Everyday Natural Oils for Health and Beauty

In honor of Earth day and recessionary times, I will highlight four readily available natural oils that serve a variety of health and beauty purposes.

Coconut Oil
Any Indian, or in my case Bangladeshi, knows that this oil promotes healthy hair and scalp. Coconut oil also helps to rid the scalp of dandruff (Natural News). Moreover, not only does this lubricant relieve dry and rough skin but it may improve psoriasis and eczema, as well as prevent liver spots and other age related blemishes. It also repairs sun burns and is a great natural tanner. Nurture your body by applying the oil at bedtime or massaging it into your skin before a bath. Possessing antiseptic qualities that help bring temporary relief to the skin, coconut oil can heal, repair and ward off skin problems and infections (Virgin Coconut Oil).

Jojoba Oil
This is a great hair conditioner, especially for protection against dry split ends. Jojoba oil is an ideal beauty product as it is similar to the skin’s natural sebum and therefore readily absorbed (Vitamin Stuff). Use it as an eye make-up remover and eye lash conditioner, and to regularly moisturize dry lips and cuticles(ILoveIndia.com). Jojoba oil also treats acne, both by reducing sebum production and by protecting the skin from harmful bacteria. Try it as a body or massage oil, or apply before shaving for a smooth shave and to prevent razor burn (Acne.org). Jojoba is great for sensitive skin conditions, including psoriasis and eczema (Pioneer Thinking).

Rosemary
Frequently used in aromatherapy and massage to reduce stress, rosemary oil is also excellent for the hair. It prevents premature graying, dandruff and hair loss, softens hair texture, and even thwarts and treats head lice (Green Herbal Remedies). In addition, this non-sticky oil can be used on the face and body for moisturizing as well as for reducing muscle and arthritic joint pains. It also has the ability to heal wounds and regenerate the skin ( The Raw Divas Blog).

Citronella Oil
When on vacation, citronella oil is my bed time non-toxic protection from insects for body and face, as it is safe for all including children and sensitive skin types. Additionally, it may be used as an astringent to help correct oily skin areas. Apply a couple of drops of the oil to a cotton pad and gently wipe off excess oil from the skin before proceeding to your regular facial routine (Citronella-oil.blogspot.com). If this fragrant oil is diluted into a base oil (like Jojoba!) it can provide physical and mental benefits such as alleviating muscle and joint pain, calming nerves, and reducing pressure from migraines and headaches (Suite101.com).

Points to Note:
Oily and sensitive skin types should cautiously consider these tips and everyone should take a spot test. Apply oil on the skin of the inner forearm to safeguard against irritation. Always consult an aromatherapist if in doubt about the use of essential oils.

Home treatments lack the finesse of the spa products from the Etsy NewNewTeam, so if you have no patience for dealing with oily messes, remember to visit our stores.

I’m looking forward to shiny healthy hair, strong nails and seasons of moisturized and bug bite free skin on a beauty budget.

Talita
fairywallah.etsy.com

Hot steaming bath in the freezing cold winter!

I admit, I'm a bath addict. I love taking a bath year around, but in the winter it becomes essential. Nothing like a steaming hot bath before going to bed on a wintry night, a perfect cure for many ailments, including the common cold, muscle or joint pains, and insomnia!

Card by SpinachNPeace

Many things can be added to the bath water, bubbles are fun, and essential oils are wonderful for rejuvenating the spirit and to prevent drying of the skin. Try lavender oil if you are feeling under the weather or coming down with a cold. Epsom salt relaxes the muscles and is said to draw toxins from the body. Cleopatra was known to have a beautiful, smooth skin, and her secret was soaking her body in milk! Try adding two cups of fresh milk or buttermilk to your next bath! When I feel I really need to wind down and relax, I add a few drops of essential oils (I like Lavender and Ylang Ylang), pour some rose water into the bath, light some candles and turn off the other lights, then I pray the kids will allow me 15-20 minutes of heavenly escape....

