Having oil in your skincare regimen isn’t new and has been a popular notion since the beginning of time.
Ayurveda, the ancient Indian science of wellness, for instance, relies on natural oils for various skin treatments and therapies.
A skin-friendly oil is an absolute champion when it comes to hydration and nourishment and is no less than a saviour during those harsh winter months when no amount of moisturizer seems to suffice.
However, much of the oil’s nutrients tend to get destroyed in the process of extracting that usually involves an extensive amount of heat.
In comes the new ‘it’ product that has taken the beauty world by storm: Cold-pressed oil.
What is meant by cold-pressed oil?
Cold pressing involves crushing seeds, fruits, or nuts at a high speed while deliberately maintaining a temperature of not more than 27 degrees Celsius throughout the process. The oil you get using this method is called cold-pressed oil.
What is the difference between cold-pressed oil and regular?
The basic method of extracting any oil from the seeds is the same. The seeds are pressurized and put between plates to release their natural oils.
However, in the case of processed oils, a significant amount of heat is involved to speed up the process and also increase the amount of oil produced.
Though you get more product as a result, the majority of nutrients (and aroma) of the oil get destroyed in the heating process. Cold-pressed oil on the other hand is not subjected to any heat or chemicals and is thus able to retain the maximum of its natural nutritional value.
Though some amount of heat is produced due to the friction caused in the procedure of crushing the seeds, it’s not high enough to cause any damage to the oil.
The whole process of cold pressing is tedious and delicate as the oil has to be protected from unnecessary contact with light, oxygen, and heat to prevent any chemical changes in the pristine form of the oil.
Is cold-pressed oil better?
Natural cold-pressed oil is definitely a better and wiser choice. Though the yield is lesser, the oil produced using cold pressing is of superior quality as it retains its nutrients, aroma, antioxidants, and texture.
This procedure also keeps the oil from releasing trans-fats or cholesterol, which aren’t beneficial for your skin.
Since cold-pressed oils don’t have any chemicals, they are better for use in beauty products and for application on sensitive skin.
Some cold-pressed oils also help treat a variety of skin concerns such as acne, signs of ageing and dryness, and hair problems such as hair fall and dandruff.
How do you know if the oil is cold-pressed?
These days, a lot of brands market their oils as cold-pressed but it is wise to know some tell-tale signs to know whether those claims are true.
Look for the ingredients on the label, if there are any preservatives or chemicals in the composition, then that oil isn’t cold-pressed. Cold-pressed oils also have a stronger aroma than ordinary oils.
Also, most genuine brands sell cold-pressed oils in dark bottles to limit the oil’s contact with light and maintain its quality.
The labels of cold-pressed oils always come with an advisory of storing them in cool, dry places and away from sunlight.
While buying cold-pressed oil online, look for the shelf life. Any genuine cold-pressed oil doesn’t have a shelf life of more than six months.
Which cold-pressed oil is best for the body?
Now that you know all the upsides of using natural cold-pressed oil, it’s time to invest in one ASAP. You’ll easily find a suitable cold-pressed oil online that can be used to achieve specific skin goals:
1. Forest Essentials Organic Cold Pressed Virgin Oil Almond
This organic cold-pressed oil made from sweet almonds using traditional wooden ‘kohlus’ is an exceptionally great oil for everyday massage on the face and body.
It naturally evens the skin tone, relaxes muscles, and helps in flushing out the toxins from skin tissues. It is a multi-purpose oil that can be applied on hair as well to improve its texture using its natural conditioning properties.
2. Kama Ayurveda Organic Moringa Oil
This is a 100% natural and organic cold-pressed oil extracted from the seeds of the moringa tree.
Moringa seeds are an excellent natural source of vitamin A & E, both of which are essential for hydrating and nourishing the skin.
Also rich in antioxidants and oleic acid, this oil doesn’t just hydrate but also protects your skin from environmental aggressors like pollution.
3. Earth Rhythm Organic Cold Pressed Grape Seed Oil
Grapeseed oil is a lightweight oil that suits all skin types equally and is one of the safest products to use on sensitive skin.
Enriched with high levels of linoleic acid, this oil helps in unclogging pores and preventing acne.
Vitamin C and E further protect the skin from UV rays and sun damage while moisturizing and balancing your skin.
4. Just Herbs Extra Virgin Coconut Oil
A rich source of vitamin E, this cold-pressed extra virgin coconut oil enhances your skin’s protective barrier and also entraps the moisture inside your skin cells for a longer period.
It is a gift for inflamed or irritated skin as it is known to have a healing and soothing effect. For best results, apply this oil on moist skin after a shower.
5. Ohria Ayurveda Cold Pressed Raw Sesame Oil
Sesame is a miraculous herb used in Ayurveda for its healing properties. Its oil too is rich in nutrients like calcium and is beneficial for both skin and hair.
Its antimicrobial nature protects the skin against infections and its anti-inflammatory properties are beneficial for soothing irritated skin and also helps fight acne. This oil doesn’t clog your pores and hence is suitable for oily skin.
Hope this article has been successful in introducing you to the wonderful world of cold-pressed oils.
Choose the best natural cold-pressed oil made from organically cultivated seeds and nuts for reaping the maximum nutritional value from these oils for your skin.
Also Read: Avocado Oil for Cooking
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