Skin care: The latest in beauty oils

Regardless of whether oil makes its way into your beauty routine, adding it to your diet provides numerous health benefits, says Natasha Turner, a naturopathic doctor in Toronto and author of The Hormone Diet. "Monounsaturated fats, like olive and canola oils-as well as avocados, walnuts, deep-sea cold-water fish and omega-3 eggs-are best for us," she says. "Unlike the saturated fats in red meats and dairy products or the trans fats in many packaged goods, these oils are natural anti-inflammatory agents known to reduce the risk of heart disease, Alzheimer's disease, obesity, arthritis, diabetes and cancer." While Turner recommends adding them to dressings, smoothies and dips, you can also get your fix from supplements, says Dr. John Berardi, a member of the Genuine Health Expert Advisory Team and president of Precision Nutrition Inc., a nutrition-research company in Toronto. "Fish oils are the most potent source of omega-3 fatty acids, which alleviate inflammatory symptoms and acne," he says. Look for a supplement that contains omega-3-rich oil, found in fish like mackerel and sardines.

And if you're the multi-tasking type, you'll likely find Intellimune Oil to be the most appealing option of all. The antioxidant-rich oil (you would have to eat the seeds of 4.5 kilograms of grapes, raspberries or cranberries to get the same benefits) is the star in a new line of organic nutraceuticals and personal-care products called Intelligent Nutrients, the brainchild of Aveda founder Horst Rechelbacher. "You can use it both internally and externally," he says, claiming that a few teaspoons a day can help prevent premature aging, boost immunity and even make your nails and eyelashes grow. Although his claims are awaiting evaluation by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Rechelbacher believes in the oil so strongly that he has added it to every hair, skin and body product in his line.

A prophetic voice in the industy, Rechelbacher is tapping into what he sees as a growing trend: the fusion of skin care and health for results inside and out. But is it a new way of thinking? Not really, says Koul. "The ancient practice of Ayurvedic medicine takes a holistic, long-term view of wellness," he says. "People are becoming exposed to alternative means of taking care of themselves, and that includes diet and skin care. Oils are part of that - and they have thousands of years of trial and error to support their efficacy."

Liquid assets
Adding oil to your diet? Here's a guide to the best-and worst-choices.

• Monounsaturated oils, such as canola and extra-virgin olive oils, reduce inflammation, relieve pain and promote heart health, says Natasha Turner, a naturopathic doctor in Toronto and author of The Hormone Diet. Use canola oil for baking and olive oil for dressings and sautéing at low temperatures.

• Polyunsaturated oils, such as flaxseed, pumpkin and hemp oils, contain healthy essential fatty acids but should never be heated. Use them as flavour-boosting condiments or stir them into dishes once they're cooked.

• Saturated oils, such as palm and coconut oils, though given a bad rap, are fine as long as they are balanced by the consumption of unsaturated fats. While other oils break down and lose nutritional value when heated, coconut oil can be used for cooking at high temperatures, says Dr. John Berardi, a member of the Genuine Health Expert Advisory Team and president of Precision Nutrition Inc.

• Avoid hydrogenated and partially hydrogenated oils (trans fats). Typically found in processed foods, margarine and shortening, they exacerbate inflammation, says Turner.

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