Winter Skin Protection

The colder winter months are finally upon us which means it’s time to make some changes to our skin care routine before the weather takes its toll on our skin. Just as your body needs different clothing to protect it against the changing weather, your skin needs a different skin care regime to properly protect it from the elements too.

November here in the U.K. was the wettest on record, although thankfully it was relatively mild for the time of year. But as I write this article during the very first day of December the temperature has started falling dramatically, and we have already seen our first early morning frosts.

This makes it all the more important to take protective and preventative action now. And don’t worry, you don’t need to splash out on any expensive creams – all you need are your trusty aromatherapy carrier oils.

Protect and repair

Surprising as it may sound, aromatherapy carrier oils are perfect for this protective role since some of them contain special natural ingredients that are very similar to your skins own natural moisturising lubricant, sebum. When used correctly, they do not leave your skin oily as you might expect but instead they bring a soothing, softening and rejuvenating action that is perfect against the biting, chilly winds of winter.

Cold pressed macadamia oil contains up to 18% of palmitoleic acid which is the essential fatty acid found in sebum, and there are very few other plant materials that contain such high levels of this precious component. It not only helps to protect skin from the ravages of the winter weather, but it also replenishes and moisturises dry skin too, so this is an excellent winter oil.

Another great oil for winter is moringa, which is not only rich in palmitoleic acid but it also contains beneficial quantities of oleic and linoleic acids too, making it exceptionally moisturising and nourishing, and perfect for facial treatments this time of year. It is highly nutritious to the skin and similar in composition to olive oil, but much lighter. As if this were not enough, moringa is also a powerful natural antioxidant with excellent anti-wrinkle, skin-smoothing properties.

Penetrate and rejuvenate

For very dry skin caused by wind-burn I always recommend unrefined avocado oil because it is a deep-penetrating oil. Simply add up to 20% of this oil to a lighter carrier such as peach or apricot kernel for restorative and protective facial treatments. When buying avocado oil, always choose the unrefined type since all the vital nutrients have not been removed during a pointless procedure to lighten the colour and remove the slightly nutty aroma. Believe me, putting up with the aroma is well worth the trouble when you see the results in your mirror.

Jojoba, which is technically classed as a liquid wax, is a surprisingly non-greasy, highly emollient oil that moisturises and conditions your skin leaving it feeling silky smooth and soft, plus and it even helps to unclog pores. This is the one oil that I use all year round with clients in my clinic for all sorts of skin problems, and it never fails to produce great results.

For overnight rejuvenating treatments I always recommend rosehip oil because it is a natural antioxidant with excellent emollient properties. Even more importantly, it is a powerful skin cell regenerator that can help to soften fine lines and wrinkles. There have been extensive clinical trials that have proven the efficacy of rosehip oil in reducing scars caused by accidental burns, radiotherapy treatment, surgery, natural pigmentation and stretch marks.

Mix it up

Evening primrose, unrefined avocado and jojoba oils also contain high levels of palmitoleic acid plus other essential fatty acids that provide deep moisturising and nourishing qualities. In fact evening primrose mixed with calendula is one of the finest blends for relieving the chapped, red and irritated skin caused by harsh weather conditions, and either oil can be used undiluted or added to a lighter carrier oil such as sweet almond.

Every one of the carrier oils I have mentioned is highly nourishing and emollient to the skin, offering protection from the harsh elements during the colder weather. They are especially recommended for the treatment of dry, sensitive or mature skin that is susceptible to the harsh winter environment, and can be blended together just as you would your essential oils. Simply choose 2 or 3 oils according to the therapeutic properties that you require.

Start using your carrier oils now and I guarantee you will quickly see and feel the benefits throughout the coming winter.

Copyright © Quinessence Aromatherapy Ltd 2009

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