Plant oil is oil that is extracted from various types of fruits, seeds, grains, and nuts. These oils are a wonderful way to keep your face and body looking healthy and hydrated because they give your skin exactly what it wants: healthy oils. Plant oils absorb easily into the skin, protecting the skin’s lipid barrier and preventing moisture from evaporating from the skin. The top layer of your skin, called the stratum corneum, is composed of dead skin cells held together by lipids or oils. Keeping this layer constantly supplied with healthy oils will protect your skin from the elements and will help your skin to have a beautiful, healthy and moisturised glow.
There are a wide range of plant oils that are being formulated into body lotions to ensure that the skin is kept hydrated, balanced and protected after and between waxing treatments.
Hemp Oil
Hemp seed oil is very high is gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), a great polyunsaturated fat; hemp seed oil contains a high percentage of omega 3 and omega 6 fatty acids. GLA acts as a powerful anti-inflammatory while simultaneously aiding skin growth and new cell generation. This oil can help to calm inflammation and irritation on the skin, including acne and some conditions like psoriasis, while keeping the skin nourished and moisturised.
Jojoba Oil
Even though it looks and feels just like an oil, it is a liquid wax ester made from expeller-pressed jojoba seeds. Jojoba oil is believed to be the closest to our skin’s natural oils, making it suitable for all skin types, including those who are acne-prone. This gentle, non-allergenic oil is loaded with essential fatty acids that enrich and repair, antioxidants (including vitamins A and E) that resist aging, and plant molecules that reduce inflammation. It absorbs quickly and easily into your skin, leaving it feeling soft, smooth and hydrated. Jojoba oil limits water loss from the skin and may assist in reducing the signs of aging, it gives the skin a firm look.
Argan Oil
Extracted from the kernels found in the fruit of Moroccan Argan trees, Argan oil has high levels of vitamin E, omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants, which means it is nourishing and hydrating for the skin. Argan Oil penetrates deep into the layers of the skin due to the high levels of vitamin E /tocopherols (antioxidants) and saponins (skin-softening agents) and does not leave an oily residue.
Olive Oil
Olive oil is a good all-around moisturiser and is recommended for dehydrated skin. Like jojoba oil, olive oil is similar to the oils naturally produced by our skin and is therefore easily absorbed. It is rich in antioxidants and vitamins including A, D, E and K. Vitamin A stimulates the cells responsible for developing tissue that keeps skin firm and healthy—in the deep layers of your skin. Vitamins D and E are also thought to help with fine lines and wrinkles – mostly through its ability to act as an antioxidant. Vitamin K may help speed up skin healing process.
Canola Oil
Canola oil, like many vegetable oils, is rich in vitamin E, which is an essential vitamin for the body for various reasons. Vitamin E is very effective as an antioxidant and can protect the skin from the damaging effects of free radicals. This oil can help keep your skin supple and smooth, increases the healing rate of injuries and reduce the appearance of blemishes, wrinkles, and acne marks.
Coconut Oil
Coconut oil is used widely throughout the skin care industry. Dry skin problems are easily alleviated with the use of this oil as it penetrates deeply into the skin. Its antibacterial and anti-fungal properties protect the sebaceous gland that is responsible for producing acne and pimples. It is rich in essential fatty acids, great at restoring the protective barrier of the skin and keeps the skin moisturised for a long time.
Sweet Almond Oil
Sweet Almond Oil is among the best carrier oils for all skin types. It is deeply nourishing for the dry skin because it’s rich in oleic acid. It is also soothing and stops irritations from forming. Almond oil has many properties including anti-inflammatory and immunity-boosting. The moisturising effects may be especially helpful for people who have dry or sensitive skin. Almond Oil is packed with vitamin E, which may help protect the skin from sun damage and premature aging.
Cedarwood Oil
Cedarwood Oil has antiseptic, antifungal, antibacterial properties making it an ideal inclusion for after wax lotions. The cleansing properties of this oil may also help improve the appearance of skin imperfections.
Theobroma Oil
Also known as Cocoa butter, its melting point is just below human body temperature giving it good stability. Cocoa butter has strong antioxidant qualities to help skin from both inside and out with its penetrating abilities to nourish and heal cracked or damaged skin. Its emollient benefits add a protective layer to your skin to help lock in the moisture. It can also protect the skin from free radical damage with palmitic acid, oleic acid and stearic acid, these are natural forms of fatty acids that are beneficial for our bodies to help neutralise free radicals especially on our skin.
Plant oils are most like the kind of oil that your skin produces naturally. Their simpler chemistry means they are more easily recognised and absorbed by the skin without clogging pores and can lock moisture into the skin while strengthening skin cell membranes. Plant oils have amazing benefits to create glowing skin or anti-aging, wound healing and antibacterial effects making them the ideal ingredient in body lotions.
