Natural Oils for Anti-Aging

I have used natural oils for skin care since I was in my early 20s.  I rotate through them using the thicker oils in the winter and lighter oils in the summer.  I also combine the oils with Gua Sha and cupping.  

Let's look at the properties of coconut oil, jojoba oil, and castor oil, and how they can enhance your skincare routine while giving you a youthful glow.

Coconut Oil

• Derived from the meat of mature coconuts, coconut oil is known for its moisturizing properties. It's rich in medium-chain fatty acids, particularly lauric acid, which has antimicrobial benefits.
• This makes coconut oil effective in hydrating the skin and protecting it from certain bacteria.
• Caution: individuals with oily or acne-prone skin should use it cautiously, as it can clog pores in some cases.  In other cases, the anti-bacterial properties can be helpful so as with most things in life, it is very individualized. 

Jojoba Oil

• Extracted from the seeds of the jojoba plant, jojoba oil closely resembles the skin's natural sebum. This allows it to balance oil production, making it suitable for a variety of skin types.
• Jojoba oil is lightweight, non-comedogenic, and easily absorbed, providing hydration without leaving a greasy residue.
• Its anti-inflammatory properties can also help soothe irritated skin.

Castor Oil

• Sourced from castor beans, castor oil is a thick oil known for its humectant properties.  This means it helps retain moisture by preventing water loss through the outer layer of the skin.
• It's rich in ricinoleic acid, which has anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial effects.
• Due to its thickness, you may want to blend it with lighter oils to enhance application and absorption.

Enhancing Anti-Aging Benefits with Essential Oils

To take it a step further and boost the anti-aging effects of these carrier oils, incorporating certain essential oils can be beneficial:

• Frankincense Oil:
  • Helps promote cell regeneration and maintain skin elasticity.  It can also help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
• Rose Oil:
  • Thanks to its antioxidant properties, rose oil combats free radicals, helping to prevent skin aging and reduce redness.
• Clary Sage Oil:
  • This oil provides antioxidant properties that can help prevent DNA and protein damage, potentially translating to anti-aging benefits when used on the skin.

Create Your Own Anti-Aging Serum

1.  Choose a Carrier Oil:

• Select coconut, jojoba, or castor oil based on your skin type and preferences.

2.  Add Essential Oils:

• For every 10 ml of carrier oil, add 3-5 drops of your chosen essential oil(s).

3.  Mix and Store:

• Combine the oils in a dark glass bottle to protect from light, and store in a cool, dry place.

4.  Application:

• After cleansing, apply a few drops to your face and neck, gently massaging in upward circular motions.

* Remember to perform a patch test before applying any new oil blend to ensure you don't have an adverse reaction.

By integrating these natural oils into your skincare routine, you will also be reducing your toxin load because store bought skin care lines are more often than not filled with chemicals and toxins.