Loyola
Medical Aesthetician reports on the Beauty
Benefits of Oils
Newswise, September 26, 2011--Oils can have
several protective benefits for all skin and
body types. However, deciphering which oils
to use for which skin type can be confusing.
Aimee Masi of the Loyola Center for
Aesthetics works with her patients to tailor
a beauty regimen that is appropriate for
their skin.
She recommends both common and essential
oils that repair the skin and restore the
body without clogging pores.
“Oils have been used for centuries for their
beauty and healing properties,” Masi said.
“There are numerous advantages to
incorporating oils into a skin-care and
health regimen.”
Masi recommends that patients consult a
medical aesthetician to determine which
oil-based products are beneficial for their
skin type or health condition. She also
provides the following general advice on
which oils can be harmful or helpful for
various conditions:
Acne and oily skin – Coconut oil is best for
oily skin and acne because it is high in
lauric acid and has antibacterial and
antimicrobial components. However, overuse
with normal skin can dry out the face and
body.
Breastfeeding – Almond oil, cocoa butter and
shea butter are beneficial for women who are
breastfeeding because they are rich and
water-repellent, repairing dry, chapped and
cracked skin.
Bruising and scars – Shea butter is an
effective option for bruising and scarring
because it aids in cell and capillary
circulation. This option diminishes wrinkles
and also works well as a hair and scalp
conditioner due to its extreme moisturizing
effects.
Cellulite – Grapeseed and avocado oils mixed
with sea salt and a few drops of grapefruit
essential oil can combat cellulite. This
combination is high in antioxidants,
vitamins and minerals. It also is
hypoallergenic and works on sensitive and
oily skin.
Clogged pores – Jojoba oil dissolves clogged
pores and mimics collagen. It also restores
natural pH balance in the skin, which
strengthens the body’s largest organ.
Eczema – Avocado oil accelerates the healing
of chronic eczema and other skin disorders.
It is one of the most moisturizing oils,
making it beneficial for mature, dry skin.
Fine lines and wrinkles – Cocoa butter is
helpful in moisturizing aging skin because
it smoothes and softens the skin. This oil
also works well for skin irritations and has
slight sun protection properties.
Infant skin care – Olive oil and grapeseed
oil work well for all skin types, especially
young and sensitive skin. These oils gently
moisturize the skin and are effective in
treating cradle cap in infants.
Premenstrual syndrome – Evening primrose oil
mixed with clary sage oil can alleviate PMS
symptoms when applied to the skin. Clary
sage oil also can be mixed with a base oil,
such as primrose, and can be used as an
antidepressant, a sedative and an
aphrodisiac. These oils should not be used
in pregnant women because they can cause
contractions.
Rosacea – Hazelnut oil is high in essential
fatty acids and vitamin E, which strengthens
capillaries and reduces the redness
associated with this condition. Evening
primrose oil also works well for rosacea
because it calms redness and irritation
while killing bacteria on the skin surface.
Stretch marks – Cocoa butter, shea butter
and wheat germ oil make the skin more firm,
elastic and resistant to stretch marks.
These oils also have healing properties,
which promote the repair of stretch marks.
Sun-damaged skin – Grapeseed oil repairs
damaged cells and protects the skin from
free radicals, which cause premature aging.
Certain oils may not be appropriate for
pregnant women because they can thin the
blood or cause cramping and contractions.
Masi recommends that expectant mothers
consult with their doctor before starting a
new skin-care regimen to know which oils to
avoid.
Complementary skin analyses and
consultations are available at the Loyola
Center for Aesthetics. This facility
combines the expertise and resources of a
major academic medical center with the
conveniences and comfort of an outpatient
setting. Loyola offers a full range of
services from anti-aging procedures,
laser-hair removal and eyelash-enhancing
treatments to cosmetic facial and body
surgeries
