If you have any skin sensitivity, do not use any new products without doing a skin test or consulting a doctor.
It’s never too soon to start getting into a skincare routine, but after the age of 25, it should really be mandatory. There are so many things we take for granted when we’re younger: all-nighters, speedy night out recovery, ability to eat carbs and fats without any bowel problems, and above all else, youthful impervious skin. And while most of those things are fixed with the sense and experience that comes with age, alas – skin does not. By the time you realise you should start looking after it, most of the damage is done. Skincare is definitely an area where the words “the best offence is a good defence” ring true. Preventative measures are key.
But not to worry, even if you’re joining the party a little late, the important thing is that you’re here. And since you’re here, you might as well do it right. No doubt you’ve been bombarded with endless ads about various products that do this and that, but there’s only one category of skincare that you should invest your time and energy into oils.
Now, this might seem counterintuitive. “Oily skin is what gives people spots!” – I hear you cry out? Wrong! It’s just a misconception of oils and what it means – it’s all about finding the right oil. When you’re growing up, your hormones play all kinds of tricks on you, and yes, an oily complexion can be problematic. But once you’ve left puberty behind and your hormones, hopefully, have settled, understanding the benefits of oil is the key to healthy and younger-looking skin.
The health of your skin, especially on your face, is all about maintaining a healthy balance of various oils. Oils not only help to trap water and hydrate your skin, but also strengthen the outer layer, fortifying the cells and preventing water loss. Most moisturisers, even the expensive types, are chockablock full of chemicals and won’t be nearly as effective. Oils are like a breath of fresh air for your skin and you’ll be amazed at how much more supple and smooth your skin looks and feels.
An important thing to remember is that oils that suit your body won’t necessarily suit your face. Coconut oil is great for your body – especially your decolletage, but for some, it can be a little strong for your face and can lead to breakouts. There are lots of different types of natural oils that suit different skin types, so based on your complexion, spend a little time to see what might be best for you. Generally, a good rule of thumb when picking out any products is: the more ingredients are chemical, the worse it is for your skin. Pure and simple is best.
With that in mind, there’s a particular product you should be aware of – Taza Ayurveda. This splendid startup is the definition of cutting to the chase with an all-natural, superior product. The fact that their beauty range is limited to just a handful of items should tell you that this brand is not about the thrills and, let’s face it (pun intended!), false promises of endless beauty brands that have dozens of different creams claiming to target different parts of your face or body. Taza offers a universal oil for your body, a facial oil, a digestive supplement and an eco-friendly loofa. That’s it! There’s no pomp or elaborate circumstance at Taza – when you know a product works, you don’t need myriad variations of it. The facial oil performs many duties: daily moisturiser, lip balm, night serum – just imagine how much time, money, effort, space and wasteful packaging you can save when you have a product that serves so many purposes – and serves them very well!
A big part of Taza’s success and effectiveness is that Ayurveda is a whole lifestyle that co-founder Divya brought from her Indian roots. Their chic and welcoming website covers lots of useful topics from diet to daily routine, physical and mental health, all with a holistic approach to learning how to heal and balance your body and life in an all-natural way. Just looking at their page of ingredients will make your skin crave these products!
These oils will set you back a bit, price-wise, but the other advantage of using oils over standard moisturisers or toners is that they last a very very long time. You barely need a few drops for thorough coverage so one of their bottles will last you a while, and you’ll be getting more than your money’s worth in terms of results. Plus, since we mentioned eco-friendliness, this is a very environmentally conscious brand – all the more reason to ditch highstreet dime a dozen moisturisers that not only don’t work and are full of synthetic ingredients, but come in highly impractical, non-recycled or recyclable packaging.
Taza is just one great example, but the main lesson to take away from them is to keep things natural. There are so many skin treatments that you can DIY at home from all fresh, organic products and your skin will love you for it. Everyone’s complexion is different, so see what natural oils suit your skin the best and revitalise your cleansing and moisturising routine! If you’ve found a moisturiser that works well with your skin, don’t ditch it – you still need it for hydration. But supplement it with an oil-based nighttime regime to maximise its effectiveness, prevent moisture loss and promote healing while you sleep! Weekend naps and lots of water are also encouraged!
Useful tip: apply oils to slightly damp skin (after you’ve cleansed) – the layer of water actually helps your skin to absorb the oil, creating an even spread and helping to trap in the moisture.
