Discover the benefits of cold-pressed organic oils for your skin health
Now, if you have heard a lot from others around you or from me vouching strongly about incorporating organic cold-pressed oil in your skincare routine, this video will explain why I advocate using organic cold-pressed or virgin oil in your daily routine.
We all probably know what cold-pressed oils are. When you choose cold-pressed oil, you get a pure, unrefined oil that contains its full spectrum of nutrients, including essential fatty acids, vitamins, and antioxidants. This is because the cold-pressing procedure does not involve heat or chemical treatments, which may alter their composition and therapeutic effects. This minimal processing of the seeds helps preserve all the beneficial compounds such as vitamin E, omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, and phytochemicals. Refined oil, on the other hand, undergoes chemical processing, including bleaching, the use of preservatives, and high heat, which destroys most of the active compounds. Virgin oils retain their natural vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, which are often lost during refining.
So, how do Virgin oils benefit our skin?
Plant oils, with their rich history of use across cultures for their excellent cosmetic benefits, have been a staple in skincare for centuries. Did you know that there are two main types—Essential Oils and Fixed Plant Oils?
Fixed plant oils are packed with beneficial compounds like triglycerides, tocopherols, sterols, and squalene, each uniquely supporting skin health. Depending on their composition, these oils can strengthen the skin barrier, calm inflammation, boost antioxidant defenses, and even help regulate skin cell turnover.
Some plant oils are superheroes for your skin, swooping in to soothe irritation, repair damage, and improve conditions like eczema and psoriasis. Many also have antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties that protect and nourish the skin. And even when they don’t fully penetrate, their occlusive effect helps lock in moisture and support healthy skin renewal.
‘These exquisite oils, extracted without heat, retain all their natural nutrients, offering a treasure trove of nourishment for your skin. When you embrace cold-pressed organic oils, you’re not just treating your skin; you’re indulging it with the purest, most effective ingredients nature has to offer.’
Let’s dive into how different plant oils work on the skin!
Macadamia oil has high levels of palmitoleic acid. It decreases with age. This FA is present in human sebum, which is why MO can be beneficial for anti-aging. This oil can penetrate the skin because its components are very similar to the skin’s natural oils, and it helps to maintain moisture and nourish the skin. Macadamia oil also contains a lot of oleic acid, which is excellent for softening the skin, regenerating skin cells, moisturizing the skin, and is a natural anti-inflammatory.
Extra Virgin Cold-Pressed Olive Oil (EVOO) – Packed with antioxidants and polyphenols, EVOO is a natural anti-aging powerhouse. However, it’s crucial to choose the unrefined version to ensure you’re getting all its skin-loving compounds. Remember, refining destroys its antioxidants, so always go for the unrefined version!
Rosehip Oil is a favorite for acne-prone and hyperpigmented skin because it contains tretinoin, a natural derivative of vitamin A (retinol). But remember, refined versions lose these skin-loving compounds! It is also high in linoleic acid (a PUFA)
Macadamia Oil – Rich in palmitoleic acid (which naturally decreases with age), this oil is a fantastic anti-aging ingredient. It mimics the skin’s natural oils, making it super hydrating and nourishing while helping regenerate skin cells.
Virgin Coconut Oil (VCO) – Compared to regular coconut oil, VCO has more phenolic compounds and lauric acid, which penetrate hair strands and help lock in moisture. It can act as both an emollient and, in the right concentration, an occlusive agent in moisturizers. VCO can be utilized as an emollient in moisturizers and, in the correct concentrations, can also act as an occlusive agent.
Castor Oil – Thanks to its high ricinoleic acid content, castor oil is deeply moisturizing. It has antibacterial properties, making it great for soothing dry skin.
Safflower Oil – High in linoleic acid, this oil helps repair the skin’s lipid barrier, making it an excellent choice for acne-prone skin and boosting elasticity in mature skin. It helps balance sebum production and reduce inflammation. Since it is light in texture, it is also great as a facial oil.
Borage Oil – A fast-absorbing oil rich in GLA (gamma-linolenic acid), making it perfect for dry, itchy, and acne-prone skin without leaving a greasy feel.
Pomegranate Seed Oil – Unique for its high omega-5 (punicic acid) content, it has powerful anti-inflammatory and skin-rejuvenating properties. These fatty acids are great for skin barrier repair and are quickly absorbed. Punicic and linoleic acid are two examples of these. PUFA
Moringa Oil – Loaded with behenic acid, this oil is deeply nourishing and helps improve skin’s overall texture.
Jojoba Oil – Since its composition is similar to our skin’s natural sebum, it’s an excellent lightweight moisturizer that balances oil production.
