Use Oils To Keep Your Face Looking Fresh
MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- As the search for the fountain of youth moves forward, beauty experts are turning back to a centuries-old tradition from countries like India and China. The next big trend in beauty is oils -- oils for the face, body and hair.
It may seem counter-intuitive to put oil on our faces, but not according to beauty experts. In fact, they say oils are the key to beautiful and young looking skin.
Facial, plastic and reconstructive surgeon Dr. Jess Prischmann swears by them.
"What's interesting is that in this culture, we focus on things that strip oils from the skin. We want oil-free things," Prischmann said. "In other cultures all over the world, people are using oils on a daily basis. It's nothing new to them, it is something new to us."
With fresh-faced celebs like Gwyneth Paltrow swearing by them, oils are the latest in beauty trends.
"Oils are naturally occurring in the skin. They are found in lots of plants. Commonly used oils in skincare are sesame seed oil, sunflower oil, argon oil, coconut oil is becoming really popular," Prischmann said.
People use them on their faces, in their hair and on their bodies instead of lotions and heavy creams. Oils offer a different effect.
"Aging of the skin is due in part to chronic inflammation. Many things cause it. Oils can help protect a healthy skin barrier, and help calm that chronic inflammation," Prischmann said.
Local beauty blogger and writer for Minneapolis-St. Paul Magazine Elizabeth Dehn just launched her own line of face oil called One Love Organics by Elizabeth Dehn. Her obsession with oils started with a need to look "dewey" and glowing all the time, just like the movies stars.
"The only way to get that is to keep your skin hydrated, moisturized, and plant oils are the best way to get that," Dehn said.
The key is a concept called the moisture barrier.
"It's the part of your skin that retains the moisture. As you hit thirtysomething, it starts breaking down. So you really need to keep it plumped up and full of hydration. Plant oils are the most potent and the most compatible with our skin's natural oils," Dehn said. "If you maintain that moisture barrier, there are fewer fine lines and wrinkles in your future. And there is a lot of research to support that."
The truth is that "dewey" look is perceived as a sign of youth and vibrancy.
"Oils help your skin look more radiant, and radiant skin looks younger," Prischmann said.
If you already have oily skin, Prischmann says oils can balance out oily skin. Those who have oily skin tend toward exfoliations, heavy washing and minimal moisturizing. She says all that stripping will actually make your skin over-compensate and actually become oilier. She advises to not use synthetic oils as they can cause breakouts.
