Natural cosmetics have become a fashion trend for women all over the world in recent years. Today it is quite difficult to find high-quality cosmetic products that do not contain natural ingredients - plant extracts, oils and other products of natural origin.
One of the most popular products today, which is most often used in home cosmetology, is undoubtedly sunflower oil. A variety of cosmetics are prepared on its basis - masks, creams, compresses and lotions. Surprisingly, this product is suitable for all skin types; its use is not limited by serious contraindications and side effects. Sunflower oil for facial skin can provide complete care aimed at fairly deep nutrition, rejuvenation and hydration of cells.
Compound
A sunflower oil face mask is not an invention of modern cosmetologists. This natural herbal product was used by our great-grandmothers to rejuvenate the skin. The product is made from oilseed sunflower seeds by extracting or pressing the seeds. Depending on how the seeds are processed, the oil can be refined (processed) or unrefined (unrefined), which is darker in color and has a great aroma.
It is unrefined sunflower oil that is preferable for the face: it retains the maximum amount of valuable substances, while oil that has undergone refining (multi-level purification) using organic solvents loses a significant part of the beneficial substances. The properties of the oil and its chemical composition may differ slightly depending on the areas where sunflowers are grown and, of course, the method of processing the seeds.
The composition of unrefined oil includes triglycerides - these are complex organic compounds of glycerol esters, as well as fatty acids (linoleic, oleic, stearic, palmitic and others). They have antioxidant properties, are powerful protection of cells from the adverse effects of free radicals, and slow down the destruction of collagen fibers.
The benefits of sunflower oil for the face are due to the various vitamins and minerals it contains, including vitamin E (tocopherol), which transports oxygen to skin cells. Inulin, which is part of the oil, promotes deep hydration, and phytin is known for its rejuvenating effect.
general description
The name sunflower is translated from Latin as “flower of the sun”, which is not surprising, because the plant always turns its inflorescences towards the heavenly body. North and South America are considered its homeland, but today it is cultivated in Europe and Russia. In cosmetology unrefined oil is used which is obtained by cold pressing or extraction. This product retains all useful elements.
Refined wine undergoes additional filtration, partially losing its nutritional properties. The source of oil is the seeds of the plant; at the first stage of production, the husks are cleaned. Then crushing takes place, the mass is sent for heat treatment, and then passed through a press.
The refined product is further filtered and purified from organic impurities.
Beneficial features
All components that make up the oil have special properties, and together they have a beneficial effect on the skin:
- restore the structure of the epidermis at the cellular level;
- improve blood circulation;
- activate the protective functions of the skin;
- smooth out facial wrinkles;
- tighten pores;
- restore healthy relief;
- heal cracks;
- eliminate dryness and flaking;
- improve and refresh skin color.
Sunflower oil for the face is a true gift from nature, one of the most effective means for gentle and gentle care, rejuvenation and restoration of the skin. This product has a light texture, allowing the oil to be easily absorbed into the skin. That is why it can be used not only in the cold season, but also in the summer - it can protect the skin from the negative effects of sunlight and prevent sunburn.
What to remember
- Sunflower facial oil is suitable for all skin types.
- The product can be used both in pure form and as a cream, lotion, compress and face mask.
- Anti-wrinkle masks include berry extract and kelp, vitamin E in liquid form or yeast, honey and cream.
- Acne masks consist of cucumber pulp and aspirin or sea salt with lemon juice and wheat flour.
- Sunflower oil moisturizes lips well and makes eyelashes stronger.
Recommendations for use
Sunflower oil is used to prepare many cosmetics. It combines perfectly with various components and softens their aggressive effects. Many women are interested in: “Is it possible to smear your face with sunflower oil in its pure form? Do I need to add any other components to it? How long should I keep the mask on my face?” We will answer these and other questions in this article.
Using this valuable product in home cosmetology is not at all difficult; it is important to choose the recipe that suits you and follow simple rules:
- When buying sunflower oil, give preference to cold-pressed product. At the same time, make sure that the oil is manufactured in accordance with GOST.
