Cold pressed oils are the latest skincare heroes, especially for dry, sensitive skin that needs constant care, say dermatologists. These nourishing oils, when included in your daily skin and haircare regime can bring about a visible change for the better.
What are cold pressed oils?
Cold pressing is a way of extracting oil (screw pressing) from organically grown seeds, fruits and nuts pressed safely at a cool temperature to protect the oil from rancidity, trans fats, and other toxic processing chemicals. They are processed without chemical extraction, and without solvents like hexane and are high on flavour and nutrient value. Hence, they tend to be more expensive than the other oils.
Are these oils better?
Since no external heat is applied, oil extraction via this method, is a tedious procedure, giving less yield of oils but the quality is far more superior in terms of retaining the natural nutrients, antioxidants, aroma, texture and flavour. There is no cholesterol or transfats which is usually harmful and less beneficial to our body as well as skin. Contrary to this, the normal extraction process uses chemicals and heat to strip oils from the seed or fruit, thereby altering the properties of oils, albeit giving a higher yield.
How to use them?
Cold pressed oils are rich in fatty acids including omega-3, omega-6, and omega-9 fatty acids, along with other phytonutrients. Here are a few ways they can be used....
1. These can be used as a toner and a moisturiser.
2. Few oils containing avocado can be used as a good anti-ageing cream as they are rich in antioxidants.
3. These oils act as a good hair mask and help in treating frizzy hair and prevents split ends.
4. Apply a few drops on wet, damp hair for styling.
5. Two drops of morus alba oil at night on dry skin does wonders
6. Two to three drops of orange oil under make-up works as a fantastic primer.
7. A few drops of tea tree oil help in battling acne and oily skin.
8. Oils containing silicon, hyaluronic acid, argan oil etc can be used on skin under makeup.
9. Oils with active ingredients like aroma ingredients (tea tree oil, peppermint, calendula, chamomile) as well as vitamins and nourishing agents, should be best used on face and neck.
10. It may reduce inflammation, irritation and infections of skin and scalp.
11. It can help to regulate sebum (oil) production and water loss from the skin and the scalp, providing adequate moisturisation, thereby improving colour, tone and texture of skin, scalp and hair.
12. It protects the skin, scalp and hair from environmental damages and infections.
What do you think? Are cold pressed oils a passing fad or here to stay? Tell us in the comments section.