Natural oils – which one for what? Benefits and uses.
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Natural plant oils have been used in skin and hair care for centuries. They are rich in vitamins, antioxidants, and fatty acids, which support skin regeneration, hydration, and protection. The right oil can help combat dryness, acne, irritation, and damaged hair.
Find out which oil to choose for your specific needs and how to use it properly.
Tamanu oil – skin regeneration and healing
For whom:
- problematic skin
- acne-prone skin
- skin with scars and discolorations
- mature skin
Properties:
- strong regenerating effect
- supports skin healing
- has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties
How to use:
- spot treatment for scars and acne lesions
- as an addition to regenerating creams
- for irritations and minor skin damage
Arnica mountain oil – for swelling and bruising
For whom:
- physically active people
- for swelling and bruising
- with muscle tension
- vascular and acne-prone skin
Properties:
- has anti-inflammatory properties
- reduces swelling
- supports muscle regeneration
- strengthens blood vessels
How to use:
- for massaging sore muscles
- for bruises and contusions
- as an ingredient in sports ointments and balms
- as an ingredient in creams for vascular skin
- spot treatment for acne lesions
- as an addition to toners and soothing serums
- in cosmetics that reduce redness
⚠️ Do not use on open wounds. It is best to use diluted, as in its pure form it may irritate sensitive skin.
Black cumin oil – support for problematic skin
For whom:
- acne-prone skin
- sensitive skin
- skin with inflammatory problems
Properties:
- has anti-inflammatory properties
- supports the fight against acne
- soothes irritations
How to use:
- as a face serum
- addition to masks
- for scalp care
Black cumin oil – for which scalp?
It works best for:
Scalp with dandruff – has antifungal properties and helps reduce dandruff.
For sensitive and irritated skin , it soothes itching, redness, and inflammation. For skin prone to hair loss , it supports hair follicles and may stimulate hair growth.
Oily skin – helps regulate sebum secretion.
Skin with seborrheic dermatitis – has a soothing and anti-inflammatory effect.
How to use on the scalp
massage a small amount of oil into the scalp
leave for 30–60 minutes before washing
can be used 1-2 times a week.
Tip : Black cumin oil can be mixed with other hair oils, such as jojoba, castor or argan, to enhance its nourishing properties.
Almond oil – gentle skin care
Almond oil is one of the mildest vegetable oils, which is why it is often used in cosmetics for sensitive skin and in natural care.
For whom:
- sensitive skin
- dry skin
- children's and infants' skin
Properties:
- intensively moisturizes
- soothes irritations
- improves skin elasticity
How to use:
- as a massage oil
- for body care after bathing
- for makeup removal
- for oiling medium and high porosity hair before washing or as a smoothing serum
Sea buckthorn oil – a vitamin bomb for the skin
Sea buckthorn oil is one of the richest natural sources of palmitoleic acid (omega-7), which supports skin regeneration and its natural protective barrier.
For whom:
- dry skin
- mature skin
- skin with discoloration
Properties:
- very rich in vitamin C and E
- strong antioxidant effect
- supports skin regeneration
How to use:
- a few drops to the cream
- as a regenerating serum
- for scars and discolorations
⚠️ May slightly stain the skin orange.
Comfrey oil with sideritis – skin regeneration and care
For whom:
- irritated skin
- skin requiring regeneration
- for muscle and joint pain
Properties:
- supports skin regeneration
- has a soothing and anti-inflammatory effect
- supports tissue regeneration
How to use:
- for massaging painful areas
- for dry and damaged skin
- as an ingredient in natural ointments
Bay laurel oil – help with skin problems
For whom:
- problematic skin
- oily skin
- skin with dandruff
Properties:
- has antibacterial properties
- supports the fight against dandruff
- regulates the functioning of the scalp
How to use:
- for scalp care
- as an addition to oiling oily and weakened hair
- spot on skin lesions
Coconut oil – intense hydration and regeneration
For whom:
- dry skin
- normal skin
- low porosity hair
Properties:
- strongly moisturizes and lubricates
- has antibacterial properties
- supports skin regeneration
- may reduce itching and skin irritation
- supports oral hygiene - it is sometimes used as an ingredient in natural toothpastes
How to use:
- as a hair mask before washing
- as a body lotion
- for skin massage
⚠️ In people with acne-prone skin, it may clog pores - comedogenic.
