It’s all about the oil!
Are you nuts? For many women, the first skincare lesson we learned as teenagers was that oils were not good for your face. Well, it may be time to reconsider your regimen.
Oils can have great benefits for all types of skin, and new formulations from many favourite brands are among the most buzzed-about beauty products on the market today. But just as certain oils are recommended for your diet, different types of oils are designed to do different things for your skin.
Not so fast. There’s a good explanation for the existence of oil-based cleansers, I promise. Quick chemistry refresher: like attracts like, which means the oil in an oil-based cleanser bonds with and dissolves the oil and grime on your face. This means they can work for all skin types, even oily skin, since they remove oil without over-drying the way detergent-based cleansers can. Oil-based cleansers are also useful for removing makeup, since most makeup contains oil. The best way to know which method of cleansing gets your face the most sparkling clean is to take one of these for a test drive. There is a slight risk of pore-clogging side effects, but that is usually from the non-oil ingredients, or from not rinsing them off fully.
Skin conditions like eczema which is a chronic, itchy rash that is thought to be caused by an overactive immune system response and can appear on any part of the body, though it is commonly seen on the forehead, cheeks, legs, forearms, neck and scalp in infants. Adults and children may see the rash on the face, neck and ankles knees and elbows.
Keeping the skin moisturised and applying gentle creams, lotions and body oils directly after bathing (when the pores are open) is recommended. Sunburn and other skin irritations may also be soothed with body oils, particularly olive oil.
Body oils are used for various reasons like scenting and softening the skin, lubricating the skin for a therapeutic massage or sensual back and body rub and may even be used as a bath additive. Various body oils are available in a host of fragrances and may include oils that are commonly used for cooking like vegetable and olive oil.
Oil is a body moisturiser
Looking for super-softness, hydration and luxury? Then little can beat a good body oil. Especially during winter. Moisturising the skin is an essential step in skin care. The use of body oils is a good way to add moisture to the skin and keep it healthy and smooth. Body oils that do not contain alcohol are best and can be rubbed on dry areas like heels, elbows and knees (only a small amount is needed).
Fragrant body oils are often called perfume oils and are available in calming and aromatic scents for men and women. These body oils generally last longer on the body than spray perfumes do and can be rubbed on the pulse points for lasting fragrance release. Apply an oil to warm, damp skin after your bath and shower. This will encourage better penetration of the active ingredients often present in the oil. Try Clarins Relax Body Treatment Oil packed full of calming basil and chamomile essential oils. Perfect for a post bath treat after a long day. Soothing and relaxing and helps relieve stress and fatigue, and promotes a wonderful sense of well-being. Leaves skin soft and satin-smooth and better moisturised.
Oil as a slimming agent
As with a massage, good technique is essential when applying oils designed to encourage a slimming effect. Circulation-boosting ingredients like caffeine and cayenne pepper eliminate excess water and improve skin tone. Try Clarins Tonic Oil Firms, tones and prevents skin slackening by improving skin elasticity, while also helping to prevent the appearance of stretch marks. It leaves skin hydrated, soft and satin-smooth to the touch or Anti-Eau Body Treatment Oil is contouring, strengthening and helps to eliminate toxins, stimulate the skin and firm tissues, while working to avoid a spongy appearance. It prevents dehydration, leaving skin supple and satin-smooth. The perfect product to lift tired, heavy legs. Start at your ankles and work up to your knees with slow, deep strokes. Repeat on your thighs ending near your groin area to optimise drainage.
Oil as a cleanser
Oil is a highly effective cleanser for oily or dry skin. Also, cleansers or cleansing milks that contain oil as their main ingredient are often used on oily skins as they actually help to remove excess sebum. Try Clarins Pure Melt Cleansing Gel with Marula Oil for all skin types. It starts out as a refreshing honey-coloured gel that adheres to surface impurities and make-up, then melts into a sheer deep-cleansing oil. Add a splash of water and it transforms into a deliciously light rinse-off cleansing milk. Skin is left scrupulously clean, velvety-soft and supple so it’s perfect for even the most delicate skin types. And because it’s packaged in a tube, it’s ideal for travelling
Oil as a treatment
Want to retain that summery glow right into winter? Then go for an oil face treatment. Essential oils help to replenish and help keep the skin hydrated for longer while creating a moisture barrier against the cold which can dry out skin. When applied daily, Clarins Face Oils containing 100 percent plant extracts in circular motions you will be left with a luminous rather than greasy complexion.
Dry or Extra Dry Skin — Santal Oil extracts decongests and helps restore comfort to reddened skin and stimulate the epidermis to help prevent moisture loss and signs of ageing. Dehydrated Skin — Orchidee de Bleue Oil revitalises and tones the epidermis and helps prevent moisture loss and the signs of ageing. Combination Skin prone to Oiliness — Lotus Oil purifies and normalise combination and oily skin, while helping to prevent moisture loss and prevent signs of skin ageing.
Oils can also provide psychological benefits. When the aroma is inhaled and the body oil is applied to the skin, the benefits go beyond the physical — it can alter a person’s mood. For example, they recommend rosemary oil for alertness, jasmine oil for confidence and lavender oil for restfulness. A visit to a beach combined with a body oil massage is a great way of relieving depression. Body oils are not for looking good, they can hep you feel good as well.
While we’re talking about clarifying your skin externally, we must also touch on the internal aspect — water! Drink no less than eight glasses of water a day. If your skin has issues with blemishes, drink up! Water will help release and remove the toxins from within, lessening the load on your skin to push the toxins out. Carry a bottle of water around with you throughout the day so water is always available. From cleansers to moisturisers and slimming treatments, Clarins has the right match for you. Enjoy winter with Clarins whatever your needs are.
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