Plant seed oils - natural treasures!
Ever since I started using plant seed oils topically for my skin, I never looked back!
Why?
Plant seed oils are composed of essential fatty acids such as omegas, antioxidants, polyphenols, and carotenoids. These oils tend to be far more nutrient-dense than their cream counterparts.
Plant oils are similar in composition to the lipids (oils) on our skin, so are easier to be used by our body. They also contain lots of lovely plant compounds which can benefit to our skin.
As we approach our mid-thirties, our skin dries out slowly, and our wrinkles start looking deeper. This is due to the decrease in sebum production, the skin’s natural oil, which protects it from water loss. At such a point, applying plant seed oils can prevent further water loss and provide efficient moisture for the skin.
Upon application, the oil delivers its active plant ingredients into the skin without irritating the surface.
Oils can also protect the skin from irritation caused by environmental influences. Certain oils such as Rosehip and Safflower can decrease inflammation, calm, and soothe skin.
How should we use facial oil?
A drop or two is enough!
To apply an oil serum, use 1 to 2 drops on your palm, attach your palms and rub them together to warm the serum. Apply on your facial or body skin (after you wash with lukewarm water or exfoliate your skin).
When exfoliating 2-3 times a week, the oil can penetrate effortlessly.
Cleansed, damp skin allows the oil to cling to it and absorb more efficiently. The oil blocks moisture loss and protects the skin. If you wish to use a moisturiser, apply it before the oil.
Once the skin has been cleansed (and exfoliated), apply the oil serum to your face or body by placing 1 to 2 drops on your palm. Clasp your hands and rub them together to warm the serum.
Oils make excellent, gentle cleansers too, that do not strip the natural sebum and leave the skin protected.
Since the skin loses water during sleep, a nourishing facial oil can be vital in keeping the skin supple and more youthful. It creates an occlusive layer on the epidermis plus penetrates to supply fatty acids. Fatty acids offer inflammatory properties and protection against oxidation, and they assist regeneration of skin cells.
So which oils do we blend?
You can read about some of the oils here.
Argan oil - historically used in Morocco as a topical oil to treat dry skin, acne, psoriasis, eczema, wrinkles, joint pain and skin inflammation. Argan oil is rich in Omega 6 fatty acid, boosting skin rejuvenation and skin elasticity. Many of the oil’s benefits are due to its unsaponifiable matter (1% of its total concentration) and high vitamin E content. It is used for mature skin, is easily absorbed and has strong anti-inflammatory properties.
Jojoba Seed Oil – a liquid wax that is a fantastic moisturiser, as its molecular structure is similar to the skin’s sebum. Like sebum, it is not greasy and is non-occlusive. It gives skin a luxurious feel and builds a protective barrier that increases recovery speed. It penetrates the skin assisting control of sebum production. It has anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial and anti-fungal properties. Jojoba oil can also act as a cleanser and gently unclog the pores by removing impurities.
Sea Buckthorn Fruit Oil is an excellent choice for an anti-ageing blend since it helps regenerate skin cells and has some healing skin properties. This oil is extracted from the pulp of the fruit.
Pomegranate Seed Oil – this oil is rich in anti-ageing compounds and very nutritious! It is cold-pressed from the seeds of the pomegranate. It can rejuvenate your skin by speeding up the shedding of dead skin cells. It has anti-inflammatory and potent antioxidant properties that make him an excellent addition to any anti-ageing product. It helps with elasticity and is deeply nourishing.
Rosehip Seed Oil -