We are never too young, or too old, to take good care of our skin. As the largest organ of the body, our skin is essential to both our appearance and our general health. It requires nourishment, hydration, protection and regular care in order to thrive.
Our skin often reflects what is happening within our body. We’ve all seen what can happen when we don’t get adequate sleep or drink enough water, not to mention what stress can do. However, when we are attentive with our self-care by getting plenty of fresh air, regular exercise, and eating well, we often notice the positive impact on our skin. And another important thing to keep in mind in our quest for healthy skin is what we apply to it.
Adding essential oils to your skincare routine is a lovely way to experience the many benefits they have to offer. Some essential oils, such as Narrow Leaf Eucalyptus and Turmeric, have excellent cleansing and refreshing properties. Pink Grapefruit and Rose Geranium can help with oily and overactive skin. To help skin retain moisture, Neroli, Sandalwood or Palmarosa are good choices. Mature or sun-exposed skin may benefit from Carrot Seed, Helichrysum or Frankincense.
Essential oils should always be diluted before application. When it comes to skincare formulations, the fixed vegetable or ‘carrier oils’ you choose are just as important as the essential oils you use. Since antiquity, people have both cleansed and moisturized the skin with fixed carrier oils. Not only do they bond with excess oil, dirt, and pollutants on the skin so they can be rinsed away, they do so without stripping away the skin’s own natural protective barrier, and also provide moisture and nourishment. Carrier oils, such as Rosehip Seed, Jojoba and Baobab, are naturally rich in vitamins, such as A and E, as well as antioxidants and essential fatty acids that are beneficial for the skin.
Applying these skincare oils to damp skin is best, as this helps a few drops spread easily while leaving a clean, non-greasy feel. Dampening the skin with a floral water or ‘hydrosol’ such as Rose Hydrosol incorporates the added hydrating and softening benefits of these floral and plant waters. Following is an example self-care skincare cleansing and moisturizing routine that smells as good as it feels:
Step One: Oil Cleanse
On a dry face, massage a generous amount of Jojoba or Sunflower oil, taking time to massage the oil gently in a circular motion, avoiding the eyes. After a minute or two, rinse with warm water, or very gently wipe away the oil with a damp warm washcloth. Pat skin dry.
Step Two: Hydrosol Spritz
Spray your freshly cleansed face with Rose Hydrosol. Our Rose Hydrosol naturally contains a trace amount Rose Otto essential oil yielded in the extraction for extra skin conditioning hydration.
Step Three: Moisturizing Facial Oil
Apply 6-8 drops of a moisturizing facial oil formulation to damp skin and massage in gently with fingertips. Following is a recipe suitable for most skin types.
Sunrise Glow Facial Oil
Materials:
1 oz. glass bottle with pump (sterile)
3 Large Measuring Stem Pipettes
4 Fine Stem Pipettes
15 ml Jojoba Oil (Carrier Oil)
8 ml Baobab Oil (Carrier Oil)
6 ml Rosehip Seed CO2 (Carrier Oil)
10 drops Sea Buckthorn CO2 Extract – Organic (Carrier oil)
6 drops Neroli, Morocco – Organic (Essential Oil)
2 drops Turmeric – Organic (Essential Oil)
1 drop Helichrysum – Organic (Essential Oil)
Directions:
Set the 1 oz. bottle on a paper towel to absorb any spills. Use the large measuring pipettes to add each carrier oil (Jojoba, Baobab, and Rosehip Seed oils) to the bottle. Then, use the fine pipettes to add the Sea Buckthorn CO2 and then each essential oil (Neroli, Turmeric, and Helichrysum). Twist on the pump top and gently shake the formula to combine.
Apply a few drops to freshly cleansed skin that has been spritzed with Rose Hydrosol and pat in gently.
Enjoy your glowing skin!
