Natural Skin Care Oils

Shea butter benefits the skin in a number of ways. It is from the nut of the African shea tree (Butyrospermin parkii). The thick, semi-solid butter is extracted through an age-old process and is a rich moisturizer. Be sure to purchase only unrefined, pure shea butter. I like to buy shea butter at Mountain Rose Herbs. Traditionally used in Africa all over the body and hair, shea butter offers protection from the elements of wind and sun. it has a sun protective factor of approximatelyContinue Reading…

Shea is native to Africa and it is becoming quite popular throughout the world for its highly moisturizing effects. Check out the article on shea butter benefits to learn more about when to use it. Always be sure to purchase unrefined, pure shea butter that still holds the vital energy of Mother Earth. In this way, you will be nourishing your skin and your spirit :) I’ve used shea butter on its own as a skin moisturizer and lip balm, as an ingredient in naturalContinue Reading…

Olive oil for face, particularly extra virgin, is rich, nourishing and heavy. Extra virgin olive oil is particularly suited to dry and mature skin (or to prevent skin from becoming dry and delay maturing!) to hold in moisture and nourish skin cells. It is also one of the most used oils used in the Oil Cleansing method. If you want to know about effective and natural skin care oils that will turn back the clock, then check this out before going any further. Greek andContinue Reading…

The violet is an especially medicinal little plant and making violet flower oil is literally magic. I went searching for these tiny beautiful flowers yesterday to make one my herbal oils that I often rave about. Though it took me three hours to find a healthy patch, once amongst the violets, it was all worth it. Making herbal oils is quite easy, yet, if you haven’t made one there are several points to keep in mind. You can read the full details on making herbalContinue Reading…

Being quite familiar with castor oil, the Oil Cleansing Method (OCM) and my deep affection for natural skin care oils, I like to experiment and play with different skin care routines and test how they work. Recently I decided to use the OCM as my primary method of cleansing and realized two things which I think are pretty important to emphasize. 1)    Putting oil on dry skin is an uphill battle. Instead I recommend wetting the face first with lukewarm to warm water. Apply your oil mixContinue Reading…

Rose hip seed oil is extremely high in gamma-linolenic acid and Vitamin C (20 times more than an orange), making it ideal for keeping skin youthful and regenerating cells. It is often used to heal scar tissue and prevent fine lines. It has been used by native Chileans for centuries. I love the oil from this store. The cold-pressed oil is used on its own and as part of blends in creams, skin oils, and serums. I’ve added it as a part of fine skinContinue Reading…

Jojoba oil acne uses include being a general moisturizer, used for spot treatments and as part of a cleansing oil regime. You can find the best jojoba oil here. Jojoba oil is a splendidly light, absorptive skin oil. It has an undetectable scent and an SPF of 4. It is a golden-brown color. Growing in arid regions, jojoba oil is from the plant Simmondsia chinensis and is technically a wax. The jojoba plant is native to the Sonoran Desert of northern Mexico and southern Arizona. It isContinue Reading…

What is Jamaican black castor oil (AKA JBCO) and how is it different than other castor oils? Is it more potent like many people say? How is it used for making the hair thicker and stopping hair loss? JBCO is made from the beans or seeds of the castor plant (Ricinus communis), just like all other kinds of castor oil. The difference is in the processing method. While clear castor oil is pressed from fresh seeds, Jamaican black is made by first roasting those seedsContinue Reading…

Lately I have been very intrigued by the idea and practice of decorating the body using natural colorants. Natural ways to create the colorants include infusing oils with herbs for color using plants that have high amounts of pigments. Some of these plants include indigo, madder, henna, and alkanet. According to Plants for a Future, there are at least 1171 plants that are used for dye purposes! A few years ago, I played with natural dyes for cloth and it was super fun. I madeContinue Reading…

Castor oil uses stem from its many healing virtues and desirable qualities. Based upon its diversity of usage, it is commonly incorporated into natural formulations for hair, skin, nails and lips. Castor oil is also used as a thickener in recipes, hair and nail care. It is a rich, smooth oil great for solid perfumes, lip balms and products designed to provide a protective barrier. It leads as the primary oil used in most creamy and glossy lip balms, as it is naturally shiny andContinue Reading…