Olive oil penetrates the skin best, but coconut oil, almond oil, and tea tree may be better choices depending upon your skin type.
1. Coconut Oil. Coconut oil is easily absorbed into the skin and is known to have many health benefits, including those from vitamins E and K, as well as its antifungal and antibacterial properties.
The most common oils used are castor oil and olive oil, though you can use any natural oil. Castor oil is naturally astringent, so it helps pull impurities from the skin. This makes it ideal for oily or combination skin (and even dry skin in lesser amounts).
It is widely accepted that rigid nanoparticles less than 10 nm are able to penetrate the skin through the lipidic matrix of the stratum corneum and through hair follicle orifices. Some may reach the deepest layers of the stratum corneum and even the viable epidermis [20].
It is clear that topically applied essential oils will penetrate the epidermis of the skin”. One American study found that 75% of an applied dose of various fragrance compounds was absorbed through human skin when the skin was covered after application.
Instead, opt for lighter oils such as argan, jojoba or grapeseed oil. These oils absorb more quickly into the skin and can also help soothe dry areas zapped of moisture.
Coconut oil has the natural ability to penetrate the skin quickly and efficiently, which can boost hydration, improve skin elasticity, fight itch and reduce the chances of infection.
These include Eucalyptus, Citrus, Frankincense, Rosemary, Peppermint, Pine and Spruce oils. These are likely to aid transdermal absorption of “heavy” oils like Copaiba, Sandalwood, Patchouli, Vetiver etc. This is an over-simplification of the reality, but it's basically true.
Skin Care products can contain mineral oils or plant oils or both. A mineral oil is petroleum based and does not absorb into the skin because its molecular structure does not allow it. Instead it forms a barrier on the skin that keeps water locked in.
Good jojoba oil will absorb quickly into the skin because it is lightweight. If the jojoba oil sits on the skin and does not absorb, it means it's a low-quality oil.
According to board-certified dermatologist Dr. Hope Mitchell, founder of Mitchell Dermatology, you should look for plant-based oils — such as jojoba, almond, and coconut — when choosing a body oil because they mimic the natural lipids found in your skin, helping to restore and balance your skin's moisture level.
Essential oils can easily penetrate the skin with their lipophilic characters and are easily discharged from the body through feces and urine2.
You can use coconut oil just as you would any other lotion. Let the coconut oil get absorbed. It might take about 15 minutes for the oil to completely get absorbed into your skin. In the meantime, hang out in your bathroom or put on a bathrobe so you don't get oil on your nice clothes or furniture.
It's hydrating, yes. But that means it can do its job a little too well and clog pores and cause acne breakouts — especially if your skin is more on the oily side. “If you are prone to acne, you should also avoid putting it on your shoulders, chest or back,” Dr. Wu adds.
Conclusion: Castor oil is either not well absorbed through the skin or is metabolised in a way that did not have the effect of significantly increasing the excretion of the specific metabolic byproducts associated with the ingestion of castor oil.
One of the primary benefits of MCT oil is its ability to hydrate the skin deeply. Unlike other oils that may sit on the surface, MCT oil penetrates effectively due to its shorter chain length, providing moisture directly to the skin cells. This can help to improve skin elasticity and create a youthful appearance.
The structure of oleic acid, the predominant fatty acid in olive oil, causes tiny holes in the skin barrier which help speed absorption. This is why olive oil penetrates deeper and faster into the skin the most oils.
Penetrating and Sealing Oils
These oils are great for pre-poos and hot oil treatments because they won't leave a film on your hair (since they actually penetrate it). Some examples of Penetrating oils are: Coconut, Red Palm, Avocado, Olive and Argan.
The exfoliant is especially important as it allows the healing nature of the shea butter to penetrate deeper layers and protect the skin's natural barrier. We also use this ingredient in our Hydrating Hair Masque, to transform straw-like, frizzy hair into lush and glossy locks.
Considering that no two products are the same, there's no hard and fast answer for how long exactly you need to wait it out based on what you could be using, but dermatologists recommend up to half an hour for the heavier products (lotions, creams, oils). So the cover all answer here is 30 minutes.