FACE OIL - FAD OR HERE TO STAY?

Natural and organic skin care is in vogue. But are you aware that there are as many fads in beauty and health as there are in food.

Baby oil was once upon a time, the most natural and gentle oil – used for everything from baby massage to removing mascara and healing minor burns. Now that they found baby oil contains minerals and by-product of petrochemicals, using it is as reprehensible as smoking.

Vitamin E oil had a run as popular as sunflower oil was snapped up for cooking. Some consumers buy capsules from health food stores that are as high as 400iu and pierce them to apply the content directly on their faces, scars and wrinkles in a bid for miracle results. 

​​In the late 80s, emu oil was highly sought after and demand is still going strong while the mish-mash Bio Oil that you can buy from Watsons and Guardian pharmacy has gained a cult following after a series of marketing campaigns. At the same time, some of us have been busy dousing everything in avocado and coconut oil.

What about now? Why are some of us still so insistent on applying oil on our face?

FACT - Pure plant oils are the most natural skin care vital for healthy skin cell function. Plant oils have smaller molecular structure than mineral oils and many are akin in design to sebum. And of course, they should be light and non-comedogenic so it does not leave a film on the skin. Often, women fear that oils may aggravate existing high levels of oils in the skin or contribute to impurities and clogged pores, but the opposite is true. Applying a good oil reduces moisture loss. This result in the normalisation of the skin’s sebum production and the skin will thereby be less oily.  

The traditional oils used in good cosmetics are wheat germ oil, sweet almond oil, jojoba oil and evening primrose oil. It is also not uncommon to see these oils supplanted by the newer, exotic oils such as argan, marula and camellia.

Argan oil is extremely popular at the moment. It closely resembles the lipids in human skin so they work naturally with the skin, not against it. Argan oil is obtained from the argan tree, and we suggest you buy from ethical sources such as those grown in the forest of Morocco under UNESCO protection.

I can’t stress enough that not all oils are created equal so beware of formulations that contain more silicone (dimethicone) and synthetic vitamin E than argan oil. Pure plant oils go rancid within 3-6 months in our tropical climate and can hardly be stored for more than a year, let alone 2 or 3 years including warehouse storage time. If you are buying a blend of oils, look out for the order of the ingredient list and check the texture to ensure you are getting what you are really looking and paying for.

DEBATE OVER OIL VS CREAM - The majority of water-based cream in the market are not effective at maintaining hydration and contain synthetic fats and emulsifiers that are graded at the same level as detergents. Bacteria also thrive in water so more preservatives are required to stabilise a water-based cream than oils.
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But sure, there are some cosmetic cream out there, some in trend, some not. My sensitive dehydrated skin loves rosehip, argan and sweet almond oil. When I need extra soothing relief, I blend in essential oils of neroli, frankincense and Damask rose. I know some ladies and customers who enjoy similar routine and supplement with a face cream on-and-off – but many others remain sceptical and continue piling chemical-loaded cream on the