The science behind Kind Oils
If you've been using mainstream lotions and potions we understand that moving to a plant oil skincare routine might be hard to get your head around but there are so many proven benefits of using plant oils for skincare. Not only do they contain no synthetic chemicals and are friendly to the environment, they actually work! Here are our 5 favourite reasons to use plant oils...
1. For plump and radiant skin
Plant oils are perfect to help you achieve smooth, plump, glowing skin because they are made of fatty acids - the exact thing that keeps your skin hydrated and plump! We can only produce some of these and the ones we can't are called 'essential fatty acids' which we can only get from our diet or from applying them on our skin. The most common ones are linoleic and oleic acid, which are abundant in rosehip oil, tamanu oil, argan oil, black seed oil, and sea buckthorn oil. These fatty acids provide nutrients, even out overall skin tone, as well as help the skin to retain moisture, leading to smooth, plump, glowing skin - perfect!
2. For blemish free skin
Plant oils contain healing properties that can kill acne-causing bacteria, reduce inflammation and help shed dead skin cells that clog pores creating pimples, blackheads and whiteheads. These beneficial properties are particularly present in tamanu oil and jojoba oil which can significantly calm and heal acne. What's more is that pores get clogged when your skin doesn’t have enough linoleic acid. This fatty acid can be found in most plant oils so by consistently using oils you'll find skin gets everything it needs to become acne free!
3. For healing and regenerating the skin
Not only are plant oils excellent at hydrating and conditioning the skin, they are loaded with fat-soluble vitamins as well as antioxidants, such as vitamins A, C, and E, which are the ultimate skin-regenerating ingredients! These vitamins and antioxidants protect your skin against free radicals which are molecules that damage your skin cells and cause unwanted wrinkles. The best oil to help counter this is rosehip oil is which is packed with antioxidants, and coconut oil contains a natural sunscreen known to block 20% of UV rays.
For conditions such as eczema and rosacea plant oils are remarkable for improving them due to the fatty acids they contain, providing anti-inflammatory properties.
4. For balancing the skin
If your skin is fluctuating between being dry and oily, it's a sign that it's imbalanced. This is mainly caused by an over or under production of sebum which is an oily and waxy substance, naturally produced on the outermost layers of our skin to protect and hydrate. Sebum is made up of ceramides, fatty acids and cholesterol which all protect and hydrate - perfect because all of these components are found in plant oils!
Even though is may seem strange to put oil on oily skin, it's often the best way to restore balance! Along with jojoba oil, argan oil has qualities that regulate sebum so well the skin thinks it's produced it itself, and when applied twice a day has proven to reduce oiliness. Plant oils are a brilliant way to restore the balance of the natural oils that are already on your skin.
5. For repairing the skin's barrier
Over time the skin's barrier gets weaker due to ageing, environmental factors and the use of harsh cleansers which causes dullness and dryness. As the barrier gets stripped away more damage is easily done and skin isn't able to absorb the nutrients that it needs. This can increases sensitivity and trigger inflammation such as redness, dryness, itchiness and even sensations of stinging or burning.
This is where the soothing properties of pure oils can help, like sea buckthorn oil. It helps the skin to rebalance itself and maintain the barrier’s functions, making your skin feel healthier and more resilient against premature ageing.