Skin care woes bugging you? Magical oils to the rescue!

WHILE THESE NUTRIENTRICH OILS ARE GREAT FOR DRY AND MATURE SKIN, PEOPLE WITH COMBINATION OR OILY SKIN SHOULD USE THESE INGREDIENTS ONLY AFTER CHECKING WITH A DERMATOLOGIST

There has been a rise in the use of rare and unusual ingredients in beauty and personal care products because of their myriad health and skin care benefits. From sea buckthorn and moringa to pomegranate seed and olive oil, it’s time for you to add some oils to your beauty regime. Here is a list of some of the top picks to help get you started:

■ Sea buckthorn: With a long history of usage in folk medicine, the high fatty acid and vitamin content of this oil makes it beneficial for various concerns of skin, hair, and nails. Sea buckthorn oil has high anti-oxidant and antiinflammatory properties and can be used as a natural moisturiser, cleanser, and exfoliant that gives a golden glow.

■ Moringa: Moringa oil has soothing and antiinflammatory properties along with anti-ageing benefits. It also rejuvenates dull and tired skin. Extracted from the seeds of Moringa Oleifera, this oil is extremely rich in phytonutrients. It is light on the skin and makes for an excellent moisturiser.

■ Marula: This oil contains a high amount of Omega-6 and Omega-9 fatty acids as well as essential antioxidants. This elixir of youth can miraculously reverse the damage done by UV rays, works for every skin type, balances moisture levels, treats acne, blemishes, and scars, and is a boon for hair care.

■ Pomegranate seeds: Pomegranate seed oil is an exceptional cosmetic ingredient and aids in the production of collagen. It is full of antioxidants such as Punic acid (Omega-5), vitamins K, C, and B6, folate, and potassium. It heals blemishes and scars as well as revitalises dull, dry hair, protecting it from pollution. It has excellent regenerative and anti-inflammatory benefits, making it a powerful healer for mature and dry skin.

■ Olive oil: Olive oil contains vitamin E, an antioxidant that provides nourishment to the skin and improves skin health. The light and nongreasy texture of olive oil helps in moisturising the skin and in treating inflammation and acne. Don’t restrict its use to just in your salad.

■ Almond oil: Very light in texture, almond oil is rich in vitamin E and protects the skin against oxidative stress. It also helps prevent acne and puffiness under the eyes.

■ Coconut oil: Coconut oil is not just good for your hair. It is a natural moisturiser and is enriched with anti-bacterial properties. It helps strengthen the skin’s barrier, and keeps the skin soft and smooth.

■ Sunflower oil: Sunflower oil contains a high quantity of vitamins E, A, C, and D. It helps in preventing skin problems and improves the health of the skin by preventing acne, unclogging the pores, and moisturising it. Being rich in nutrients and antioxidants, sunflower oil also helps in reducing wrinkles and fine lines.

PHOTOS: ISTOCK Pomegranate seed oil is a powerful healer for mature and dry skin