- Before mixing the oil with other ingredients, heat it in a water bath to + 40 °C. The product must not be brought to a boil.
- Once you have prepared the mixture according to the recipe, perform a simple tolerance test. Apply a little mixture to the skin of your wrist and wait about half an hour. If redness, itching or burning does not appear, the composition can be used.
- Before starting the procedures, carefully cleanse your facial skin of impurities and cosmetics and steam it a little using a herbal bath. Oily skin can be additionally treated with a scrub.
- You should smear your face with sunflower oil or preparations based on it using patting, light movements.
- When using the product in its pure form, it is recommended to treat the skin around the lips and eyes, and the wings of the nose.
- The duration of action of oil-based mixtures can vary from fifteen minutes to an hour. It depends on the skin type and the ingredients included.
- It is better to wash off such cosmetic compositions with filtered cool water, to which you can add lemon juice (a teaspoon per liter of water). Soak a cotton pad in this solution and wipe your face. After removing the mixture, the cream can not be used.
- If you have cosmetic problems (increased dryness, wrinkles, enlarged pores, etc.), procedures using oil are carried out twice a week, and if you use oil mixtures for prevention, you can limit yourself to four procedures per month.
- Between courses, which usually consist of 10–12 procedures, you should take a break for two months, replacing the oil with a different method of skin care.
Recipes for making masks based on sunflower seed oil
You can add freshness to the dermis of the face by making masks based on vegetable oil. In addition to the main ingredient, you can use any products that are sold in a grocery store or pharmacy to create them. One procedure helps maintain the freshness of the facial dermis for a long time.
The following article presents several recipes for homemade masks based on sunflower oil.
Oil mask with quail egg
An oil mask with quail egg is recommended for those who have tired skin with fine wrinkles.
Components that make up this mask:
- Sunflower seed oil – 1 tbsp. l.;
- Quail egg – 1 pc.;
- Fermented milk product (yogurt, kefir, fermented baked milk, etc.) – 2 tbsp. l.;
- Starch.
First, beat the quail egg. Next, it is mixed with a fermented milk product. Add oil to the resulting mixture. The mask should thicken. To do this, add starch until the mixture has the consistency of cream.
This mask is applied for a maximum of 20 minutes.
Oil mask with kelp
According to the recommendations of cosmetologists, it is advisable to use this mask for women aged 40 years or more, because the procedure promotes rejuvenation, elasticity and smoothness of the skin.
Ingredients from which the mask is prepared:
- Laminaria – 1 tbsp. l.;
- Aloe extract – 1 ampoule;
- Sunflower oil – 1 tsp;
- Green tea or chamomile decoction – ½ cup.
If kelp is purchased in tablets, then before preparing the mask it must be crushed to a powder state. It is also sold in pharmacies in the form of a ready-made powder.
Laminaria should be poured with cooled green tea or chamomile decoction. The liquid is added little by little until a porridge of semi-liquid consistency is formed. Next, the mixture is infused for ½ hour. Aloe extract and vegetable oil are poured into the infused mass.
The mask should remain on the face for no more than ½ hour.
Oil mask with aspirin and white charcoal
The main effect of an oil mask with aspirin and white charcoal is cleansing pores and rejuvenating the dermis of the face.
To prepare the mask you will need:
- Acetylsalicylic acid – 5 tablets;
- White coal – 5 tablets;
- Cucumber – 1 pc.;
- Sunflower oil – 1 tsp.
Application
Sunflower oil for the face can be used in many ways. This product in its pure form perfectly replaces a nourishing cream - apply a small amount of heated oil to the skin, and after fifteen minutes, remove the excess with a napkin. Such procedures are usually carried out before bedtime.
But this method is not suitable for those with combination or oily skin. In this case, sunflower oil for the face should be supplemented with certain products: orange, lemon or grapefruit juice, low-fat kefir, essential oils. Below we will present several recipes for using sunflower oil for the face. Reviews suggest that they are the most popular.
Reviews from people
On the forums you can find reviews from girls who have already tried the traditional product in cosmetic procedures.