Here are some products that can be used to enhance your home-mini-spa experience:
A spa soap bar from nordeasoaperie:

Handmade soap with frankincense & myrrh, two more wonderfully fragrant, relaxing and sensual essential oils by dirtylovesclean:

Use these candles from DewOnAPetalHome , turn off the lights and reaaaaaly relax...

Whatever you use in your bath, keep warm and enjoy!
Iris
ArtByIris

Oil Cleansing Method

A few years ago, I started to take a long, hard look at the products I was using for my “beauty regimen.” I read the labels on soaps, moisturizers, toners, cleansers, etc. I wondered about the different ingredients, and how I came to have so many bottles of “potions” littering my bathroom.

I have oily, acne-prone skin on my face, so the thought of covering it with oils scared the heck out of me. I never had a problem with blemishes during my teen years, but my face “freaked out” in my early 20’s. Seemingly overnight, my face developed a layer of pimples that refused to go away no matter what I used.

I began to hear about the Oil Cleansing Method, but dismissed the success stories. After all, why on earth would I apply oil to a face that was already prone to develop zits? So, I continued to use over-the-counter medications, but nothing worked…..my face was still a mess. I finally went to see a dermatologist, she took one look at me and promptly wrote a prescription for accutane. I stared at the prescription for a week before deciding that I could not possibly ingest a pill that could cause birth defects (along w/other horrible side effects.) I admitted defeat, and figured I had nothing to lose….I decided to give the OCM a try. After the first time, I was surprised to find that all of the makeup was gone, and I was left with clean, soft skin….and most importantly, my face wasn’t dried out; which often happened when I used commercial cleansers.

The Method:
In a bowl, mix together 1Tbsp of castor oil & 1Tbsp of olive oil.
Rub mixture all over the face, spending a few minutes massaging the skin (carefully avoiding your eyes & mouth.)
Drape a hot washcloth over the face & relax for a few minutes, then using the washcloth, wipe off the oil. You can splash a bit of cold water on your face afterwards to close up the pores.
No additional washing necessary! Easy peasy!

The oils work to dissolve any dirt or makeup on the face. The hot washcloth works to steam the face and open up your pores. Castor is a good oil for drawing impurities to the skin’s surface and it’s nice and thick, so not too many drips. Some find castor oil to be too drying; if that is the case you can always up the amount of olive oil. There really are no set rules.

Now, there are many variations that can come into play…depending on what you’ve got in your cupboard. I have an endless supply of oils because of soap making, so I have used different oil combinations including hazelnut (astringent properties,) emu, grapeseed, neem (anti-bacterial properties,) hemp…the list goes on and on. The point is to use the oils that work best for your skin.

I also like to follow up with a toner, a simple mix of diluted apple cider vinegar (try 1 part acv, 3 parts water.) Just use a cotton ball to wipe the mixture all over the face. The most important thing is to follow up with a moisturizer.

I use a mix of light oils on my face as a moisturizer. While my face is still damp, I smooth on a combination of hazelnut, jojoba, emu, and fractionated coconut oil (I pre-mix the oils in a clean glass jar…great way to recycle small jelly jars!)...just a few drops are needed. Sometimes I’ll use oils infused with herbs like lavender, calendula and comfrey. Sometimes I’ll add essential oils like tea tree and lavender. I use light oils that are easily absorbed by the skin, and won’t clog pores. Again, just use oils that work best for you.

Now, my face is far from perfect, but compared to a few years ago….major improvement. I learned not to be afraid of oils. Our skin naturally produces oil to protect it from the elements, so no reason to be afraid!

I’ll admit, I don’t use the OCM method as often as I used to. I developed a soap that I love to use on my face…it is chock full of goodies like oats, essential oils, aloe juice, and skin-loving oils. I love using my handmade soap, but the OCM is a fantastic alternative to commercial cleansers & best of all….no more bottles littering my bathroom!

-Nordea
http://www.nordeasoaperie.etsy.com