Natural skin care oil is the only kind you should use. The mineral oils that companies have been selling us for years will clog our pores and cause pimples. They may even contain cancer-causing contaminants.

Plant-based or vegetable oils are more similar to those produced by the skin's sebaceous glands. Those oils are called sebum.

Sebum performs several functions affecting the skin's health. First, it helps to hold moisture in. Second, it acts as a lubricant, helping to protect the outer layers from wind damage. Third, it probably has some antibacterial activity, although scientists are not sure about that one.

In some cases, the sebaceous glands are over-active. The result is excessive oiliness. Some people with acne have the problem.

The production of sebum may be stimulated by using cleansers that cause excessive dryness. It might sound strange, but the very products used to dry up sebum may contribute to excessive oiliness.

Maracuja (a passion fruit extract), jojoba and several other plant extracts are known to balance sebum production. They will prevent the skin's surface from becoming too oily or too dry.

The use of natural skin care oil like grape seed after the use of a cleanser will also help to prevent excessive sebum production. The use of a good moisturizer should always follow cleansing, no matter your complexion type. Dermatologists recommend the practice to their patients with acne, even after prescribing solutions to help dry up pimples.

Excessive dryness causes a variety of acute problems, such as flaking, redness and itching. It also contributes to chronic problems like inflammation and wrinkles. Choosing the right natural skin care oil can help prevent those problems and treat others.

For example, Shea butter has anti-inflammatory and anti-wrinkle activity. It helps to reduce redness and is beneficial for acne. The anti-inflammatory activity works to treat eczema, psoriasis and other inflammatory conditions.

All plant-based oils contain antioxidants. Antioxidants help prevent free radical damage, which is one of the main causes of wrinkles, sagging, age spots and aging in general. One of the antioxidants found in most plant oils is vitamin E.

Vitamin E has long been recommended for supporting the skin's health, but in recent years companies began using the synthetic form of vitamin E. Synthetic vitamins are derived from petrochemicals. They are nothing more than tiny pieces of plastic.

Natural skin care oil is a source of naturally occurring vitamin E. It can be found in grape seeds, olives and palm nuts. Avocado is another good source.

Avocado is also a good source of vitamin A, another antioxidant important to the skin's health and appearance. You may have heard of an anti-wrinkle cream called Retin-A. Retin-A is actually a synthetic form of vitamin A. In that form it causes redness and irritation. Research has shown that the naturally occurring sources of the nutrient provide the benefits, without the irritation.

So, now you know a little more about the subject. Hopefully the information will help you select the best natural skin care oil of all.