This is just a short list of different plant and flower oils and what they do. There are countless uses for botanical oils and so many more than what are listed here. These are some favorite ones, with a short blurb of what they do and how to use them. You may know many of their uses already, but there might be some that surprise you. Whatever the case may be, you may get inspired to start using some of them on your skin and fall in love with using the most natural skin care items on the planet.
- Jojoba Oil- It is made from the seeds of the jojoba plant. (simmondsia chinesis) Jojoba oil is similar to the properties of human skin (sebum). Do you think it will make your skin oilier? You would be incorrect! Jojoba Oil can actually trick your skin into producing less oil! It can be used to cleanse your pores and even remove makeup. There are literally countless uses for this magical oil. Here are just a few:
· Eye makeup remover when mixed with water
· Cuticle oil
· Face and body moisturizer
· Hot oil treatment for your hair
· Smooth split ends and frizz
· Mix in scrubs or add to lotions to intensify moisture and add antioxidants.
- Coconut Oil- This oil has an intoxicating scent and it is very rich in essential fatty acids like lauric acid. Lauric acid is found in mother’s milk and helps aid in digestion. Fatty acids are important for many other functions of our body as well, including healthy skin. Coconut oil has also been found to have anti-fungal, anti-viral, and anti-bacterial properties. This is why an ancient technique called oil pulling is effective. Oil pulling is swishing around the oil in your mouth and ‘pulling’ it through your teeth until it becomes a thin, white, milky substance. Some people do this for detoxing purposes, but it has been shown to be effective in keeping your gums healthy and cleaning your teeth! Coconut Oil is easily absorbed through your skin and not only repairs and rejuvenates it; it also prevents free-radical formation which can break our skin down. Another way it has been used is in treating people with Alzheimer’s disease as it stimulates different areas of the brain. Look for Virgin Coconut Oil that is cold-pressed and organic.
- Sweet Almond Oil- This is a very popular oil that has fatty acids like linoleic and oleic and also is rich in antioxidants such as Vitamins A, E, and D. This oil is miraculous at curing dry skin and also is used for those who suffer from having black circles under the eyes. (Arnica is good for this too, but more on that another time) Just dab it on wherever you have extra dry patches or pat it under your eyes for those dark circles. Another way to use this oil is add it to your evening moisturizer to make your regular moisturizer last longer and wake up extra soft and smooth!
- Grape Seed Oil- This oil is made from the seeds of grapes and is a great source of polyphenols (antioxidant molecule found in plants).Grape Seed Oil also has anti-allergen and anti-inflammatory properties so it is highly effective at diminishing sun spots and minimizing damage from sunburns. It can be used to reduce the appearance of stretch marks as it encourages strong, healthy skin by enhancing the production of collagen and elastin.
- Pumpkin Seed Oil- It has a high absorption rate and can moisturize the skin very quickly. Pumpkin Seed Oil is rich with Vitamin E, fatty acids, and phytosterols (phytochemical emollient naturally occurring in plants). It has a relaxing, earthy scent and can be used in aromatherapy as a calming agent. This divine oil has been found to slow hair loss! It is a natural dihydrotestosterone (DHT) blocker and this is the hormone that can be responsible for hair loss.
- Flaxseed Oil- This oil comes from a blue flowering plant and is also sometimes called linseed. It is high in Omega 3 fatty acids and provides plenty of protein for our hungry skin. Those who are vegetarian or vegan would want to consider taking flaxseed oil orally instead of fish oil caps. You can also apply flaxseed oil directly to your skin as it helps repair skin cells and helps wrinkles to smooth out. Flaxseed oil tastes delicious mixed with lemon or vinegar for salad dressing. Or if you are really hard core, you can just put flaxseed oil on your salads all by itself! Buy it organic and cold-pressed.
- Evening Primrose Oil- This gem of an oil comes from a wildflower and is mega rich in essential fatty acids such as gamma-linolenic acid and linoleic acid. It also contains lipids which really lock moisture in. It is used for medicinal purposes for issues such as eczema, rheumatoid arthritis, and even pms! It also works great on dry feet, elbows, and hands and can also be used by mixing it in your cleanser to keep skin dewy. Dr. Jeanette Graf, M.D. is a renowned dermatologist who actually created a cleanser with evening primrose oil in it. You can find it here: Hydrating cleanser with evening primrose oil.
- Vitamin E Oil- Vitamin E oil is the go to cure for healing scars, but did you know that it is used to actually treat skin conditions such as psoriasis? It is a powerful antioxidant that fights the free radicals that can damage our skin. Vitamin E is versatile and can do many other things as well. You can take a bottle of Vitamin E and warm it in hot water and use it as a scalp conditioner, split end healer, or mix it with brown sugar for a D.I.Y lip scrub!
- Orange Oil- this is an essential oil produced from the rind of an orange. It has a very uplifting and energizing scent. Since it is very potent, you would only need a few drops and can use it in your other products for its cleansing properties. Oil for cleansing really does work. It cleans off excess sebum from your face and also draws out impurities from your pores. Burt’s Bees has a fantastic cleanser they make with orange oil in it and it smells happy and leaves your skin super clean, but not or tight or dry.
- Lavender Oil- This oil smells fresh and clean and it mixes well with other oils. It has been widely used in aromatherapy for its calming and soothing aroma. Lavender Oil balances and clarifies the skin while relaxing your mind! It also is an antiseptic so it works well for acne and other inflammations. It is recommended for insomnia and anxiety as well. When you make a D.I.Y body scrub, you can always add a couple drops to get the benefits of this essential oil or place a little on a handkerchief and tuck it under your pillow to help you have a good night’s rest. A little bit under your nose can clear nasal passages when you are feeling stuffed up or suffering from allergies.
Have fun discovering which oils make you feel and look beautiful!
Love,
Rae
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