Argan oil – the elixir of youth
For whom:
- mature skin
- dry and sensitive skin
- dull and brittle hair
Properties:
- has anti-aging properties
- improves skin elasticity
- strengthens hair
How to use:
- a few drops instead of facial serum
- on the ends of the hair
- as an addition to cream
Jojoba oil – perfect for problematic skin
For whom:
- mixed leather
- oily skin
- acne-prone skin
Properties:
- regulates sebum secretion
- has anti-inflammatory properties
- moisturizes without feeling greasy
How to use:
- instead of night cream
- as a make-up removal oil (OCM method)
- for beard care
Castor oil – strengthening hair and eyelashes
For whom:
- people with weakened hair
- for the problem of hair loss
- for eyelash and eyebrow care
Properties:
- strengthens hair bulbs
- accelerates hair growth
- nourishes eyebrows and eyelashes
How to use:
- scalp mask before washing
- for eyelashes and eyebrows at night
- mixed with other hair oils
Castor oil – other traditional uses
For calluses and calloused skin – helps soften hard skin, e.g. on elbows, knees or heels.
For calluses and corns – regular lubrication can help soften thickened skin.
For scars and stretch marks – supports skin hydration and improves its elasticity.
For dry skin of hands and feet – has a strong moisturizing and regenerating effect.
For warts and minor skin lesions – in natural care it is sometimes applied topically to the skin.
Some Ayurvedic practices consider the navel to be an energetic center or "connection center in the body." This leads to the belief that oils poured into the navel can affect various organs or health issues.
Grape seed oil – a light oil for oily skin
For whom:
- oily skin
- mixed leather
- acne-prone skin
Properties:
- light consistency
- has antioxidant properties
- helps tighten pores
How to use:
- as a light face serum
- for facial massage
Vegetable butters in skincare
Shea butter
For whom :
- very dry skin
- high porosity hair
Properties :
- strongly lubricates
- protects against moisture loss
- reduces hair frizz
Cocoa butter
For whom:
- dry skin
- medium/low porosity hair
Properties :
- smoothes and lubricates
- improves skin elasticity
How to use oils correctly?
1. On damp skin
Oils work best on slightly damp skin – they then retain water in the epidermis.
2. A few drops are enough
Natural oils are very effective. Just 2–3 drops per face are enough.
3. Oiling your hair
Oils that can be used:
- dry before washing
- wet after washing
- on the ends of the hair
4. Selection for skin type
The most important thing is to match the oil to the skin's needs – not every oil will work for oily or acne-prone skin.
In skincare, we often talk about the comedogenicity of oils, meaning their ability to clog pores and cause blackheads. The comedogenicity scale usually ranges from 0 to 5:
0–1 – very low risk of clogging
2–3 – medium risk
4–5 – high risk of clogging
It is worth remembering that skin reactions are individual – even an oil considered non-comedogenic may cause imperfections in some people.
Non-comedogenic oils (lowest risk of clogging)
Especially recommended for oily, combination and acne-prone skin.
Comedogenicity
Low-comedogenic oils
Grape seed oil 1
Sunflower oil 0
Hemp oil 0
Black cumin oil 1
Jojoba oil 1
Argan oil 0
Raspberry seed oil 0–1
Tamanu oil 2
Why they are light:
They contain a lot of linoleic acid, which helps regulate sebum secretion.
Medium comedogenic oils
They may be suitable for normal or dry skin, but should be used with caution if you have acne-prone skin.
Almond oil 2
Olive oil 2
Avocado oil 2–3
Apricot kernel oil 2
Comedogenic oils (more likely to clog pores)
They work best for very dry skin, but may not be good for acne-prone skin.
Coconut oil 4
Cocoa butter 4
Wheat germ oil 5
Palm oil 4
Linseed oil 4
Tips for choosing oil
Oily or acne-prone skin: it is best to choose oils with a comedogenicity rating of 0-1.
Normal skin : 0–2 oils can be used.
Very dry skin : oils 3–4 will also work.
Summary
Natural oils are one of the simplest and most effective ways to care for your skin and hair. However, it's important to remember that the key to success is choosing the right oil and using it regularly.
Tip:
When using oils, it is always worth performing an allergy test by applying a small amount of the product to a small area of skin.