Natural beauty: Three reasons to give hazelnut a whirl

NEW YORK: Hazelnuts are not just a delicious, crunchy snack. Rich in fibre, minerals, vitamins and omega-9, these nuts have plenty of benefits for health and skin. In the form of oil, hazelnut can even work miracles in terms of hydration, healing and slowing down skin aging. Three good reasons to make it part of your routine.

Natural beauty routines are synonymous with traditional recipes and remedies. Since the pandemic, people have been more keen on turning to Mother Nature’s ingredients to concoct their own beauty products, or to use oils or other cosmetics that promise to be less harmful to their health and skin. So there’s all the more reason to rediscover the benefits of certain fruits, vegetables, plants, nuts or seeds, which are often as accessible as they are affordable. As we head into fall, why not try hazelnut oil as a beauty go-to with many virtues?

Healing and repairing

Those with combination and oily skin generally fear oils that can promote the formation of blackheads, one of the most dreaded blemishes. And rightly so. But some oils are, on the contrary, prime allies for so-called problem skin. This is the case with hazelnut oil, which is non-comedogenic and actually regulates excess sebum and tightens pores, therefore helping to combat all types of blemishes. On top of that, it is known for its repairing and healing properties, allowing acne-prone skin to regain radiance. This can also be handy for helping to reduce stretch marks.

Hydrating

If you want to rid your bathroom of products with endless ingredients lists that may make you wary, hazelnut oil will be an ideal choice to replace your moisturizer. Rich in essential fatty acids, it nourishes the skin in depth and offers lasting protection, without leaving a greasy film. Plus, it’s ideal for all skin types, from the driest to the most oily. Note that hazelnut oil can help ward off dehydration. As such, it can be used to tackle certain problems, but also to prevent them.

Youthful skin

Rich in phenolic compounds and vitamin E — powerful natural antioxidants — hazelnut can, in the long term, help fight against skin aging, and reduce signs of aging. For this, hazelnut oil should be applied daily to the entire face, or more locally to the eye contour area. It can even be used together with other plant-based oils, or essential oils, to boost its many benefits.