Don't Fear All Oils

As most teenagers with crazy skin fluctuations, I thought keeping a keen eye for things that were oil free were best for my skin. I also thought that when looking for moisturizing lotions that mineral oil, since it is in most commercial blends including Vaseline, etc. must be good for the skin. I have never tried, nor do I personally endorse this lotion, but they have done a demonstration with mineral oil and a cracker that is just the best visual demonstration of why mineral oil should be avoided that I've seen.

Since I'm pretty vocal about my preferences for natural skin care, I figure I'd do a quick run down of things I commonly use. This is not to say I don't try new things or experiment with new things, but these are things I've found that work for me. About one year ago I switched completely to using Desert Essence Tea-Tree Oil cleanser, facial scrub, etc. I use Yes to Cucumbers moisturizer and eye gel. For a toner I use witch hazel, sometimes I splurge for the fancy name brand mixed with rose water. For my body gel I use Kiss My Face Peaceful Pachouli body wash and shave with Trader Joes mango shave lotion. I use Aloe Vera 80 body moisturizer that is 84 percent aloe vera gel. For my feet I make a balm of coconut oil, jojoba oil, vitamin E oil and peppermint (5 drops), rosemary (3 drops)  & eucalyptus (2 drops). This is solid at room temperature but quickly melts on contact with skin and absorbs quickly to soften skin. The fresh smell is also invigorating for feet. Zack loves end of day foot rubs after long days on his feet. My good friend Rachael made me a healing balm with a similar base oil blend and different essential oils. I loved it so much I made this foot balm. Different oils can be added such as lavender to make a great cuticle softener and balm for hands or dry elbows. 

For baths and showers I make oil blends in glass containers with eyedroppers. One or two eyedroppers into a warm bath or onto a washcloth that can be put on the bottom of a steam shower gives a relaxing or invigorating aromatherapy experience to bathing. I use a blend of safflower oil (which I commonly choose because it often has vitamin E added), grapeseed oil or sweet almond oil and jojoba oil. I add about 1/4 the amount of jojoba oil as the other base oil because jojoba oil is more expensive and I use it more sparingly. I then add some drops of essential oil. I have a blend that is lemongrass (3 drops), rosemary (e drops) and peppermint (2 drops) and one of jasmine absolute (3 drops), lavender (2 drops) and a touch of sandlewood (1 drop). Wanting a special treat? Pick up a litter box (stay with me here) and some river rocks (I go the sale section of a home store and find decorative rocks). Fill the litter box with the rocks, warm water, and some of the bath oil and use as a foot soak. The rocks will massage your feet. These oil blends can also be added to raw sugar or almond meal to make a great body scrub. My coworker and friend, Amanda, shared an amazing recipe for bath bombs I'll share soon that are a great gift. 

Containers are pretty easy to find for packaging these up. Good Earth has some that I enjoy, but be creative. It is good to remember that most essential oils are reactive to light so colored glass or plastic is best. 

It has been very humbling to realize that it isn't avoiding oils, but just certain ones that is important. Jojoba oil can be a great base for balms. I have added eucalyptus oil to jojoba oil for a great chest balm for colds, and added tea tree oil and a tincture of slippery elm, calendula, comfrey root to jojoba oil for a balm to help heal skin. It is important to do your own research and to look at the back of products. Just remember that most big brand name products might have started with good ingredients but due to cutting costs and mass production, quality almost always takes a back seat. You might spend a bit more money sometimes, but for me my skin is important and I have not always had flawless skin without work. Routines and good products have really helped me. I was one of those people that just figured that if most products consist of the same ingredients, than they must be okay, but growing up has meant taking on a great deal of skepticism and doubt about that. So educate yourself, experiment and don't be afraid to try something new and natural. 

>> Looking for a good natural sunscreen?  This great "green" blog has a good selection of natural sunscreens. As far as after sun care, try and find 100 percent aloe gel (which isn't naturally bright green) for the absolute best sunburn care. You can even refrigerate it before hand for ultra cooling. The best thing is to make sure sunburned skin stays moisturized to help healing.