Face It.

Beauty 101 comin’ atcha.

 

So, this is not new news, just a reminder (a reminder of my opinion, that is). For face care: oils over creams and lotions. All day. Men, women, younger, older. Just better.

 

I believe I have recently crossed over into the category of what some may refer to as “mature skin”. The years of playing hard and believing sunscreen wasn’t a “have to” have caught up and planted themselves right on my grill.

 

I’m in the gentle stages of at least holding things at bay on the age process. No drastic steps taken at the moment, as I am a hard core lover of the wrinkle, the laugh-line, the freckle, the veiny hand and forearm. I like signs of feeling, working, emoting, expressing– living. All I’m saying is what’s wrong with a little daily natural remedy for tightening and brightening before I start thinking about the down-time procedures that potentially (most likely) lie ahead ;)

 

So your Derm and/or medical beauty guru can tell you what you need in addition to, but as far as moisturizing and battling those aging warrior pests, here’s a little breakdown on some natural, daily do’s. I am by no means qualified for advising in this field, tis just what we prefer in these parts.  *My oldest and I set up a little oil lab and got to work mixin it up.  (Holiday gift requests, anyone?)*

 

The Shake Down…

 

Many oils are beneficial for anti-aging, sunspots, tightening and brightening of the skin, etc., though most need a carrier oil in the fold. A carrier oil is just that– an oil that dilutes and carries the essential oil into the skin. My personal carrier oil votes go to:  Coconut Oil, Sweet Almond Oil, Argan Oil, Grapeseed Oil, Rosehip Seed Oil and Jojoba oil.

• Argan Oil: helps battle and prevent dryness, wrinkles and age spots

 

• Coconut Oil: antibacterial, antifungal, moisturizes

 

• Sweet Almond Oil: protects from UV radiation damage, fights wrinkles, moisturizes, soothes irritated skin, helps reduce acne

 

• Grapeseed Oil: lightweight (non-greasy), nice fragrance, anti-aging properties, moisturizes

 

• Rosehip Seed Oil: high antioxidant concentration, reduces appearance of scars, anti-aging properties, nice fragrance

 

• Jojoba: moisturizing, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory for irritated skin

 

 

Essential oils to whip into your daily face regeeeeme  (***mixed with carrier oils***)…

 

• Geranium– nice scent, moisturizes, helps reduce age spots

 

• Carrot Seed– antioxidant, regenerates new cells and tissues, helps reduce scars and age spots

 

• Frankincense– powerful astringent (protects skin cells), treats acne, shrinks pores, prevents wrinkles, tightens skin

 

• Myrrh– rejuvenates skin, antioxidant, helps treat scars

 

….(Wait, those Wisemen were onto something!)

 

• Neroli– antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and antiseptic (helps fight bacteria and acne)

 

• Lemon– reduces age spots, tightens and brightens skin

 

• Primrose: good for “mature” skin, helps with dryness, anti-aging properties (can also be a carrier oil)

 

• Blue Tansy– antibacterial, anti-fungal and anti-inflammatory

 

• Pumpkin and Mandarin oils: help plump and moisturize skin

 

 

I purchased a glass bottle/pump for my counter top and re-purposed an old dropper and bottle for my purse. Keep the supply pumping and plumping all day and on the go!

 

Below are some suggested face oil recipes. As far as quantities, let the carrier oil be majority, add essentials in heavy drop quantities…

 

______________

Argan Oil

Grapeseed Oil

Carrot Seed Oil

Lemon

Frankincense

_______________

Argan Oil

Sweet Almond Oil

Primrose Oil

Myrrh

Carrot Seed Oil

_______________

For the kiddos:

Coconut Oil

Sweet Almond Oil

Rosehip Seed Oil

(lavender oil to chill at nighttime)

 

 

*Jojoba oil (and others such as Macadamia oil) can pull waste/dirt from the pores, which can in turn allow them to appear smaller. Try makeup removal using just these oils and a cotton ball/cloth.

 

*Ever smothered dirt on your teeth? Looks a lot like this: I brush my teeth with coconut oil (refined) and a little activated organic (food grade) charcoal. It is NOT pretty to stumble into this procedure, ask my hubs. Though, I’ll swallow pride for a whiter and brighter smile. Mix the two in a small dish forming a paste, dip your brush in and let ‘er go. Brush and rinse per normal and flash those pearlies.

(The mixture will keep if you choose to pre-mix and keep in a jar, etc.). Heads up, the charcoal can make a mess so be thoughtful on your movements ;)

 

Lastly, I feel it needs to be (g)noted, as I am not a rep for essential oils, it is always important to read reviews, check grade of oils, etc. Some may say the ones bought in your local market are not primo enough for your skin. I’ve asked around and like what I’m working with (not bought from anywhere fancy), and pleased with results.  Just wanted to mention this before my inbox blows ;)

 

And in the words of my BFF (AEH), “you only get one face”.  So let’s be kind to it. Long live the days of Oxy-cuting pads and that Sea Breeze tingle.