Much like how fat-free foods are seen as healthy alternatives, oil-free cosmetics are perceived by many women to be better for their skin. The current rage for beauty oils, however, is changing that notion, with non-greasy formulas becoming a skincare staple, particularly for those concerned with signs of ageing.
Dr Terry Loong
British brand The Body Shop has released its Oils of Life collection featuring three plant seed oils claiming to be potent skin revitalisers.
"Just like how parents pass DNA to their children, plants do this through seeds. What sets plants apart is that concentrated inside each seed is the power to fuel new life," explained botanist Jennifer Hirsch who is one of The Body Shop's independent experts.
Compared to nuts, seeds are virtually naked without a shell to protect them from the outside world. Instead, nature has armed seeds with protective phytonutrients present in the oils.
Founded in 1976 by the late Dame Anita Roddick, The Body Shop is known for its natural products made with plant ingredients sourced from all over the world.
Oils of Life
Accordingly, the new skincare range features three seed oils from black cumin from the Egyptian Nile Valley; rosehip from the Andean foothills of Chile; and camellia from the evergreen trees of China.
Each seed oil provides different phytonutrients. The black cumin seed oil is concentrated with antioxidants, the rosehip seed oil is rich in Omega fatty acids, while camellia seed oil contains oleic acids.
"The Body Shop picked these three oils because they represent the best balance of activity for an optimal blend suitable even for use in a humid climate," said Hirsch. "Each oil is a superstar itself though. These natural powerhouses provide fundamental nutrients from antioxidants to vitamins. They are cold-pressed to their pure form while preserving their properties and ensuring skin affinity."
Another independent expert, Dr Terry Loong, agreed that oils have become skincare's new obsession because not only are they nourishing, lightweight and quick to absorb, but they also have a texture that allows penetration into the skin.
"Seed oils are particularly exciting because their potency provides nutrition and radiance," said the UK-based doctor. "My clients have learned about the benefits of using oil on skin and understand that facial oils won't make your skin oilier. Oils have the ability to leave skin soft and supple without being greasy or sticky, while mitigating irritation thanks to the natural healing effects of the oils."
Applied before a cream every morning and evening, the lightweight Intensely Revitalising Facial Oil is made from 99% oils of natural origin. The oils help prevent water loss from the skin, which is important for mature skin.
"Skincare in the 50s should focus on hydration to help support collagen and re-energise the skin. Using oils during this phase will help calm and nourish the skin while maintaining hydration," she said.
Jennifer Hirsch.
Those younger can also enjoy the skin-nourishing benefit of the formula, added Dr Loong, who sees more women concerned about looking older than their age.
"Women start ageing from the age of 25 onwards, when skin elasticity starts to drop. I find most women in their 20s don't hydrate themselves enough which leads to fine lines and wrinkles, especially around the eyes," she said. "I always recommend women in their 20s start investing in good skincare products, and they can use the facial oil to prevent signs of premature ageing."
As an integrative cosmetic and skin doctor, she penned the book The Hormonal Acne Solution. As people may shy away from using beauty oils in fear of breakouts, Dr Loong explains that the oil itself does not cause acne, which is a complex problem triggered by a combination of factors such as impurities, inflammation and a nutritional and hormonal imbalance.
The Oils of Life range also includes essence lotion, gel-cream and a richer moisturising cream as well as a twin-ball facial massager.
"People need to be conscious to change their moisturiser depending on whether they are travelling, lifestyle changes or when the weather changes. It's important to understand your skin and be aware when you are over- or under-moisturising," advised Dr Loong.
The massager is used to give the skin a "dance workout" designed by facialist Vanda Serrador.
"Dancing isn't just for toning your body. It's also an amazing way to give your face a full workout. You can either use your fingertips or the facial massager in a series of choreographed movements to help tone your facial muscles," she said.
A few drops of facial oil is massaged into the skin in circular motions, using the palm of the hands to apply all over the face, including your neck and behind the ears, with smooth gentle strokes. This sensuous massage will help blood flow evenly and stimulate lymphatic drainage.
The following facial workout then uses the massager to help maintain a connection with the skin through strong and dynamic movements, focusing especially on jaw, cheeks and up towards the ear.
"The more you repeat the movements, the more natural your dance facial workout will feel," said Serrador. "Oils have the most wonderful effect on the complexion due to their high affinity with the skin. You can literally see the radiance and suppleness being restored and dull skin coming back to life as all of those incredible nutrients go to work."
Oils of Life Intensely Revitalising Facial Oil with a blend of seed oils from black cumin, rosehip and camellia.
Twin-Ball Revitalising Facial Massager.
Intensely Revitalising Essence Lotion, Gel Cream and Cream.
