gadet, author of books such as Natural beauty secrets and natural maskswhich are especially effective for skin care.

12 vegetable oils that beautify your skin

Along the history Man has known how to take advantage of the magnificent cosmetic properties of vegetable oils.

The Egyptians already made ointments based on plant oils, the Greek doctor Hippocrates recommended in his writings massages with certain oils, while in Ayurvedic medicine and massage oils are part of the therapy. These are some of the most used in cosmetics today:

sweet almonds. It is highly appreciated for its rapid absorption. It has a moisturizing, nourishing and protective effect. It contributes to improving cell regeneration and makes the skin flexible, leaving it soft. It is excellent to apply on dry and brittle skin and hair. It also helps to eliminate eczema and irritations. you can make a natural body scrub mixing 100 ml of almond oil with two tablespoons of coarse salt. The skin is left clean and silky.Avocado. Rejuvenates, nourishes, softens and hydrates. It also protects against external aggressions and increases the flexibility of the skin. Helps repair the damage caused by the sun. It is appropriate for the care of dry, aged and punished skin.Jojoba. Moisturizing and recommended for mature skin due to its antioxidant properties. It is also effective in the treatment of eczema and psoriasis. A cleansing milk can be prepared by mixing two tablespoons of natural yogurt with fifteen drops of lemon juice and thirty drops of jojoba oil. Or a hair loss mask.

evening primrose. It is used for nourishing, moisturizing, softening and revitalizing purposes. It is obtained by cold pressing the seeds of a plant native to North America, where native peoples have used it for centuries for healing and cosmetic purposes.Wheat germ. It is a moisturizing, nourishing, regenerative and protector against sun rays. Its antioxidant properties slow down the action of free radicals. It softens the skin and increases its elasticity, thus preventing the appearance of stretch marks.Calendula. It is obtained by maceration. It has decongestant, regenerative and anti-inflammatory properties. Result excellent for after sun exposure, when skin is irritated or sensitized, and for children’s skin. It is also indicated for areas of extreme sensitivity, dermatoses, chafing and irritation.Hazelnut. It is used for the care of oily skin, since it It is astringent and helps to close the pores.. It is an excellent carrier oil that provides hydration and nutrition to the skin.

argan. It is extracted from the seeds of the fruit of the Argania espinosa tree, which grows in arid areas of North Africa. Its use is common among Berber women. The most appreciated virtue is his ability to stop tissue degeneration. It is recommended against cracks, acne, irritations, eczema and burns, as well as for massages.tepezcohuite. It is extraordinary for its great moisturizing and repairing power. Contains bioflavonoids that stimulate peripheral microcirculation.St John’s wort oil. relieves minor sunburns and relaxes the skin.Sesame. Tones the skin, fights flaccidity and protects from sun rays.Soy. Its oil, in addition to being very nutritious and easily absorbed, is indicated for problems with acne.apricot oil. Excellent for taking care of sensitive and aging skin.Coconut oil. Facilitates tanning but is also very appropriate for the hair and nail care.

Rosehip oil. The essential oil obtained from the seeds of rose hips, the fruits of the wild rose, is rich in nutrients that are essential for the skin. Smoothes wrinkles and revitalizes the fibroblast, responsible for producing collagen and elastin, thus improving skin elasticity and giving it luminosity.Facilitates the penetration of active ingredients for its permeabilizing action of the cell membrane.Prevents photoagingoy is an excellent regenerator for after sunbathing. anti-inflammatory effects and is used to regenerate the skin in case of burns and some dermatitis. Helps to remove traces of wounds, burns, scars and spots. Applied during pregnancy avoid stretch marks.