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Rejuvenating Carrier Oils For Spring Renewal

A vast range of natural materials are available to protect and care for your skin, and you’ll find many of them conveniently brought together for the gentle healing art of aromatherapy.

And I’m not just talking about essential oils either; aromatherapy carrier oils also have the ability to revitalize, nourish, soften wrinkles, and shield your skin from the ravages of the weather and environmental pollution.

Spring has officially arrived so instead of spending a fortune on all those over-priced brand name skincare products online and in shops, why not use the aromatherapy carrier oils you probably already have at home, and save your hard-earned money? Inexpensive basic carrier oils such as peach kernel or sweet almond can be used on the hands, feet, body and face to provide moisturizing and skin-softening benefits, for the cost of only a few pennies per day.

And that’s only the beginning. Some aromatherapy carrier oils possess rejuvenating therapeutic properties that are just perfect for revitalizing dry, wind-burned skin during wet and windy spring weather conditions. Just as importantly, they are natural, convenient, and free from all those harsh chemicals commonly found in leading brands of skin care.

The science bit

Some people are reluctant to use carrier oils on the face, fearing that it will make an oily type complexion much worse, but I can assure you this is not necessarily the case. Here’s why.

On the surface of the skin is a layer called the ‘acid mantle’, and this layer is vital to the health of skin since it is the first line of defence against invading bacteria. The acid mantle consists of sebum and a colony of friendly micro-bacteria which works to protect the skin and maintain vital moisture.

Gentle massage with suitable carrier oils – either by themselves or mixed with a blend of essential oils – helps to support the natural pH of this crucial layer of the skin. Over production of sebum (the skins natural lubricant) can sometimes be triggered as a response to external aggressors such as those found in cheap alkaline soaps, or they may even be started by dietary deficiencies. Simple facial massage can help to put this situation back into balance.

Nature’s liquid gold

When it comes to moisturizing and revitalizing your skin, argan oil has been my first choice for many years now. The rich, complex and unique chemical composition of this phenomenal oil deeply nourishes the skin, helping to soften wrinkles and protect against both the damaging effects of the weather and premature aging. This is why beauty experts refer to this vegetable oil as ‘liquid gold’!

Cold pressed macadamia oil contains up to 18% of palmitoleic acid, and this essential fatty acid is also found in sebum. Amazingly, there are very few plants on earth that contain palmitoleic acid let alone rival the amount of contained in macadamia oil, and this is what makes it so vital to your daily skincare regimen.

Evening primrose, unrefined avocado and jojoba carrier oils also contain impressive levels of palmitoleic acid plus other essential fatty acids that provide deep moisturizing and nourishing qualities. Evening primrose oil also has high levels of linoleic acid and gamma linolenic acid which are essential fatty acids that fight the ageing process and are essential for healthy cell function.

These essential fatty acids are vital components of the fluid lipid film that coats the skin’s surface and controls elasticity, moisture and softness. This is precisely why evening primrose oil is so valuable if you want to have a clear complexion with a vibrant youthful glow. It contains everything the body needs to fight the aging process and combat dry, red and itchy skin conditions.

The miracle tree

Some aromatherapy carrier oils contain powerful natural moisturizing nutrients that actually resemble those found in the skin, making them invaluable in your daily skincare regime. Oleic acid is found in sebum and carrier oils containing impressive amounts of oleic acid include olive, jojoba, moringa, and sunflower. Moringa oil in particular is a powerful natural antioxidant with outstanding nourishing, rejuvenative, skin-smoothing qualities.

Moringa oil has been used in skin preparations and ointments since Egyptian times when it was known as Behn or Ben oil. An ancient Egyptian recipe cites it as a remedy to treat wrinkles when combined with frankincense and cypress grass. In fact many ancient cultures including the Greeks and the Romans knew about the healing properties of this oil, which perhaps explains why the tree the oil comes from became known as the “Miracle Tree”.

Jojoba is another brilliant skin care oil since it is a non-greasy, highly emollient carrier that moisturises and conditions your skin without leaving your skin feeling too oily, whilst even helping to unclog blocked pores. This natural oil has a chemical structure that is unique in the plant world, and produces large quantities of liquid wax esters similar to sebum which is the skins own natural lubricant, making it one of the very finest natural emollients for skin and hair.

Soothing relief

If you suffer from sensitive, red and irritated skin, then you will find both evening primrose and calendula oils are great for bringing soothing relief and they can be used directly on the skin either undiluted or mixed with a lighter carrier oil such as sweet almond, peach or apricot. Calendula oil in particular is ideal during wet and windy weather, since it’s soothing and healing qualities can be used when your skin is sore due to the weather making your skin sore and sensitive.

Rosehip oil is a great overnight skin-replenishing treatment because it is a natural antioxidant with excellent emollient properties. Even more importantly, it is also a skin cell regenerator that can help to soften fine lines and wrinkles, so use this oil as an intensive overnight treatment to help hold back the hands of time.

Finally, be sure to eat a balanced diet, including lots of fresh fruit and vegetables. Not only will this regimen help you to maintain a healthy weight, the vitamins and anti-oxidants in the fruit and veggies nourish your skin and hair. Having healthy skin and shiny hair is a definite recipe for a more youthful look, and of course this is what we all strive for.