The user writes that he uses it for facial massage and recommends rubbing it hot oil to get rid of wrinkles.
The girl describes how to apply oil to the face to cleanse the pores.
A participant writes about the good cleansing effect of sunflower oil.
Lotion for problem skin
This composition has proven itself in the fight against acne and skin irritation. Heat 100 ml of sunflower oil, add vodka (30 ml) and calendula tincture (10 ml) to it. Pour this solution into a dark glass bottle and store it in a dark place for a day. The resulting lotion is used in the morning to wipe the skin.
Ways to use sunflower oil for the face
Sunflower seed oil for the face can be used in many ways. This product in its pure form is suitable even for delicate skin around the eyes; it can replace a nourishing cream or gel - just apply a small amount of preheated oil to the skin and remove excess with a napkin. It is best to carry out such procedures before bed; there is no need to rinse off the product with water.
It is important to consider that this method is not recommended for those with oily and combination skin. In this case, sunflower oil must be combined with a certain set of products: lemon, orange or grapefruit juices, essential oils, low-fat kefir or yogurt. If you use vegetable oil in its pure form, you can worsen the condition of oily skin and completely disrupt the functioning of the sebaceous glands. As for dry and normal skin, there are practically no restrictions on the use of sunflower oil; you just need to choose a recipe in accordance with your individual characteristics and follow the recommended dosages. Below are several options for using sunflower oil for the face at home.
Oil compress
A facial compress with sunflower oil will soften the skin, smooth out fine wrinkles, eliminate flaking and relieve fatigue. To prepare a compress, you need to heat about 50 ml of oil in a water bath and moisten a piece of gauze in it. The compress should be distributed on the face, covered with plastic wrap and left for 30 minutes. At the end of the procedure, the skin should be rinsed several times alternately with hot and cold water, and then gently blotted with a soft cloth.
Oil facial massage
Facial massage using sunflower oil improves blood circulation, nourishes, softens and tones the skin, fills it with energy and radiance. This procedure is carried out using a dessert spoon, which must first be moistened in hot water and then in warm sunflower oil. The spoon should be carefully moved along the massage lines of the face for 5–7 minutes, pressing lightly. It is recommended to massage 1-2 times a week.
Oil lotion for problem skin
This product will help get rid of acne, relieve irritation and improve complexion. To prepare the lotion, you need to heat 100 ml of sunflower oil, add 30 ml of vodka and 10 ml of calendula tincture to it. The resulting solution must be poured into an opaque glass container and placed in a dark place for a day. The prepared lotion is recommended for wiping the skin in the morning.
Anti-aging cream
This product with dandelion can be used instead of your favorite anti-aging cream daily, applying it to cleansed and slightly steamed skin. You will need:
- small onion;
- 10 grams of dry dandelions;
- 100 ml oil.
Peel the onion and grind it in a blender. Mix the resulting pulp with oil, add dandelion and place the mixture on low heat for a quarter of an hour. Make sure that the mixture does not boil. Cool the broth and pour into a glass bottle.
Mask for mature skin
It moisturizes, nourishes and softens the skin, fights age-related changes, improves complexion, smoothes expression wrinkles.
Ingredients:
- cream - 50 ml;
- live yeast - 50 g;
- honey - 50 g;
- sunflower oil - 50 ml;
- lemon essential oil - 5 drops.
Dissolve the yeast in the heated cream. Then add all the remaining ingredients, whisk the mixture and apply the composition to the face, décolleté and neck for half an hour.
Which one to choose – refined or unrefined?
Before deciding whether to use unrefined or refined sunflower oil for hair and face, you need to understand what these 2 types are:
- refined - a purified product with virtually no odor;
- unrefined - a natural product with a bitter taste and the smell of sunflower.
These two types of products have the same composition, but during the processing process, the purified raw materials lose some of their vitamins. It will certainly have a beneficial effect, but over a longer period (3-5 months). And unrefined sunflower oil for hair and skin gives effective results after just a few procedures.
