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Oil is devoid of water.
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In fact, it’s what scientists call hydrophobic literally afraid of water.
So, it would seem, it’s certainly not adding or attracting it to your skin or hair.
Can oils hydrate?
No, oils technically cannot hydrate.
So what on Earth are brands trying to say when they claim their oils are hydrating?
“Oils are part of the moisturizing process,” says cosmetic chemistVince Spinatto.
“Marketing terms can be defined by the brands pretty much however they want,” Spinatto says.
OK, so… oils moisturize then?
Despite their similar structure, however, not all oils moisturize the same way.
It depends on their lipid content, Koestline says.
However, that’s not the only way they work.
Oils can also work as emollients to help skin feel smoother and seal in hydration, Robinson says.
“That is assuming that the skin is already hydrated before the oil is applied.”
“The lipids mortar can be stripped away under hash conditions which render the skin dry.
Oils can help replenish this lipid layer that is stripped away to moisturize the skin,” he explains.
“A strong skin barrier will prevent water from escaping, therefore keeping the skin hydrated.”
Although oils also act as a barrier, he says, they stay on the surface of the skin.
“I don’t believe that they should replace traditional moisturizer use.”
So what kind of productshouldyou use?
to get to get both hydration and moisturization, you’re free to’t usejustan oil.
The latter will never be just an oil alone, but other types of moisturizers can be especially emulsions.
“Emulsions are best of both worlds,” says Koestline.
“They are designed to give the skin hydration as well as moisturization.
She gives camellia, rosehip seed,grapeseed, and marula oils as examples of lightweight, nutrient-rich options.
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