Botanical oils have been used for thousands of years across the world and in all ancient traditions to protect, moisten and nourish the skin. They are an excellent natural source of skin-loving nutrients such as essential fatty acids, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. We caught up with Inlight to find out why oils are important and what oils we should be using. Oils are very similar in composition to skin sebum, one of the components of the skin’s hydrolipidic layer whose function is to protect the skin from the outside; therefore oils are recognised chemically by our body and interact positively with the other compounds on our skin. Egyptians used a variety of botanical oils on the skin including castor, olive and sesame to keep their skin looking ageless and smooth. These were so precious that research shows they were used as payment for labour! Oils for Oily Skin There is a common misconception that oils should not be used on oily skin, this could not be further from the truth! Oil-based products can help to balance the skin sebum and prevent the overproduction of oil which can often be the result of excessive scrubbing and cleansing. Well formulated skincare products, using carefully selected botanical oils, are easily absorbed even into oily skin types, without clogging the pores or leaving an oily residue. Many oils also contain triterpenoids and phytosterols which have anti-inflammatory effects, helping to calm and soothe. To ensure you buy the best quality oils, check first that they are unrefined and organic. Oils vs. Creams Compared to creams, oils are more concentrated which means a very small amount is needed for best results. Water based creams often require chemical additives to preserve the products and maximise shelf life. In contrast, oils have the unique ability to capture and store specific liposoluble botanical ingredients such as herbal extracts and essential oils, which act as natural preservatives, meaning extra additives are not necessary. Skin Hydration All skin types, whether dry, normal or oily, need hydration. Effective hydration is vital to keep the skin healthy, supple and youthful, oils offer the best possible moisturiser for all skin types.Unlike creams, oil based products provide a protective barrier which helps to lock in water, keeping the skin hydrated for longer. Top 3 Natural Oils to Nourish Your Skin Olive Oil - Olive oil is the most similar oil to our own skin sebum and therefore recognised and well absorbed. It is full of vitamins such as A, D, K and E and contains a high concentration of squalene (often found in skincare in an animal-derived from) which is a great anti-oxidant. Jojoba Oil - Jojoba oil is an emollient, meaning it moisturizes our skin and prevents irritations, or scaly and rough patches. It is rich in iodine, which fights harmful bacteria growth that can lead to breakouts and it is very effective at stimulating collagen production. Coconut Oil - Coconut oil is becoming increasingly popular for its many benefits. Full of vitamin E, it helps to promote skin regeneration. It is also known for its anti-ageing properties and for its proteins which contribute to cellular health and tissue repair. Inlight Beauty’s Unique Oil Blend Inlight’s organic ingredients are infused for over a month to harness their unique strength and properties. Once the oils have been fully imbued with powerful herbal and floral properties, they are pressed and filtered to leave a pure and stunningly beautiful oil infusion to which are added final ingredients such as essential oils or beeswax. Dr Spiezia’s patented oil blend, the Bio-lipophilic Matrix®, is at the heart of every Inlight skincare formulation. This unique blend is naturally identified and accepted by the skin thanks to its close affinity to the human sebum, to the pure, natural origin of ingredients and to the energetic frequency of the blend. At the same time the energetic vibration of the Bio-lipophilic Matrix® triggers the skin to re-tune itself to the primordial essence of health and harmony. Each Inlight product is affirmed by its own alchemic symbol, reinforcing its unique vibration. Notes From Skin Expert Dr Spiezia, Inlight Formulator: “Sebum is a naturally occurring substance produced by our skin that helps to keep it moisturised and rejuvenated. It’s made up of essential fatty acids, naturally produced fats and cholesterol. The organic oils we use in our products are carefully matched to the composition of sebum. This means they are naturally identified, accepted and absorbed by the skin and trigger the skin to re-tune itself to the essence of health and harmony.I love working with different oils, my current favourite oil is black cumin seed oil, known in the Middle East as ‘The Seed of Blessing’. It is an all-round super multi-vitamin for both inner and outer health.Cleopatra is known to have used it as a beauty treatment too!” Shop here for Inlight
