16 Amazing Oils for Your Skin!

by Kathleen Cumberland

Here's a bit more info about the natural oils in each category: 

On anti-aging:
Oils used to prevent skin aging are rich in fatty acids and antioxidants. Omega-3 fatty acids are used by skin cells to make healthy membranes, reduce inflammation, and promote healthy collagen. Antioxidants such as vitamin E prevent free-radical damage from UV light exposure and help maintain healthy collagen and elastin.

On adding moisture:
Healthy fats are not only good to eat but also to help hydrate your skin. When applied to dry skin, oils such as olive oil can soothe without causing irritation or allergies. Avocado oil is rich in vitamins, fatty acids, and antioxidants, especially vitamin E. It can help repair the skin barrier and act as a natural skin emollient. Avocados have high levels of sterols, which are natural fats in plants, which can soothe irritated skin. While coconut and avocado oil can soothe irritated skin, they can cause breakouts and should be avoided in acne-prone patients. Both olive oil and coconut oil can soothe and hydrate eczema, but coconut oil has the added benefit of helping to reduce bacteria on the skin.

On problem-solvers:
While using an oil on already oily, acne-prone skin seems counterintuitive, many of the cosmetic-grade oils are quite light and do not clog pores. Tea tree oil and grapeseed extract have antiseptic properties, explaining their help in treating acne. Peppermint oil has been shown to help treat digestive issues, but is used on the skin because of its anti-inflammatory, helping to reduce redness. Rose hip oil is rich in essential fatty acids and vitamin A, which can help explain its effect on scars.

On calming the skin:
Natural oils are a perfect match for sensitive or irritated skin because they rarely cause allergic reactions. Without chemical ingredients that many sensitive patients cannot tolerate, these oils can calm and repair the skin. Chamomile oil possesses anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties, which can calm the skin and fight off infection. Carrot seed oil is rich in vitamin A and beta carotene and emollients, which help normalize skin cell turnover and soothe the skin. Evening primrose oil has long been used to treat eczema, especially in folk and alternative medicine. It contains high levels of essential fatty acids that soothe the skin.

Do you use natural oils in your skin care routine? Which ones?  We would love to hear from you!

Hints for Winter Time Skin Care

WINTER SKIN HYDRATION HINTS

We all know about the perils of winter on our skin during this time of year. Here are a few suggestions to alleviate dry itchy skin:

• Drink plenty of water or herbal tea. We need hydration all year round. Herbal and green teas make this easier as they equate to water.


• Short, warm showers are a perfect answer for your body. Long hot showers deplete the natural oils of skin. Always add a protective layer of body lotion while your skin is warm and damp. This practice helps form a moisture lock to ward off dryness.


• Exfoliation is a must! Use a gentle Botanical Sugar scrub (much kinder to skin that irritating salts) on legs and arms, as well as very gently on the face and neck, to help remove dull dry skin.


• Remember your lips since they do not have oil glands. Look for lip balms containing shea butter, jojoba and avocado oils. These penetrate and nourish the lips. Avoid petroleum jelly.


• For an intensive moisture hit, layer a Nourishing Facial Oil beneath your favorite moisturizer. Your skin will thank you!


• Use natural soaps and avoid any alcohol based toners.


• Most commercial toothpaste contains Sodium Lauryl Sulphate. Be careful to always rinse your mouth area well after brushing to avoid irritation and painful splits at the corners of your mouth. It’s a good idea to reapply a little moisturizer around this area when you are done brushing your teeth.


• Skin loves dark green leafy vegetables and essential fatty acids from sources like oily fish or supplements.
  
  
  Winter time product tip: Our Aromatic Body & Massage Oils are therapeutically scented blends of pure plant essential oils and nourishing oils of Avocado, Grapeseed and Apricot. These soothing blends offers balanced moisture with a boost of vitamins, antioxidants and essential fatty acids to encourage collagen production and cellular renewal.