5 oils that work like magic for your hair and skin  

Oils have been an integral part of our self-care routines since before self-care became a mainstream concept. With their properties to sooth, heal, nourish, and repair our body, various oils have been unmissable ingredients in the concoctions our grandmothers used as one of the most natural forms of self care. 

While the sense of nostalgia of hair and skin oiling has been locked into the box of memories of a traditional childhood in many parts of the world including India, the Middle-East, Italy, France, and Brazil, our current obsession with organic skin care is tapping back into it. 

Here is a list of five oils that can beautifully add to your self care and self love routines.

ARGAN OIL | MOROCCO 

A strong source of linoleic and oleic fatty acids, omega-6, and vitamin E.

Benefits for Skin: This anti-inflammatory oil helps treat acne, heals wound, and reverses sings of ageing. It's soothing effect makes it apt for various skin conditions like atopic dermatitis, rosacea, and psoriasis.

Benefits for Hair: With deeply hydrating properties, it improves hair elasticity, increases shine, prevents breakage, and protects from mechanical stress.

COCONUT OIL | WEST AFRICA and SOUTH INDIA

A rich source of medium-chain-triglycerides—a type of saturated fat—coconut oil contains lauric acid and capric acid which are anti-microbial and the intensely hydrating linoleic acid.

Benefits for Skin: It is deeply hydrating, anti-inflammatory, treats acne, and reduces acne scars formation. It protects the skin barrier and also helps even out skin tone.

Benefits for Hair: The oil's properties are instrumental in preventing protein loss, reducing breakage, and protecting from environmental damage. It deeply moisturises and drastically improves shine and smoothness. Additionally, it helps prevent dandruff and lice prevention.

JOJOBA OIL | SOUTHERN ARIZONA, SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA, NORTHWESTERN MEXICO 

A concentrated source of natural forms of vitamin E, jojoba oil has strong antioxidant powers, is anti-inflammatory, has high levels of vitamins C and B, copper, and zinc, and is used as a water preservative.

Benefits for Skin: It aids sebum control and acne prevention, reduces pore size, strengthens skin barrier and maintains moisture levels. It boasts of anti-ageing properties, aids collagen synthesis, heals eczema, brightens skin, and prevents other skin ailments.

Benefits for Hair: It preserves moistures levels in hair and provides deep nourishment to follicles, thus reducing breakage. It slows down oxidative stress and aids in dandruff treatment. 

MUSTARD OIL | NORTHERN INDIA, PAKISTAN, CHINA, RUSSIA

A naturally balanced source of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, it contains both mono-unsaturated fatty acids and poly-unsaturated fatty acids. It is rich in vitamins A, B complex, E, calcium, and zinc, and increases blood flow.

Benefits for Skin: It is a natural exfoliator and with regular use it is also said to brighten the skin. The oil also protects against the harsh UV rays. It also visibly reduces dark spots, is anti-inflammatory, and controls acne. Had enough of your holiday tan? Mustard oil helps remove tan and gives the skin a natural glow.

Benefits for Hair: It prevents scalp flaking, soothes dry and itchy scalp, smoothes frizz, prevents split ends, treats dandruff, reduces scalp inflammation, and improves the hair's texture. 

ROSEMARY OIL | SPAIN, TUNISIA 

A powerful source of vitamins A,C, and B6, folate, niacin, manganese, and riboflavin.

Benefits for Skin: It aids in acne prevention, smoothes fine lines, reduces inflammation, tightens skin, reduces under eye bags and puffiness, and improves circulation.

Benefits for Hair: It aids in stimulating blood flow to the scalp, prevents premature greying, reduces dandruff, improves scalp health, and accelerates hair growth.