My Favourite Oils for Skin and Hair Health

homemade skin and hair oil

Hi Guys,

I decided to compile a list of my favourite oils for skin and hair health to outline the various benefits and uses of these organic and natural beauty wonders! Hope they are useful for you and teach you a bit more about them so that you will try them out in your beauty routine.

These are my top faves in alphabetical order –

Almond Oil

Almond oil is made from almonds which are actually a fruit, rather than a nut but known mainly as a nut. The oil is pressed from the fruits seeds. The ground up almonds are a gentle exfoliant and rich in vitamin E. Aids in the removal of dead skin cells and renewal of skin. When the oil is absorbed by the skin, it protects it, even having a low SPF against the rays. It has a lovely consistency and blends well. Works best when massaged into the skin. Sweet almond oil is also great for hair growth and can work brilliantly as a serum. I have curly and often prone to frizz hair so I love using it to tame my unruly mane. You only need a tiny amount as it spreads well. I also use it on my eyelashes with a cotton pad as it promotes eyelash growth so its a fabulous all-rounder. Soothing for sensitive skin. Gentle enough for babies.

Apricot Oil

Apricot kernel oil is extremely nourishing. There has been a lot of hype about the healing properties of apricot kernels. They contain vitamin B17.

In the 1930s, Major Sir Robert McCarrison wrote about a tribe called the Hunzas who lived in the remote countryside near Northern Pakistan. He encountered this hardy community while he was working with the Indian Medical Service. According McCarrison’s written observations, the Hunzas seemed to enjoyed near-perfect health. Some lived to be over 135 years old and no one in their clan had any of the conditions so common in the modern world, such as diabetes, obesity, heart attack, and cancer. They were known to fast annually and during that time they mainly ate dried apricots as they were plentiful. A diet rich in vitamin B17 is considered a factor in their longevity and health.

Applying apricot kernel oil to the skin brings relief to dry or inflamed skin. It provides a barrier against damage from the environment. It has been known to reduce the appearance of wrinkles and slow down the process of skin ageing. It can help lift and dissolve dirt and hard sebum which clogs pores. Helps improve elasticity and smoothes the skin. I have recently started using it in my hair and I have to say it works wonderfully as a hair mask on split ends. For all skin types.

Argan Oil

Rich in fatty acids and antioxidants with a high level of vitamin E, Argan oil is a great healing oil for scars, sun damage and stretch marks. Used regularly it can improve oily skin. It can be used to heal chapped lips. It is fantastic for your hair health and nourishes deeply into the hair shaft. It gives a beautiful shine. If you have dry hair, it is an absolute saviour. I swear by it for my damaged hair. I had very dry and frazzled hair after straightening with hot irons for years. My hairdresser introduced me an I never looked back! Apply to your hands when damp for a great softening remedy and to improve the health of your nails. It really is a great all-rounder. Love it! Moroccan organ oil is best.

an oil and homemade soap

Castor Oil

Castor oil is a thick and heavy oil that is best blended. A 10-15 percent dilution is ideal. The plant seeds are used to produce a vegetable oil. It aids in skin repair and provides a protective barrier. It is a rich emollient and treats dry skin. Castor oil is a brilliant hair product as it aids hair growth and conditions. Excellent for dry and damaged hair. Can be used as an eyelash growth accelerator too. See the blog post here

Coconut Oil

One of my all time faves, this versatile oil can be used for just about everything! Protects and moisturises, it can even be used to keep gums healthy and whiten teeth. I use it as a hair mask, warmed and it gives my hair shine and definition. I use it in many of my scrubs, face masks and as a hands and feet moisturiser. I basically use it for everything! Desert island must-have product for sure.

Flax Seed Oil

Flax seeds are rich in Omega 3 fatty acids and full of antioxidants. Read more about flax seeds here

The oil is best cold-pressed and unfiltered. It rejuvenates and brightens the skin. Can smooth the appearance of wrinkles and helps lock in moisture. Anti-inflammatory and conditioning properties help with skin conditions such as psoriasis, eczema and acne. Rosacea can also be treated. Organic is best.

essential oil

Grapeseed oil

Rich in Omega 6 linoleic acid. Brighten and tones the skin. Soothing for sensitive skin and healing for acne. A deeply nourishing oil can penetrate deep into the skin. A lovely mild oil which has astringent properties. It can be used as a massage oil due to its silkiness. Suitable for all skin types and gentle enough for babies. It is seen in lots of skincare products. Full of vitamins and minerals so perfect for skin.

