The wonders of Seed Oils
Seeds are the core of life – without a seed, the plant cannot reproduce and ensure another generation. The very existence of that plant is contained within the seed, so it is enormously powerful and potent. Most seed oils are upcycled, so they are not only burst with life-enhancing nutrition, but they help to prevent waste. Take a watermelon as an example. The skin can be made into a preserve or jam, and the flesh is cut and eaten as a delicious and juicy fruit. The seeds would usually be thrown away, but instead, are given a whole new life by being processed into an oil that can be used in baby massage, on children’s skin and in adult products, providing a list of benefits from its soothing ability to its healing and antibacterial properties.
Using oil on your skin is a very different experience from using a lotion or cream, and it can take time to become familiar with the various sensations and outcomes that come with their use.
- The first difference is that you only need a few drops of oil compared with a blob of cream. Pure oil products don’t contain water or emulsifiers, so they are concentrated.
- The second difference is that they take longer to absorb into the skin, so a degree of patience is needed. Oil products that contain coloured oils, such as pumpkin seed oil or black seed oil, are packed with nutrients, but their colours (which provide healing components) can stain clothing or materials. Any oil will transfer to an absorbent surface and leave a mark (as you’ll know if you use oil in the kitchen or spill food on your clothes), but the colour will also leave its mark, sometimes transferring a dark or yellowed hue onto the fabric. This is why it’s important to allow time for the oil to absorb into the skin. This absorption will be at a slower rate than a water-based product, as even though oil is lighter than water, it is a great deal thicker. The waiting is a good lesson in slow living rather than rapid living.
- The third difference is the texture of oil which is vastly different from water-based lotions and creams. Oil feels thicker to the touch and on the skin as it is dense. However, this sensation is not unpleasant once you know what to expect and offers a beautiful, silky feel while being applied, and afterwards. As it takes longer to absorb, it remains oily to the touch, but this disappears as it penetrates. This soft, smooth sensation is glorious and part of the enjoyment of using an oil product.
When applying oil, remember to start with a small amount, sometimes only a few drops are needed if you’re applying it to your face. Even a body oil only needs about .5ml (two squirts of the Skin Relief & Renewal Body & Scalp Oil) to cover one arm. You can always add more.
If you’re in a hurry or think you have applied too much oil, pat it dry with a tissue. It’s important to do this to ensure there’s no residue if you’re about to put on, for example, an expensive shirt or your best silk pyjamas.
Using oil in larger quantities can mean that there is a small residue left behind after showering or bathing though this tends to wash away with warm water and soap, as with any oil.
USE YOUR OIL – don’t let it sit unopened, or open in a warm place, for months on end. Those wonderful, nutrient-packed ingredients will become rancid sooner rather than later, especially if the product is made without preservatives. The sooner you use them, the sooner your skin will feel their benefits and fall in love with their soothing, restorative powers.
Scalp Oil is certainly worth using if you suffer from dry, itchy, flaky, oily or scaly skin on your head. The main issue is that oil softens or becomes runny once it warms. Consequently, when you’re applying the oil to your scalp, don’t overdo it, thinking you need more to cover the whole area. Again, start with a small amount and massage it into the scalp, adding further amounts as you go along.
Place a towel around your shoulders to prevent it staining your clothes or running down your neck. As it softens, it becomes easier to massage, and as you massage your scalp, so the oil softens and spreads. If the skin on your ears is affected, use a small amount on that area too, taking care to prevent it from running down into the ear canal.
Leave it on for at least 20 minutes as, again, time is needed for it to penetrate. The Skin Relief & Renewal oil has grapeseed oil in it, which helps remove dead cells from the skin’s surface. This is very useful as it aids in cleansing the skin, facilitating better penetration of all the oils as well as protecting it with its antibacterial and antimicrobial properties.
If you leave it on overnight, ensure you cover your head with a soft bath cap or scarf as it will transfer to your pillowcase and clothes.
Spot use of Scalp Oil is seldom mentioned but it can provide relief from itching and inflammation between washes. Use a few drops of oil on the itchy or scaly patches and gently massage it in. If you spot use it on a regular basis, put some in a tub or cup and find or buy a pipette or dropper. Draw some oil into the pipette and use it to spot treat any itchy areas. This makes it easier to apply.
Shampoo & Washing Hair
Read the labels. Most mass-produced hair and body products will contain ingredients that frequently lead to, or exacerbate. allergies, skin conditions, itchiness and more. They contain preservatives, foaming agents, cleaning agents, fragrances, and many other components that can damage the skin barrier and, at worst, damage your health, if forever chemicals are included. If you have a skin condition, read the label, if you don’t have a skin condition, read the label.
Oil buildup occurs on everyone’s scalp as our skin naturally produces sebum, but those with seborrheic dermatitis, eczema or psoriasis will be more prone to excessive buildup. Washing your hair regularly, but no more than twice a week or every three days, is important. Use a gentle, non-harming shampoo.
Castile soap works very well as it is strong enough to cut through grease and grime, but gentle enough not to damage the skin. It’s inexpensive and can be used from head to toe. However, it has a different sensation and feel to traditional shampoos/soaps as it lathers but does not leave a silky feel when rinsed off, especially in hard water areas where it will become milky in appearance. It is made from plant oils, is non-toxic, biodegradable and eco-friendly. It tends to leave a residue on the shower or bath floor, much like shampoo, but less frothy and bubbly. This is fine as it is a clean soap, so it doesn’t contain those unnecessary ingredients that make your hair feel soft and silky. If you need a conditioner, then ensure it does not contain harsh and unnecessary chemicals. Read the label.
Drying hair naturally is best, but if this isn’t suitable, then use a low setting on a hair dryer.
These products are firm in texture but melt easily once in contact with the skin or if left in a hot environment.
They are concentrated, so only small amounts are needed. Allow time for the product to absorb into your skin to avoid transferring oil or butter onto your clothes or items.
The Magic of Balms
Keep them in a cool environment with the lid tightly closed. Should they melt, placing them in the fridge will restore their firmness.
Balms are, mostly, a mix of waxes and oils. You’ll have read about the wonders of oils above, but waxes too are nutritious and help to repair and protect the skin and are repurposed for use in products. Beeswax is a good example, especially when sourced responsibly. Waxes allow oils to be made into firm products which are easier to apply and carry, and that last longer than oils.
Ready to give your skin the love it deserves? Our products are crafted with care, free from preservatives and harmful ingredients, meaning they’re best used fresh – not left sitting on a shelf. To keep them at their best, store them in a cool place, away from heat and direct sunlight.
Browse our range of nourishing, oil-based products and protective balms today – your skin will thank you!
