The miracle of oil

Its intensive hydrating property makes oil the perfect ingredient for many health and beauty products

By LAURA TAUB
Oil health and beauty products (photo credit: ING IMAGE/ASAP)
Oil health and beauty products
(photo credit: ING IMAGE/ASAP)
Miracle, magical and mostly essential, oils have been used for health and beauty purposes since ancient times. Nowadays, the beauty market is flooded with all manner of oils – from treatment oils that target specific ailments to essential oils that are high in fragrance and potent in cosmetic benefits. In honor of Hanukka, here is our celebration of the miracle of beauty oils.
For the body:
A -Derma Exomega Bath Oil is a daily skin cleanser. Based on oats and omega 3, it is effective for those with dry to very dry skin and those prone to eczema. Suitable for babies, children and adults, the silky smooth oil soothes and gently cleanses. NIS 109. Available at pharmacies.
Christina offers a rejuvenating body oil in the company’s Muse line, developed primarily for the skin’s natural protective barrier. Based on roses from the Alps, the oil is light and absorbs quickly. It is also suitable as a massage oil. NIS 142 at licensed beauty centers. www.christina.co.il.
Clarins Tonic Body Treatment Oil contains 100% pure plant extracts, such as essential oils from rosemary, sage, geranium and mint. It improves the skin’s elasticity, maintains firmness and prevents the formation of stretch marks. It is ideal for expectant mothers. NIS 293.
Juvena Luxury Performance Vitalizing massage oil contains pomegranate, jojoba avocado and olive oils, which enhance skin suppleness and elasticity. Ideal for preventing stretch marks. It promotes a feeling of well-being and leaves the skin feeling energized and looking radiant. NIS 250.
Designed to use on the body and the hair, L’Occitane’s Fabulous Oil, enriched with shea butter, as well as baobab and desert date oils, absorbs quickly, leaving the skin feeling velvety and the hair looking shiny.
Perfect to use all year round. NIS 149.
Part of the company’s classic line, Neutrogena Body Oil is made from pure sesame oil, ideal for protecting skin from dryness during the cold weather. It is light and absorbs quickly, protecting skin from losing hydration. The fresh, clean smell makes it suitable for the whole family. NIS 135.
L. Raphael Geneva ’s lavender-scented body oil is part of the Beyond Spa collection. The line includes six aromatherapy-based oils made from 100% essential herbal oils, all of which are rich in vitamin E. NIS 98. Available at Ronit Raphael centers.
 For the face:
Blue Therapy serum in oil by Biotherm offers the corrective quality of an oil combined with the power of a serum. Used at night, the product treats common skin problems such as wrinkles, dullness and lack of firmness. The serum contains micro-algae oil, rich in a specific omega 3 fatty acid. The skin looks firmer, smoother and more radiant. $80 at duty-free shops.
Bobbi Brown ’s Soothing Cleansing Oil for the face cleanses and soothes the skin, gently removing makeup and dirt. The product, which contains essential oils of jasmine, kukui nut and sunflower, leaves the skin hydrated and relaxed. NIS 165.
Part of L’Occitane’ s Divine Immortelle series, the new Divine Youth Oil, fits perfectly with the daily regimen of those using the line. Made from 100% natural oils, the formula includes seven oils, all rich in anti-aging agents, which work together to protect and rejuvenate the skin. The light texture is absorbed quickly and leaves the skin feeling soft and supple. NIS 429. www.loccitane.co.il
L’Oreal Paris Skin Perfect Miracle 15 Second Cleansing Oil is an efficient cleanser that dissolves even waterproof makeup, leaving the skin feeling clean and non-greasy. The oil formula helps to rebalance the skin’s natural oil production for healthy-looking skin.
For daily use, apply two or three drops on dry hands and massage over the face. Rinse thoroughly with water. NIS 85.
Sothys Nutritive Essential Lipid Elixir is an oil-rich moisturizer that smooths, nourishes and hydrates very dry skin. It immediately softens the skin and combats the aging process. The barrier function of the skin is reconstituted for beautiful-looking skin. The elixir is formulated with jojoba and rice bran to restore the skin and provide relief, and alphabisabolol to soothe. The non-oily formula intensely replenishes lipids at the intercellular level. NIS 423, available only at licensed beauty centers, (03) 620-3397.
The Tapuach night serum for aging skin is enriched with oil of evening primrose, as well as retinol and vitamins. NIS 149. Available at beauty centers.
For the fingernails:
Anny is a professional brand for nails. The nail oil is suitable for those who have nails that tend to break easily. The oil provides protection for the nail and hydrates the cuticles.
NIS 55. Available at Hamashbir Lazarchan.
Opi offers a new nail and cuticle replenishing oil to strengthen nails damaged by weather and housework. The new oil from the Avoplex line contains vitamins and essential herbal oils. NIS 120.
Orly ’s Protein Oil is a nourishing antiseptic oil that treats the skin around the nail and protects the gentle skin at the bottom, promoting healthy growth, elasticity and strong nails. NIS 50.
For the hair:
L’Oréal Paris Elvive Extraordinary Oil nourishes hair, allowing its beauty to shine. A blend of six flower extracts with nourish - ing properties for luminous color and sumptuous smoothness without fly-away strands, these oils are a joy to use. There are different products for color-treated hair, unruly hair, thin hair and more. NIS 50.
Phyto Paris has launched the scalp oil Phytopolléine, an essential oil blend that awakens the scalp, harnessing the powers of essential oils of rosemary, sage, cypress, eucalyptus and lemon to instantly purify the scalp and catalyze microcirculation. It is recommended for those with an unbalanced scalp. It also serves as an ideal preparation for thinning hair treatments. NIS 105.
The BC Oil Miracle line of hair products by Schwartzkopf Professional is based on luxurious essential oils. The line includes shampoo, spray conditioner, mask and oils. NIS 75 to NIS 150. Available at hair salons.
Call 1-800-333-322.