Oil Is Your Skin’s New Best Friend

From oil pulling to oiled-up and a new way to relieve those once-a-month cramps, oil is the trendiest little substance around.

And while oils are just now getting the recognition they deserve, not all of them are created equal. We got in touch with elite skin care expert and Beverly Hills esthetician to get the scoop on the slick substance.

Gina advised that we should “choose plant-based oils when looking for an option for your skin. Plant-based oils mimic your skin’s own natural sebum so it won’t clog pores.”

She explained, “these oils hydrate, protect, hold in moisture, and help to rid acne and acne-causing bacteria. I like to use oils at night, because that’s when they need it most. The skin produces less sebum at night.”

But how do you choose the right oil for your unique needs? Gina let us in on the best choices for each skin type when it comes to plant-based oils:

Avocado is best for nature or alipidic skin that has lost nearly all natural oils. It supports collagen and increases elasticity. (Great for dry cracked areas and rough spots.)

Jojoba is also a great for mature skin and anti-aging rituals, such as applying over your favorite serum or moisturizers at night. This will help to hold the ingredient in the skin. In addition to preventing moisture loss, it also soothes irritated skin.

Argan oil is a fantastic lighter-weight, hydrating (oil). This is a multiuse oil, but when used on the skin, can help to lighten acne scars and other discolorations. It is a natural vitamin E and therefore aids in wound healing.

Tea Tree oil is best used for acneic skin. It has antimicrobial properties and takes care of bacteria that causes acne or keeps it alive. It can be used all over, or as a spot treatment, or mixed into a mask or moisturizer to lessen breakouts.