Plant-based Body Oils
Hello Beauty!
Rose Hip Seeds
Face and body oils play a crucial role in my wellness routine. These plant-based oils serve as an excellent source of Omega-3s and essential fatty acids, essential for maintaining healthy and vibrant skin. Omega-3s are considered essential because our bodies cannot produce them, necessitating their intake through our diet or, in this case, 'skin food.'
I view beauty products as “skin food”, given that the epidermis is our largest organ and highly porous. This organ aids in detoxifying our body and contributes to our skin tone. I prefer using simple beauty products with minimal ingredients – the fewer, the better! I am cautious about what I apply to my skin and believe that if I don't feel comfortable ingesting it, it doesn't belong on my skin.
While I enjoy costume design, face paint and glitter, on special occasions, simplicity is key for everyday beauty. Face and body oils have become my go-to for skincare, moisturizing, and even makeup removal. With numerous choices available, I've decided to spotlight some of my favorite oils, detailing their benefits, and uses, and recommending some products I love.
Plant oils
Argan oil
This is the ultimate skin superfood that is rich in vitamin E, proteins, and essential fatty acids. This oil is super moisturizing, helps to diminish the appearance of fine lines, and boosts texture and tone. It is lightweight and easily absorbed which makes it a great choice for hair, skin, and nails! My favorite Argan oil is a blend from Marie Veronique.
Apricot seed oil
This oil is absorbed into the skin easily to help replenish moisture quickly. It is very lightweight and is a nice addition to a bath or applied directly to your skin.
Baobab oil
This oil is from the Baobab fruit trees that grow in Africa. These trees’ lifespan is on average 500 years old but the oldest found was 5000 years! The oil has a light and nutty scent to it and it is a great moisturizer without clogging pores. It is stock-full of vitamins for the skin, cosmetic use only though. You have to check out Mountain Rose Herbs Baobab Oil, It’s divine!
Carrot seed oil
This oil is derived from the seeds of the biennial plant Queen Anne’s Lace. It is great to nourish, soften, and moisturize the skin. It is a lovely green color that can help balance out redness and protect against the harsh effects of environmental toxins. It is high in antioxidants and works great as a make-up remover too! Wild Carrot Herbals makes an amazing Carrot seed oil.
Coconut oil
I can speak about the benefits of coconut oil for days! But as a face and body oil, it helps retain moisture and reduce water loss from the skin. It is high in vitamin E and fatty acids. It can be used can be used as a facial cleanser or a hair moisturizer, think the infamous coco bun!
Jojoba oil
This plant oil helps to balance oil skin and is a great makeup remover, face cleanser, or body oil. It has antibacterial properties so it can be used for minor skin infections such as cuts and scraps. It is great for scalp and hair health and can help to improve dandruff.
Raspberry seed oil
This oil can also be used as daily gentle sun protection with an SPF of around 28. (Don’t just depend on this when the sun is blazing or if you have sensitive skin!) It is high in vitamins E and A.
Rosehip oil
This brightening and balancing oil is extremely high in essential fatty acids is perfect for dry irritated skin and can help correct dark skin spots. It is extremely high in vitamin C, antioxidants, and fatty acids. It is a great healer for scars and stretch marks. I wouldn’t recommend this for acne-prone skin. I love Trilogy Organic Rosehip oil.
DIY Suggestions
Mix raw Shea butter with Jojoba oil for an ultra moisturizer for your body.
Make a Lip scrub with raw sugar, peppermint oil, and jojoba. I love this recipe from Hello Glow!
Create an anti-acne serum with carrot seed oil and tea tree oil.
Make a nourishing hair mask with coconut and argan oil.
Concoct a natural whipped sunscreen with raspberry seed oil, coconut oil, zinc oxide, and shea. (recipe coming soon!)