Hemp Seed Oil

Derived from the Cannabis plant, it is made from the seeds. A colourless and odourless oil which is good for most skin types. A high level of essential fatty acids means this is a greta moisturiser, emollient and skin protectant. Ideal for dry or weathered skin. It is nourishing and rejeuvinating and becoming more and more popular as a skincare ingredient. It is great for balancing the skin and a welcome addition to any bathroom cupboard. Natural skincare at its finest. Do choose an organic one.

Jojoba Oil

Cleanses and revitalises the skin. Suitable for all skin types, it is moisturising and can be used as a makeup remover. Lifts the dirt and hard sebum that causes blackheads and clogs pores. It softens hard skin so can be used to treat psoriasis and eczema. Helps retain moisture so it is great for mature or dry skin. It absorbs easily and is recommended for acne prone skin. It can also be used for your hair and scalp. Known to promote hair growth and health. I love Jojoba oil and my skin adores it! Made from seeds it is full of protein and minerals so your skin will thanks you. Healing properties.

homemade oil

Macadamia Oil 

Full of nutrients and monounsaturated fats and Omega 7 palmitoleic acid. Repairs the skins barrier function and retains water in the skin. Skin repairing and anti-ageing properties. Helps promote healthy skin cells and balances the skin. Selenium and zinc help skin that has been sun damaged. I have to say this is the best product I use for my hair. I use a macadamia hair mask and it gives the best condition ever!

Neem Oil

Anti-inflammatory and antiseptic. Can prevent and soften wrinkles and protect skin cells. Can be used as an insect repellent and to treat coldsores. It has been used in traditional folk medicine and as a home remedy for acne because of the aspirin-like compound that helps rid the skin of bacteria. Can reduce redness, treat psoriasis and ease eczema.

Olive Oil

A great skin softener and hair moisturiser. Found in lots of skin and haircare products. I use it with baking soda as a polish once a week. Works wonders for my hair. Can be used as a nail treatment for cuticles and quicker nail growth. It is anti-ageing and also cheap! Always use the extra virgin organic kind for best results. A dermatologist once told me to moisturise with it after a shower as a body oil.

Rosehip Oil

Rosehip oil is full of vitamins, antioxidants and essential fatty acids that are known to correct dark spots and hydrate dry, itchy skin. Great for reducing scars and fine lines. This one is a popular choice for skincare as it treats wrinkles and evens skin tone with a brightening effect. It also exfoliates so it is a brilliant product if you have to choose one.

So those are some of my favourite oils for skin and hair health. I will be following up soon with my fave essential oils so do stay tuned. Let me know how it goes for you if you decide to try any of these. What are your favourites? I would love to know. Feel free to tell me in the comments below. Good luck!

Do let me know if you need any help choosing oils for your skin type! I’m happy to help.

 

Check out these facial mist recipes and DIY facial oils too!

 

Ciara x

 

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12 Comments

  1. Natural oils really are amazing. I love Coconut and Aragon oil…these are my favorites.
    P.S. I am also a fan of essential oils so I cannot wait for that post.

    1. Yeah I love it too for everything but I have oily skin so its not great for my face as a moisturiser. Grapeseed or roseship are best for faces I think!

    1. Coconut oil is such a fantastic all-rounder. I do recommend the organic one though. My teeth are whitened since using it for oil pulling in the mornings too.

  2. Girl! You did your research! I loved reading about different oils, some history of the oils and which oils to use for what! I love coconut oil and have used a lot, but I may need to step out and try some others!

  3. I love coconut oil. I condition my hair with it, as it penetrates the hair shaft it leaves hair really nice and smooth and frizz free. I also like making body scrubs with coconut oil, rose oil and some Himalayan salt. It’s amazing for my skin. Thank you for sharing such wide variety of oils. Pinned.

  4. I love this! I use coconut, jojoba, olive and almond oil regularly. They all work wonders 😊. I’ll have to give some of the others that you mention a try! Thanks for sharing ♡