The Irony of Oil

Much to the surprise of most, our skin needs oil to cleanse, balance and soothe. The lean toward daily routines and products that 'over dry' our skin is prominent in western culture. These typically-used products draw out our natural oils and leave the skin depleted. As with all other areas of the body, both internally and externally, removing the necessary moisture will lead to an over production of oil in the body's efforts to find balance. Many people believe this over production of oil to be their baseline "oily" skin and continue this see-saw effect of external efforts to "dry and smooth" the skin while the internal system of the body is arguing the point by adding a fairly thick layer of oil.

Adding the right blend of oils that match your skin's need can actually improve the health, brightness, elasticity and youthfulness of our skin. Using oil can actually lead to less 'oily' skin! Hence, the irony.....

Let's explore some different oils and their characteristics....

Jojoba oil: Can be used on any part of your body and face as a cleanser, moisturizer or spot treatment. It is particularly effective in treating conditions like acne, eczema and psoriasis. Jojoba oil is anti-inflammatory so it keeps skin calm and less reactionary to daily stressors. Vitamin E and B-complex vitamins in this oil also provide damage control and support for repair to the skin. Good for all skin types

Sweet Almond oil: This oil is packed with Vitamin A & E, Omega-3s and Zinc. It stimulates the production of new skin cells, is anti-inflammatory and safeguards against sun damage as well as healing for scars. It can specifically treat dry skin, eczema and psoriasis.

Good for all skin types

Apricot Kernel oil: Helps improve skin tone, provide softness and adds to the radiance of the skin. It is nourishing and reduces the appearance of blemishes and wrinkles. Vitamin C and E are found in this oil. Apricot Kernel oil is very light and does not leave residue on the face. It is particularly good as an overnight oil to moisturize and open clogged pores.

Good for dry, hormone reactive or combination skin.

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Grapeseed oil: Full of anti-oxidants, this oil has the added benefit of not clogging pores in even the most sensitive skin. It moisturizes, lightens dark circles, reduces scar appearance, tightens skin and prevent sun damage. Grapeseed oil contains Omega-3s and Vitamin E.

Good for all skin types, but more importantly, best with oily skin.

Rose hip oil: Known as the oil to use for targeting youthfulness, rosehip oil promotes skin regeneration, flexibility and permeability. Skin texture is enhanced and signs of aging reduced. Vitamin A and fatty acids are found in rosehip oil and support both the health of the skin and promote skin brightening.

Good for all skin types, but ideal for normal to oily skin.

Designing a blend for your own skin is not as hard is sounds!

Find a base oil, or oils, that fits your skins needs and add essential oils that fine tune the direction you are trying to take your skin.

Common essential oil additions and the reasons we use them:

Lavender: Prevents, calms and heals acne breakouts. It is non-comedogenic (non-clogging for pores). It is antibacterial. Lavender can soothe eczema and reduce inflammation. It detoxifies and promotes relaxation. Finally, lavender is a source of antioxidants which benefit in the reduction of premature signs of aging.

Geranium: Known for reducing signs of aging and lending to a "glow". It reduces scar tissue and marks caused by skin irritation. Geranium is particularly good for oily skin as it restore the natural sebum balance on the skin's surface and unclogs pores. The aromatic properties of this oil reduce anxiety and depression.

Frankincense: Strengthens skin and improves its' tone, elasticity and defense mechanisms again bacteria. It is anti-inflammatory. Frankincense has been referred to as "liquid gold" for the skin due to its ability to rejuvenate the look, feel and overall health. The scent promotes feelings of satisfaction, peace, relaxation and overall wellness.

Jasmine: Promotes blood circulation which aids in the regeneration of cells. It is anti-inflammatory and is a component of care in the treatment of psoriasis. It is antiseptic and naturally fights bacteria. From a mood perspective, the aroma of jasmine has long been used for depression and even as an aphrodisiac.

Helichrysum: This oil is anti-inflammatory, antifungal and antibacterial making it very useful for healing skin. It relieves skin rashes, infections and increases collagen production. In addition to all of that, helichrysum has an energizing aroma that is well known to reduce burnout and exhaustion.

Sandalwood: Regular use of this antibacterial oil reduces acne, exfoliates the skin, soothes sunburns and reduces dryness. It evens the tone of the skin and makes the skin feel smoothe. The smell is highly grounding and mood enhancing.

Cypress: As a natural astringent, it reduces the appearance of oil on the skin without drying it out. It is antibacterial and can treat acne. Cypress firms and tightens loose/sagging skin by stimulating muscle tissue. This oil also can open sinuses and allow you to breathe easier.

Peppermint: A cleanser for the skin with antiseptic and antibacterial properties. The cooling effect soothes irritation/itching and inflammation. Well known mood benefits of peppermint include increasing focus and energy with an adjunct reduction to heart rate and headaches.

Rosemary: Hydrating to the skin, rosemary helps to balance and control oil production. It is antibacterial and assists with acne prevention. Its antiseptic nature is also known to improve eczema. Rosemary relieves anxiety and stress when inhaled by lowering the stress hormone cortisol in the blood stream.

Understanding how these oils interact in order to benefit the skin, we have formulas for each skin type--- offered through five dogs and fruit trees.

Mature Skin Serum: Rose hip oil, essential oils of rose, geranium, frankincense and helichrysum

Combination Skin Serum: Jojoba oil, rose hip oil, essential oils of frankincense, geranium, lavender and sandalwood.

Oily Skin Serum: Jojoba oil, grapeseed oil; essential oils of cypress, peppermint, rosemary

Sensitive Skin Serum: Jojoba oil; sweet almond oil; essential oils of helichrysum, sandalwood, frankincense and lavender

Dry Skin Serum: Rose hip oil; essential oils of rose, jasmine, frankincense and geranium

Normal Skin Serum: Apricot kernel oil; essential oils of lavender, geranium and frankincense

Feel free to contact me about a custom serum that fits your exact skin needs!