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O il a n d w a te r can m ix
Regardless of your skin type, you need
a balance of moisture and oil to
stay healthy. Here’s how it works:
a
Dry skin simply loves creams and
serums infused with hydrating oils
such as rosehip, avocado or olive. Prep
with a gentle cleanser that doesn’t strip
your skin. If your face and hands are
only dry during winter or when you
fly, try mixing a few drops of oil into
your moisturiser for extra hydration
when needed.
■ Oily skin adores jojoba as it regulates
and rebalances the skin’s natural
sebum (oil) production. Sebum is
essential to your skin’s wellbeing, so
it’s not something you want to get rid
of. It lubricates and forms a barrier
that stops water from evaporating, so
having the right balance is the key.
■ Congested skin and skin susceptible
to breakouts can also benefit from
oils. It’s important to check the label
to make sure your choice is non-
comedogenic, which means it won’t
clog pores. For a spot treatment, try
something with a natural, antibacterial
tea tree oil, dabbed directly onto the
spot. It works a treat. ►
e ‘ h e a l t h ‘ l i f e s t y l e » w e l l b e i n g
T h e f a b f o u r
If you’d like to use natural oils on your skin, here
are four of the best options for you to consider.
In t e r n a l o il s
Healthy oils in your
diet are essential, as
they carry vitamins
such as E, D
, A and
K, and make you
both feel and look
great. Not all oils
are good for you,
so pay attention to
I your choices and
go for those such
as omega-3 fatty
acids, which have
anti-inflammatory
benefits. As a result
they make you feel
fabulous, and make
your skin glow as
the cell walls are
stabilised, decreasing
oxidative stress.
Vitamin E:
Due
to its impressive
antioxidant benefits,
vitamin E is found in many
skincare products. In fact,
it is considered to be the
most important oil-soluble
antioxidant, as it helps
to protect skin cells from
damage that results from
environmental factors,
such as pollution and
UV light. It’s also a great
moisturiser because it helps
the skin retain water.
oil
Grown in the semi-
arid south-west of Morocco,
the argan tree produces fruit
that is crushed to release
argan oil. The oil is rich
in vitamin E and essential
fatty acids, so it’s excellent
for rehydrating, increasing
radiance and smoothing the
appearance of your skin.
Jojoba:
The liquid from the
jojoba seed has long been
a skincare staple. Jojoba
is a wax that turns liquid
at room temperature and
is rich in fatty acids and
vitamins A. D and E.
Jojoba is similar to your
skin's natural sebum, so
it's ideal for intensive
moisturising, as well as
nourishing and protecting.
Coconut oil:
Extracted
from white coconut
meat, this oil has good
antibacterial, antifungal and
antiviral properties, and is
wonderful for your skin and
hair. A common ingredient
in many soaps and body
products, it can be used
on the face, but go easy as
it tends to draw out
impurities and hence may
cause breakouts. Don’t
use refined, bleached or
deodorised oil, but look for
organic virgin coconut oil
from fresh coconuts.
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1
The power of a little oil goes way
beyond the bathroom.
1. For the gardener
Lavender is the most versatile oil
for gardeners. A lavender compress
will ease itching and soothe mild
sunburn. It’s also an antiseptic,
making it great for cuts and scratches.
To make a compress, add six drops
of essential oil to a basin of warm
water. Agitate the water and soak
a face washer in it, then wring out
the cloth slightly, then press it
onto the injured area.
2. For the sleep deprived
Roman chamomile has a sweet,
warm herbaceous aroma and is ideal
for those who suffer from sleep
deprivation. To make a calming
and relaxing mix, add six drops of
chamomile essential oil to 12ml of
a base oil such as sweet almond
oil, then massage over the chest
prior to going to bed.
3. For the creative spirit
Orange has a sweet, fresh aroma
which helps create a feeling of
harmony. It stimulates the digestive
juices, encourages creativity and
reduces mild tension. To vaporise oils,
fill the top of a vaporiser with water,
add six drops of essential oil and
light the candle or switch it on.
4. For the romantic
Rose is the ideal oil for romance
and for restoring the capacity for
love. This precious oil is considered
an aphrodisiac and invites self
expression. Use as a body rub or as a
perfume on your pulse points. To make
a body rub, add six drops of essential
oil to 12ml of a massage base oil.
Apply to the feet and work up.
5.
For the multitasker
Peppermint has afresh, cool minty
aroma which stimulates and awakens
the nerves and invigorates the mind.
A quick spritz will energise, uplift and
relieve sinus and mild headaches.
To make an oil spritzer, add
6-9 drops of essential oil
to a 100ml spritz bottle
filled with water. Shake
well before spritzing
the surrounding air. This
refreshing solution will last
for up to six days.
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