From the perspective of a woman who has dedicated her life to truly natural skincare without compromise, from the moment I discovered pure plant oils, I knew right then and there, they were the only way forward for me.
There was a time in my life when the thought of slathering oil all over my face would have sent me and my pimply complexion running for the hills. As a teen, I was advised at the glossy department store counters that oily skin was to be treated with ‘oil-free’ creams and cleansers.
Little did I know that this destructive method of skincare not only stripped my skin of its precious outer layer, which is actually designed to protect our skin, but it also perpetuated a vicious cycle of excess sebum production.
It may seem counterintuitive to use oil on oily skin, but contrary to what we’ve been told, oil dissolves oil. There is now a cornucopia of incredible oils available to us, that will actually assist in balancing sebum production, reduce inflammation, protect and provide the skin with the topical nutrition it so richly deserves, all without clogging up our precious pores.
Now that I am heading towards the fabulous years of my forties, the needs of my skin have changed. I am now seeking out botanicals that will not only allow my pores to breathe but will also assist with dryness, encourage cell turnover, which depletes as you age, and prevent the formation of wrinkles.
There is a lot of hype around skin types, and most of us do not squeeze neatly into one particular box. Our skin is complex, but our skincare doesn’t have to be.
We can proudly proclaim that our beautiful oils, which we have meticulously selected, will benefit all skin types. I made sure of this, after noticing just how many of my thirty, forty and even fifty-something friends were experiencing both dry skin, sensitivity and breakouts all at the same time.
Most modern skin care products are manufactured in a base of water that not only weakens the formulations but also requires synthetic preservatives. By choosing only to include natural and organic skincare within our formulations, this not only protects, nourishes and strengthens our natural skin barrier but also boosts potency and ensures absolute purity.
Oils feed the skin beneficial omegas, antioxidants, fatty acids, vitamins and nourishing bioactive botanical compounds, resulting in a powerful phytonutrient supplement for the skin. They also act as the perfect carrier, via which other active ingredients such as therapeutic essential oils can penetrate into the lower levels of the cells and epidermis.
In my opinion oils feel better on the skin. Most moisturiser formulators spend a great deal of time and chemicals creating the right texture, but the truth is, oils already have a beautiful, smooth and nourishing texture that your skin will love drinking in, without the added nasties. Many of our clients who have made the switch often tell me their previous moisturisers now feel like clag glue in comparison.
Natural plant oils are each unique in their composition and can be used on their own or as a blend of different plant oils that work together synergistically to support the health of our skin.
We view oils in the same way we see wholefoods because in truth we are actually eating our skincare products. We give priority to ethically sourced wild harvested botanicals grown in their natural habitat, in soils that have not been tampered with, using only an organic alternative if a wildcrafted version is not available.
We prefer carefully cold-pressed oils, extracted without any heat or chemical solvents. This ensures their beneficial nutrients are not destroyed through the use of high temperatures, retaining the energetic life force of each precious plant.
Another method we adore is Supercritical CO2 Extraction. This relatively new technology applies a certain amount of pressure to CO2 (carbon dioxide) which turns the essence of the plant into liquid. This method, when applied to particular plants, is said to retain a greater amount of molecules and natural healing properties, which we believe results in a more concentrated and potent liquid form of the plant. We have chosen to include Supercritical Extracts of Seabuckthorn Berries and Rosehip Seeds within our formulations, which are both extremely beneficial to skin.
Exposure to light, oxygen and heat will begin to break down the oils and cause rancidity. For this reason, they should be stored ideally at a cool or room temperature below 30 degrees, to ensure freshness. In the height of summer, I love storing them in the fridge, to induce a soothing sensation when applied.
There is no right or wrong way to use them, and because they are so concentrated, a few delicious drops are all you need. I use them morning and night, but they are also wonderful to have on hand during the day too, for a quick pick-me-up, especially when I’m feeling a little lacklustre.
Another fabulous trick if you are applying make-up, is to mix our Serum together with either a foundation or my personal favourite, a loose mineral powder in the palm of your hand, and apply to the face, gracing you with a refreshed and dewy glow.
Your skin will reap the rewards of including natural skincare in your nighttime ritual. Not only is it a wonderful way to wipe away make-up, environmental toxins and built-up grime from your face, but will also feed your skin essential nutrients while you sleep.
The marketplace of oils specifically for skincare may appear a little daunting at first, but I can assure you, your skin will thank you for taking the time to experiment and explore this new and natural frontier.
To your blossoming, Bec x
