Precious oils

The latest world trend in hair and skin care is the use of natural botanical and animal oils. This shift to nature is due to the fact that the world is going greener every year.

Nature provides oils for every use, and they are far superior to any chemicals, which should only be used rarely to treat rare conditions for which there is no natural remedy.

For daily care, nature is kinder and will not cause cancer. Their composition is more compatible to skin and hair and their absorption is better. In fact, most of the biggest international brands have eliminated chemical ingredients from their formulas and are now selling the oils in their natural state with just a touch of value addition.

This shift to nature is changing the way cosmetics are being marketed and formulated.

The whole landscape is changing and already the effects have trickled down to Kenya.

Luckily, we are blessed with the best of nature, and natural, chemical-free oils are easily available. The oils are pressed out of their carrier using a cold-press.

No manufacturing is necessary. Some of the top sellers to look out for include:

Coconut oil: This humble oil is widely used especially at the coast. Use it on hair and skin for the best in conditioning and care without any side effects. How to use: Apply a very small quantity to your face at night, avoiding the eyes. It helps to get rid of fungal infections and fine lines. Use on hair as a hot oil treatment.

Sweet almond oil: This is slightly expensive due to the rarity of almonds. It is the gentlest oil for sensitive skin. It is very useful for mature skin as well as babies and children. Use it like any moisturiser after washing your face and body.

Avocado oil: This is a rich and nourishing oil with high vitamin content. It is rich in Vitamin E, which helps to heal the skin, and promotes healthy hair growth.

Camphor oil: This is stimulating oil, which cools the skin on contact, stimulates the hair follicles to grow faster. Do not use on the face.

Castor oil: This is rich oil is used in several products such as lip-gloss and hair pomades. It is very useful when used on thinning hairlines. Use as a lip balm at night.

Cod liver oil: This oil is very rich in Vitamin D. It is one of the most effective anti-ageing oils due to the presence of fish oils. Use at night on the face and neck.

These are just a few of the oils bounty that nature has so graciously provided. Others include olive oil, sunflower oil, safflower oil, grape seed oil, corn oil, peanut oil, sesame oil, lanolin, citrus oil, wheat germ oil and all the essential oils from flowers and plants. Use them to enhance your hair and skin naturally.

PHOTOS: Martin Mukangu. Pictures courtesy of Super Cosmetics, Westlands branch.