Types of Oils and Benefits and Uses

This is just a small list of the oils that I've used and the notes I've made on them in my own notebooks. This is just the beginning of all the knowledge you can collect on these oils and should be used just as a starting point of reference.


Jojoba Oil [Simmondsia chinensis]

• Botanical extract of the jojoba tree and is actually a wax ester not an oil. This gives it a longer shelf-life
• Most similar to human skin oil (sebum)
• Store in a cool, dry place - not in the shower
• May get cloudy or develop floating wax particles (especially in cool weather), this is normal
• Has anti-microbial properties because it contains traces of iodine
• Spreads well (slicker) and absorbs well but too much produces shine
• USES:
• Moisturizer - on its own or with other oils helps skin, lips, cuticles, etc
• Cleanser - Not an eye irritant - can be used to remove mascara, lipstick, etc
• Hair Conditioner - use a few drops in current conditioner or on its own before blow drying to protect hair or after as a smoothing agent

Sesame Oil 

• Slightly heavier oil used to treat eczema, psoriasis, and arthritis
• Rich in Vitamin E and B
• Cell growth regulator and slows down cell growth and replication
• Antioxidents help reduce appearance of fine lines and wrinkles
• cut with Almond Oil to reduce scent
• USES:
• Moisturizer
• Massage Oil
• Suntan lotion - naturally blocks UV
• Healing - improves blood circulation which helps repair damaged skin cells
• Eczema and psoriasis treatment
• Acne treatment and prevention - oil pulling properties

Sweet Almond Oil

• Great emollient (moisturizer) - softens and smooths
• Suitable for any skin  type
• All purpose base oil - most popular
• Relieves skin irritation , rashes, burns
• NOT safe for people with nut allergies
• Can leave stains on sheets and clothes
• Can go bad (shorter shelf life) - mix with wheat germ oil to extend life
• Doesn't penetrate as deeply as other oils
• USES:
• Moisturizer - all purpose
• Soothe irritated, dry, chapped skin, rashes, burns, etc
• used under eyes to treat dark circles and ease crows feet

Tamanu Oil [Calophyllum inophyllum]

• Anti-inflammatory, anti-neuralgic, anti-biotic, anti-oxidant, anti-fungal, and anti-cancer
• One of the most amazing oils on the planet and considered often to be "liquid green gold"
• Treats a range of infections: ring worm, athlete's foot, etc
• Recommended in blends at 10-20% of total concentration to receive healing effects
• Penetrates all 3 layers of skin
• USES:
• Healing/First Aid - ringworm, athlete's foot, infected wounds/burns, cuts, sunburn, bites and stings, blisters, warts
• anti-inflammatory - reduces redness, swelling, rashes, sores, abrasions
• analgesic (pain relieving) - sciatica, shingles, rheumatism, puled muscles, sprains
• Beauty - natural deodarant
• treats acne, psoriasis, eczema, sunburn, dry/scaly skin, removes/reduces age spots
• amazing for scars and stretch marks
• This is just about the most amazing oil ever.. google it to read about it's proven abilities.

Avocado Oil

• High in Vitamin E, A, B, D and momosaturated fats
• High in sterolins to reduce age spots, heal sun damage and scars
• Significantly increases collagen in skin
• Easily absorbed deeply so perfect for psoriasis/eczema
• Improves hair growth when rubbed into scalp
• Heaver oil lends to fattier feel to skin
• USES:
• Healing - very beneficial in psoriasis/eczema
• blocks sun - natural sunscreen
• Beauty - reduces age spots, heals sun damage
• moisturizer
• Regenerates/rejuvinates skin

Extra Virgin Olive Oil

• All of the above and more. It's one of the great multi-use oils. It is on the heavier side though so it's a little messy to use for "cosmetic" reasons.

Then there's Coconut Oil... Safflower Oil.. Sunflower Oil... Grapeseed... the list doesn't end. Best thing is just pick one or two that sounds like they do most of what you want and go from there :)