Find Out Which Natural Oils Are Best for Hair, Skin, and More
Jessie Quinn
Jessie Quinn
Jessie Quinn is a Los Angeles-based writer with work published in NYLON Magazine, StyleCaster, Girlboss, and more. Outside of her work, Jessie creates colorful content for her beauty and wellness blog, Hair Skin Kale (@hairskinkale) and runs a women’s empowerment website and blog called Goods For Girls (@goodsforgirls.club). When she’s not online, she spends quality time with her garden, craft box, and favorite TV show, Friends.
Much like serums, oils are one of those skincare products that deliver beauty-boosting results with each drop. Many have hyper-focused benefits to address challenges from fine lines and wrinkles to acne and dehydration. The trick is to look beyond typical facial oils that often feature blends of different ingredients and instead focus on pure options like coconut, olive, and jojoba. (Photo via Madeleine_Steinbach/ Getty)
Ahead you'll find nine dermatologist-approved options worth adding to your routine.
Ahead you'll find nine dermatologist-approved options worth adding to your routine.
Pumpkin Seed Oil: According to Audrey Kunin, a board-certified dermatologist and founder of DERMAdoctor, if you experience hair loss, you could benefit from pumpkin seed oil, as it is “thought to have anti-DHT [a hormone linked to balding] effects.” In addition, Kunin says it's also rich in zinc, vitamin E, and magnesium — all of which are essential for skin health. Since it can regulate oil production, it's a must-try for oily and acne-prone skin types. (Photo via ddukang/ Getty)
Avocado Oil: This superfood-derived oil can benefit those with extremely dry skin thanks to its heavier consistency. Conversely, oily, blemish-prone skin types should steer clear, as, according to Kunin, it may clog pores. If you decide to give it a try, Kunin says to reserve it for your nighttime regimen so that the rich formula can deeply nourish skin during the regeneration period. (Photo via TanyaLovus/ Getty)
Olive Oil: “Olive oil contains antioxidants such as vitamin E and polyphenols," says Debra Jaliman, a board-certified dermatologist in New York City. "When topically applied, it may help protect the skin from early signs of aging.” It can also be used if your skin feels chapped or dry; massage the oil into your complexion for a deeply hydrating, reparative experience. The same goes for hair in need of a moisture boost. (Photo via Muratani/ Getty)
Jojoba Oil: If your skin falls on the drier side of the spectrum, you could benefit from a dose of anti-inflammatory jojoba oil. According to Jaliman, jojoba is a natural skin conditioner. “It can seal in the moisture and form an effective barrier to external elements such as cold weather, which usually dries out the skin,” she notes. (Photo via Amy_Lv/ Getty)
Grapeseed Oil: UV damage is a major issue in skincare — that’s why dermatologists always recommend sunscreen. If you want to beef up your sun protection without introducing chemicals into your routine, add grapeseed oil to your regimen. According to Lily Talakoub, a board-certified dermatologist at McLean Dermatology and Skincare Center in Northern Virginia, the natural oil can shield the skin from sun damage, thanks to its “high concentrations of vitamin E, which is a really strong antioxidant.” (Photo via Amy_Lv/ Getty)
Coconut Oil: As one of the most moisturizing natural oils on the market, it’s no wonder the tropical goodness is slathered onto the skin, scalp, and hair. “Coconut oil has vitamins and essential fatty acids, which nourish the skin,” says Jaliman. It also has natural antibacterial properties and “is widely recognized as an ingredient expecting women use to prevent or help diminish stretch marks,” she adds. However, it's not a universal cure-all. Those with acne-prone or oily skin should steer clear as it's “highly comedogenic, meaning it can block or clog your pores,” notes Jaliman. (Photo via Julia_Sudnitskaya/ Getty)
Almond Oil: Widely used in creams, lotions, and serums, almond oil is chock-full of complexion perfecting benefits. According to Talakoub, its essential fatty acid makeup, as well as its ability to repair and protect the skin barrier against free radicals, makes it a stellar moisturizer — especially for those with dry skin. (Photo via baibaz/ Getty)
Castor Oil: Rich in omega-6 and omega-9, this oil is most famous for its effect on healthy hair growth. But promoting new strands isn’t its only benefit. “Castor oil is anti-inflammatory, has antibacterial properties, [and] is extremely moisturizing,” explains Jaliman. So it can be used not only on the scalp and hair but also on the most sensitive skin. (Photo via Amawasri/ Getty)
Argan Oil: If you’re on the hunt for an oil suitable for all skin types, look no further. “Argan oil is rich in omega fatty acids [such as] vitamin E and linoleic acid, [which] work to lightly moisturize skin, soften dry patches, and even reduce acne,” explains Jaliman. (Photo via luisapuccini/ Getty)
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Jessie Quinn
Jessie Quinn is a Los Angeles-based writer with work published in NYLON Magazine, StyleCaster, Girlboss, and more. Outside of her work, Jessie creates colorful content for her beauty and wellness blog, Hair Skin Kale (@hairskinkale) and runs a women’s empowerment website and blog called Goods For Girls (@goodsforgirls.club). When she’s not online, she spends quality time with her garden, craft box, and favorite TV show, Friends.