If plant oils aren't part of your daily skincare regime, then they need to be! Packed full of skin-nourishing vitamins, minerals, and fatty acids they can have wonderful, all-natural skin-enhancing effects.
If you're sick of buying 'natural' skincare products that are marketed as natural, yet you still need to google most of the ingredients. Then why not make your own? Store-bought skin care products can contain tons of drying alcohols, synthetic polymers, and fragrance, which totally defeat the purpose of a nourishing, hydrating serum or face oil! All these toxic ingredients can be damaging and also triggering for eczema suffers.
Organic plant, seed, and nut oils can be incredibly nourishing for all skin types. They contain phytonutrients with powerful antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties that help to combat the signs of aging by protecting the skin from free radical damage.
Adding essential oils to the mix will be highly beneficial for your skin glow goals. Choose carefully and find the ones that suit your skin type, especially if you have skin issues. Frankincense is super high in anti-aging properties and is suitable for oily/acne-prone skin due to its anti-bacterial, antiseptic, and anti-inflammatory properties. Rose Geranium has hormone regulating properties that help to balance excess sebum production. Lavender also has lots of skin health-promoting benefits from antioxidant to wound healing. It's one of my favorite essential oils and I use it in all my DIY's.
THE MAGIC OF PLANT OILS
This facial oil recipe includes three plant oils that are suitable for all skin types. Not all oils will work well with all skin types though. It's important to choose the correct oils for your skin type! Click on the images below to get more info on how to choose your oils.
Rosehip Seed Oil
This is one of my favorite plant oils for the skin. Not to be confused with rose oil, which is made from rose petals, rosehip oil comes from the seeds of the rosehips, which are the fruit left behind after a rose has flowered and dropped its petals. According to Dr. Axe, this oil is considered the ultimate anti-aging oil due to its high content of vitamins, antioxidants, and essential fatty acids. It contains vitamins E, C, F, and pro-vitamin A, which contribute to its antioxidant effect. The presence of vitamin C and A work together to stimulate collagen production in the skin, thereby reducing the appearance of wrinkles. Essential fatty acids work with vitamin A to help improve overall skin tone and texture through cell and tissue regeneration.
Rosehip oil is high in Linoleic Fatty Acid (omega-6) and has a comedogenic rating of 1, making it ideal for acne-prone/oily skin types. These skin types have more Oleic Acid and less Linoleic Acid in their sebum. This makes the sebum thick and sticky which will block pores and lead to breakouts. Low levels of linoleic acid in the skin leads to more oil production.
Olive Squalane
Nicknamed 'nature's facelift', Olive Squalane is unlike any other oil, in fact, it feels more like a serum than an oil. The key to squalane's skin success is that its molecular structure resembles that of our own skin's design. This similarity allows it to penetrate the skin completely and synthesize quickly, making it an excellent delivery system for other ingredients. It will not clog pores or leave a greasy residue so it's great for oily/acne-prone skin types. Olive squalane also contains powerful antioxidants that protect the skin from free radicals which destroy skin cells and damage the skin's natural collagen. It softens the skin, improves elasticity, protects against moisture loss, and has a luxurious, silky feel.
Apricot Kernel Oil
Apricot Kernel Oil is great for combination skin types due to its high Oleic Acid (omega-9) content, which means it is very moisturizing for dry skin. But its low comedogenic rating means it is suitable for oily or acne-prone skin types. It is obtained from the pit or seed of apricots and has a history of medicinal use in Traditional Chinese Medicine. This one is also a great anti-aging oil due to its high antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
Vitamin E Oil
I always put a few drops of vitamin E in all my DIY's because it's rich in antioxidants —meaning it helps to protect the skin from free radical damage that ages the skin. It's also highly nourishing and has anti-inflammatory properties.
Measure each oil into a measuring jug/beaker, using a small funnel pour the oils into a 30ml glass dropper bottle.
Apply this facial oil after toner and before moisturizer.
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