Rice Bran Oil: This oil is derived from the bran layer of rice and is a mild oil perfect for dry, flaky, sensitive, mature and delicate skin. It is known for its ability to cleanse, soften, moisturize, soothe, nourish, and smooth the skin. It is one of the best sources of tocotrienols, an antioxidant that may be much more powerful and effective than Vitamin E. It slows the look of aging and brightens the complexion. This oil also improves circulation, evens out skin tone, and minimizes the appearance of dark circles and puffiness around the eye area. It increases skin’s natural regeneration, encourages moisture retention, and soothes irritation. Rice bran oil may also improve the healing of wounds, enhance cell regeneration, and increase the body’s defense against toxins that may enter through the skin. It is high in Oleic Acid, Linoleic Acid, Palmitic Acid, Stearic Acid, α-Linolenic Acid, Vitamin B, Vitamin E, Squalene, Coenzyme Q10,and Ferulic Acid. These constituents help with moisture retention in the skin and reduces the appearance of aging, wrinkles and fine lines. They soothe and prevent acne breakouts and provide gentle cleansing and balance oil production.
Argan Oil: The Argan Tree is called the “Tree of Life,” because the locals use the fruits’ oil to heal ailments and beautify themselves. Argan oil enhances the appearance and texture of skin and hair, easily moisturizing, conditioning, and softening both without leaving a greasy residue. The main constituents of argan oil are Oleic, Linoleic, Palmitic, Stearic, and Linolenic acids. It can leave skin looking firmer, softer and smoother while improving elasticity, balancing oil production and reducing inflammation. Its especially good for damaged skin that feels irritated, itchy and raw. With antimicrobial properties and nutrients that prevent skin from further aggravation, Argan Oil can heal skin that is cracked, sore, infected, scarred, blemished, and even burned. By balancing skin’s pH and melanin levels, it protects against the sun’s UV radiation and potential damage to the skin.
Hazelnut Oil: This is another oil that is wonderful for damaged, dried and worn skin. It has potent antioxidant actions due to its high content of vitamin E. It is considered a light oil that absorbs very well into the skin and penetrates wrinkles and scars. This is another oil that is excellent for regulating the production of sebum, clears pores and has an astringent and toning action that balances the skin. Hazelnut oils constituents are Oleic Acid, Linoleic Acid, Palmitic Acid, Palmitoleic Acid and Stearic Acid.
Comfrey Leaf: Comfrey is an amazing herb with astringent and emollient properties. It is renowned for its abilities to heal wounds, bruises and sores. It contains important minerals needed in the healing process along with allantoin, a substance that stimulates cell growth. It is a cooling, moistening and slightly constricting herb.
Horsetail Leaf: Horsetail is incredibly rich in silica which is used along with calcium to form bones, hair and skin. It adds elasticity to tissues and makes them strong, not brittle. It promotes collagen production which keeps skin thick, plump and firm. Collagen production naturally declines as we age so an herb like horsetail can be incredibly valuable during that time. Along with silica and other nutrients, horsetail is rich in antioxidants known as phenolic compounds. This group of antioxidants has many known benefits, including inhibiting oxidative damage to cells.
Elder flowers: Some of you may know elder for it's incredible cold and flu busting and immune supporting abilities but did you know it is also amazing for skin health?! These flowers are rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and nutrients including bioflavonoids, choline, omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, pectin, and tannins. They also contain vitamins A, B-1, B-2, B-3 complex, and Vitamin C, which give the elder flower its anti-inflammatory and antiviral properties. The anti-microbial and anti-fungal compounds found in elder flower help to keep the skin healthy and clear. They help balance out excess oils helping to prevent breakouts. Elder flowers can be used to promote healthy, youthful-looking skin. Their anti-inflammatory properties and richness in vitamins, flavonoids, and quercetin are beneficial to the skin, promoting blood circulation, making the skin firmer, improving the complexion, and evening out skin tone. Additionally, elder flowers are rich in bioflavonoids, which help prevent wrinkles from developing.
Chamomile Flowers: One of the main compounds found in chamomile is called apigenin which has been shown to improve skin barrier function. Chamomile has potent anti-inflamatory properties and contains compounds including alpha-bisabolol, alpha-bisabolol oxides A & B and matricin. These are all flavonoids which have the ability to penetrate deep into the skin. With regards to acne, chamomile contains compounds called α-pinene and terpinen-4-ol that have antimicrobial effects. They kill or stop the growth of certain germs. These antimicrobial compounds help kill Staphylococcus aureus, a type of bacteria that causes acne. (1)
Squalane: Squalene is a colorless poly-unsaturated hydrocarbon liquid that’s found naturally in many animals and plants, including human sebum. Essentially, it’s one of the many natural lipids your body produces to lubricate and protect your skin. Squalane is a derivative of squalene and is much lighter (and thus a better option for acne-prone skin). It also has a longer shelf life than squalene as it does not go through oxidization. The squalane I use is derived from sugarcane. Using squalane in skincare can reduce scars, reverse UV damage, lighten freckles and erase skin pigmentation, all while fighting free radicals.
Helichrysum Essential Oil: This is a highly prized essential oil. It is known for its anti-aging benefits and use for healing skin. It is said to reduce age spots and fine lines and improve skin tone and texture. It is gentle for those with sensitive skin and child safe. It smells like honey and hay with herbaceous undertones.
1. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5435909/
