Natural Moisturizing Oils

If you can afford a peptide-infused super cream that takes care of your moisture problems and wrinkle woes in one fell swoop, then you're already ahead of the game. But if your budget is stretched thin, or if you prefer a homeopathic remedy for your skin problems, we have some helpful suggestions for you. Take a look at these natural moisturizing oils - there's a remedy for virtually any skin problem you may need to fix!

Argan Oil for Hair, Skin, and Nails

Argan oil is the new, exotic beauty treatment straight from the flatlands of Morocco. Farmers harvest the fruit of the argan tree, extract the seeds from inside the fruit's hard pit, and elderly village artisans (specifically, women) grind the seeds up by hand in order to extract the precious oil.

There are over half a dozen different essential fatty acids in every drop of pure, organic argan oil. These fatty acids help moisturize skin while bolstering elasticity, helping to make fine lines less visible. Argan oil also thickens the shaft of every strand of hair, protecting it from dryness and damage. It can even reinforce the nail bed for stronger, thicker nails. This Moroccan import truly is an all-in-one solution for practically any aesthetic problem you may have right now. We can't recommend it enough.

Butters for Smooth Skin: Cocoa and Shea

If you're having trouble getting your hands on a sample of argan oil, don't worry; it's not the only skin-nourishing fish in the sea. Two of the most popular alternatives - which have been around for decades - are cocoa butter and shea butter. Although some people may think they are closely related, they come from very different sources. Cocoa butter is a byproduct of the fermentation process that makes chocolate, whereas shea butter comes from plants that also have their roots in African soil.

Like argan oil, these butters contain some skin-nourishing fatty acids: palmitic, stearic, and oleic acids. Together, these acids help nourish skin by fortifying the external moisture barrier, repairing damage to collagen and elastin, and improving your overall skin tone. Other than moisturizing, their primary use in the skincare industry involves helping women make their stretch marks and cellulite become less visible.

Food Oils: Olive, Avocado, and Coconut Oil, Oh My!

Many different food oils, especially those derived from plant sources, can be great for the health and appearance of your skin. First, let's talk about olive oil. This isn't just an essential ingredient for every single Italian recipe known to man; it's also helpful for keeping skin moist and evening out your complexion. It contains squalene, which is the source of its moisturizing power. It also contains several anti-aging antioxidants.

Avocado oil, another excellent oil for cooking, can also do double-duty as a face moisturizer. It contains many of the fatty acids that cocoa butter, shea, and argan oil do; but not all of them. And for people with very sensitive skin, avocado is definitely the way to go. Unlike drugstore moisturizers and even some natural remedies, avocado oil is one of the least likely oils to cause skin irritation. So say goodbye to that contact dermatitis, eczema, itchy skin, and more!

Lastly, we would be remiss if we left coconut out of the discussion when it comes to edible oils that are just as yummy as they are good for your skin. Out of the three major players, coconut oil definitely has the best scent of them all! But it offers more than just a delicious fragrance. In addition to having some of the skin-protecting fatty acids we mentioned earlier, it also has antimicrobial properties. And you don't have to limit its use to just your face - you can use in on your hands, elbows, cuticles, and even your hair.

No matter which natural, moisturizing oil you decide to put on your skin - whether it's argan oil, shea butter, or half a coconut you decide to rub on your face - Mother Nature is a great resource when it comes to solving your skin care problems. Also, keep in mind that it doesn't have to be a "one or the other" game. You can mix and match professional strength beauty creams with natural oils in order to enhance your complexion. Whether you use natural oils, clinically proven skin creams, or both, you can leave the house knowing for sure that you're putting your best face forward.