Cold pressed oils are all the rage right now, and for good reason. But there is a lot of confusion around what they do and who all can even use them. The truth is that the answer to these two questions depends on which oil it is that you are referring to. But there are some general pointers that you should keep in mind about oils. Let us take a look.

What are cold pressed oils?

The term ‘cold pressed’ actually refers to the process of extracting the oil itself. In cold pressing, the seeds are pressed using a pressing machine without adding any external heat. This ensures that all the nutrients and vitamins are preserved in the oil.

Oils work wonders for the skin and hair. But are they suitable for everyone? Well, it depends on which oil you are talking about. Certain oils are more lightweight in consistency than others and are well-suited to oilier skin types. There is also a rating known as the comedogenic rating that lets you know how pore-clogging the oil may be. This gives a good indication of whether you should use the oil or not – especially if you are acne-prone

What do oils do for the skin?

Oils are great at moisturising, nourishing, and rejuvenating the skin, scalp, and hair. They are rich in vitamins and nutrients and can really make a difference in your skincare and haircare routines.

One salient point of all oils is that they are occlusive in nature. This means that they form a layer over the skin and scalp, preventing any water loss. Water loss through the layers of the skin is one of the most common reasons for dry and damaged skin. An oil goes a long way in ensuring that this water loss – also known as Transepidermal Water Loss – slows down or does not occur. Given their occlusive nature, oils are also great at sealing in the nourishment and goodness of the skincare you used prior to applying the oil. In a way you can say that oils help the rest of your skincare perform and absorb better.

Let us now take a look at some popular organic oils that can be used on the skin, hair, and scalp:

Hemp Oil

Hemp oil is a nourishing oil that is rich in essential fatty acids, antioxidants, and vitamins. This oil is known to be soothing and rejuvenating and can help with acne as well. It strengthens the skin barrier and works well for all skin types. It also helps balance the skin’s sebum production.

It is also non-comedogenic, with a rating of 0.

Jojoba Oil

Jojoba oil is an oily-skin favourite. It is lightweight and its consistency is quite similar to sebum, the natural oil produced by our own bodies. Oils such as Jojoba oil actually help oily skin become more balanced. Jojoba oil also has anti-inflammatory properties and can be known to help with mild forms of acne as well.

It is also non-comedogenic, with a rating of 2 and can be used as a nourishing treatment for the scalp and hair too.

Sweet Almond Oil

Sweet Almond oil is another highly moisturising and nourishing oil that is becoming increasingly popular. It feels lightweight and absorbs quickly and is great for dry and mature skin types. It is high in oleic acid, which helps effectively lock in moisture and is anti-inflammatory.

Sweet Almond Oil, like Jojoba oil, also has a comedogenic rating of 2 and does not clog the pores. 

Argan Oil

Argan oil is a wonderful vitamin-rich nourishing oil It contains vitamins A and E, which work wonders for the skin. Argan oil helps fade away pigmentation and scarring and helps prevent premature ageing and fine lines. It also has anti-inflammatory properties.

This oil works well for oily skin types and helps regulate sebum production in the skin too. Argan oil is high in both oleic and linoleic acids, making it a great all-rounder oil. It has a comedogenic rating of 0 and works well for all skin types.

Olive Oil

Olive oil is rich in oleic acid and is known to be repairing, nourishing, and highly moisturising for the skin. This oil is ideal for drier and mature skin types. It is also rich in antioxidants and has anti-ageing benefits too.

It is rich in fatty acids and plant sterols that work wonders for the skin, hair, and scalp.

Rosehip Oil

Rosehip oil is a highly nourishing and balancing oil that is great for all skin types. It contains high levels of alpha-linolenic acid, which has powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Rosehip oil also contains vitamin C and vitamin E, which are also antioxidants, help prevent premature ageing, and make the skin look more radiant.