Oils are a great way to restore moisture to dry skin. Additionally, some plant oils have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that may help improve the health of the skin barrier.
Types of Oils for Dry Skin
Almond Oil
Almond oil is extracted from almond kernels and is extracted in a low-heat process. This method is similar to the technique used to produce unrefined almond oil. Almond oil contains oleic acid, beta-sitosterol, and alpha-tocopherol.
Oleic acid helps the oil penetrate deeper into the skin. The skin naturally has a limited permeability, which helps it to eliminate harmful toxins. Alpha-tocopherols also have antioxidant properties, and beta-sitosterols have skin-soothing and moisturizing properties. Research has shown that beta-sitosterol is potent enough to be effective in treating atopic dermatitis (eczema).
Marula Oil
Marula oil is extracted from the Marula fruit. This oil contains amino acids, antioxidants, and fatty acids that help restore moisture to the skin. The moisturizing properties of this oil, due to its lightweight nature, allow it to effectively moisturize the skin and maintain moisture levels for a long time.
Also, research has shown that Marula oil has anti-aging properties as it contains organic compounds with antioxidant properties such as catechins.
Sunflower Oil
Sunflower oil is obtained from sunflower seeds and comes in different types, including:
High Linoleic Acid Oil: This type is made up of 68% linoleic acid.
Medium Oleic Acid Oil: This type is also known as NuSun and is made up of 65% oleic acid.
High Oleic Acid Oil: This type is 82% oleic acid.
High Stearic Acid or High Oleic Acid Oil: This type is also known as NutriSun and is made up of 18% stearic acid and 72% oleic acid.
Research has shown that sunflower oil is beneficial for dry skin because it helps maintain the health of the outer layer of the skin and improves overall moisture levels. It also increases the production of keratinocyte skin cells and encourages the production of the skin’s natural oils, which leads to a healthier skin barrier.
Olive Oil
Research has shown that olive oil can help with dry skin because it is primarily made up of oleic acid, which is an effective moisturizer for the skin. Olive oil also contains ingredients such as:
Linoleic Acid: This fatty acid has been shown to help improve the skin barrier in people with dry skin and atopic dermatitis.
Palmitic Acid: This long-chain fatty acid soothes, softens, and moisturizes the skin.
Sterols: These substances, which are similar to cholesterol, help lower cholesterol levels in the body.
Carotenoids: These pigments have antioxidant benefits.
Triterpene alcohols: This chemical compound helps heal wounds and burns and skin inflammation.
Phenolic compounds: These organic compounds act as antioxidants and help treat various skin diseases.
Research has shown that olive oil can worsen dry skin for some people, so it’s best to consult a doctor before using it.
Coconut Oil
This oil is extracted from the kernel of coconuts and is made up of fatty acids. Research has shown that coconut oil can help improve moisture retention and the skin’s barrier function. It is especially effective for treating skin conditions such as atopic dermatitis.
Argan Oil
Argan oil is extracted from the kernel of the argan plant and is composed of monounsaturated fatty acids, with oleic acid making up the majority of the oil. Research has shown that argan oil is an effective moisturizer for people with dry skin due to its ability to retain moisture.
Soybean Oil
Soybean oil is extracted from the seeds of the soybean plant and contains five fatty acids that facilitate the improvement of the skin barrier and play a role in maintaining skin moisture. It also contains a high amount of vitamin E, which helps protect the skin from damage.
Avocado Oil
Avocado oil is extracted from the pulp of avocados and contains beneficial compounds including B-sitosterol, B-carotene, and vitamins A, D, and E. Research has shown that this oil can help restore and treat moisture, as well as protect the skin from damage that can aggravate dry skin.
Borage Oil
Borage oil is high in essential fatty acids, which are essential for skin health. It can help retain moisture in the skin and is effective in treating skin conditions that cause dry skin.
Oatmeal Oil
Oatmeal oil is extracted from the husk of the oat plant and helps soothe the skin due to its anti-inflammatory properties. It is composed of linoleic and oleic acids, which can help repair the skin barrier and be effective in preventing and treating dry skin.
How to Choose an Oil
Before choosing an oil for your dry skin, you should check the dryness level of your skin and avoid buying oils that do not clearly list all the ingredients. Also, if you are allergic to the ingredients in them, some oils may cause skin irritation, so it is better to do a patch test.
How to Use an Oil
To use an oil, you can apply some oil to your damp skin after washing your skin or taking a shower and wait for some time for it to be absorbed. You can also use different oils with different compositions or mix them with your favorite moisturizing lotion. If your skin is sensitive, stop using it.
