Oils have been a cornerstone of skincare for centuries for their moisturizing and nourishing properties. From plant-based ingredients like argan and jojoba to easily accessible olive and coconut oils, these natural emollients offer a range of benefits. However, a newer player has entered the skincare arena: ozonated oils. While sharing a base with their traditional cuonterparts, ozonated oils undergo a unique process that significantly changes their composition and introduces distinct therapeutic properties. What exactly sets them apart, and which might be the right choice for your skin?
Regular oils
Regular oils, often referred to as carrier oils when used in conjunction with essential oils, are typically extracted from seeds, nuts, fruits, or vegetables through methods like cold-pressing or solvent extraction. Their benefits for the skin are primarily attributed to their rich content of faty acids, vitamins, and antioxidants components. These help to:
- Moisturize and hydrate. Fatty acids form a protective barrier on the skin’s surface, preventing water loss and keeping the skin supple.
- Nourish and condition. Vitamins and antioxidants provide essential nutrients, promoting overal skin health and vitality
- Soothe and calm. Some oils possess anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce redness and irritation.
- Support skin barier function. The lipids in oils can help replenish and strengthen the skin’s natural barrier, protecting against environmental aggressors.
The specific benefits of a regular oil depend mostly on its source and fatty acid profile. For exmple, olive oil is rich in oleic acid and antioxidants, while jojoba oil closely mimics the skin’s natural sebum.
Ozonated oils
Ozonated oils, on the other hand, are created by bubbling ozone gas (O₃) through a carier oil for an extended period. This process, known as ozonation, causes the ozone molecules to react with the fatty acids in the oil, forming stable ozonides, aldehydes and peroxides. This transformation provides the oil with new and enhanced properties not found in regular oils. The key differences and added benefits of ozonated oils include:
- Antimicrobial properties. One of the most significant distinctions is the potent antimicrobial activity of ozonated oils. The ozonides and peroxides have demnostrated efficacy against a wide range of bacteria, viruses, and fungi, making them beneficial for treating various skin infections and conditions like acne, fungal issues, and minor wounds.
- Enhanced oxygen delivery. The ozone compounds in the oil help deliver oxygen to the skin cells. Increased oxygenation can stimulate circulation, promote cellular regeneration, and support the skin’s natural healing processes.
- Anti-inflammatory effects. Ozonated oils´ anti-inflammatory properties reduce inflammation, which can be helpful for soothing irritated skin conditions such as eczema and dermatitis.
- Wound healing, tissue-regeneration. The combined antimicrobial and oxygenating effects contibute to the potential of ozonated oils in accelerating wound healing and reducing scarring.
- Antioxidant properties. Ozonated oils exhibit antioxidant activity due to the oxidative reactions that have occurred.
- Different texture and consistency. Due to the ozonation process, ozonated oils typically have a thicker, more gel-like consistency compared to their unrefined counterparts. The scent can also be more pungent, often described as clean or medicinal due to the presence of ozone compounds.
While regular oils primarily focus on moisturizing, nourishing, and protecting the skin’s barrier, ozonated oils offer a more therapeutic approach with their strong antimicrobial, oxygenating, anti-inflammarotry, regenerative, and, antioxidant properties. This makes ozonated oils particularly appaeling for targeted treatment of specific skin concerns related to microbial imbalances or impaired healing.
It is important to note that the quality and potency of ozonated oils can vary depending on the ozonation process and the quality of the base oil. When choosing either type of oil, opting for high-quality, preferably organic and cold-pressed, varieties is recommended to ensure maximum benefits and minimize the presence of potential contaminants.
Bottom line
The choice between ozonated oils and regular oils for skin care depends on your individual needs and concerns. Regular oils are excellent for daily moisturizing, nourishment, and maintaining healthy skin. Ozonated oils, with their added antimicrobial, oxygenating, anti-inflammarotry, regenerative, and, antioxidant properties, can be a valuable addition for addressing specific issues like acne, infections, or slow-healing skin. As with any new skincare product, it’s advisable to perform a patch test and consult with a dermatologist, especially if you have sensitive skin or underlying skin conditions.
DISCLAIMER
The medical, fitness or health information is provided for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional advice.
Accordingly, before taking any actions based upon such information, we encourage you to consult with the appropriate professionals. We do not provide any kind of medical, fitness or health advice. The use or reliance of any information contained on this Site is solely at your own risk.
References
- Anzolin AP, da Silveira-Kaross NL, Bertol CD. Ozonated oil in wound healing: what has already been proven? Med Gas Res. 2020 Jan-Mar;10(1):54-59. doi: 10.4103/2045-9912.279985. PMID: 32189671; PMCID: PMC7871935.
- Susanne Kaufmann. The Powerful Benefits of Using Face Oils in Your Everyday Skincare Routine.
- Leon BL, Kiesel BA, Hanrahan B, Bolivar D, Bocci V. Risks of ozonated oil and ozonated water on human skin: A systematic review. Int Wound J. 2022 Feb;19(2):303-313. doi: 10.1111/iwj.13685. Epub 2021 Oct 27. PMID: 34704637; PMCID: PMC9615280.
- Cleveland Clinic. Ozone Therapy: What It Is, Uses and Side Effects.