Some of the Best Plant-Based Natural Skin Care Oils

There are many different natural skin care oils. Practically every plant in the world can be pressed for oil. Some plant-based oils are very close to the skin's own sebum. That means they are readily absorbed, without causing any greasiness and without clogging the pores. Here, you will learn about the ones that are most compatible with the skin, but first let's look at some oily ingredients that you don't want to get stuck with.

The reason that some products cannot be used by people with oily skin or those that are prone to acne is due to the inclusion of petroleum-based oil. It may be listed on the label as mineral oil or petrolatum. Until recently, practically every moisturizer on the market contained one or both. Now, things are finally changing, but you still have to be careful. Not every company is giving up on those old ingredients so easily.

Some of the best plant-based natural skin care oils include jojoba, grape seed, olive, avocado and Shea butter. Let's take a closer look at each of those.

Jojoba has been used historically to heal irritation and to treat problems like acne and psoriasis. It is actually more like liquid wax than oil. Studies have shown that it has a dual moisturizing effect, in that it provides moisture and helps to lock moisture in. It is very close to human sebum, so it can be used by all complexion types, without risk of breakouts or unwanted reactions.

Grape seed contains several different antioxidants, including vitamin E. The oil is rich in linolenic acid, one of the fatty acids that make up sebum. It is particularly beneficial for use around the eyes. Both grape seed and jojoba have been shown to reduce stretch marks.

Olive oil has long been valued as one of the best natural skin care oils. Some women swear that it is the secret to their youthful looking appearance. It is highly compatible with human skin, improves hydration and rejuvenates. It, too, contains antioxidants that are important for countering the effects of time.

Avocado oil is rich in vitamins A, D and E. It provides protein and potassium, as well as a number of different essential fatty acids. It is high in sterolins, which have been shown to reduce age spots. Sterolins also soften and moisturize. It relieves dryness and is beneficial for eczema and psoriasis. One study showed that it stimulated the production of collagen, something that normally slows down with age.

Of all of the natural skin care oils, Shea butter is the one that is closest to sebum, on a molecular level. The effect that high quality Shea butter can have on a person's skin is nothing short of amazing. It has been shown to alleviate problems ranging from blemishes to eczema. It has natural anti-inflammatory activity and has been proven, in clinical studies, to soften, smooth and revitalize over the course of four to six weeks.

Some of the better anti-aging creams on the market contain many of the natural skin care oils mentioned here. It seems like nature never meant for us to look old, before our time.