Why You Shouldn't Avoid Oils

Most of us, especially people with oilier skin will do anything to avoid using oil as part of their skin care routine.   Unfortunately, oils have gotten a bad rap.  Oils, or what we usually refer to as lipids when discussing skin, create a barrier protecting your skin against the elements.  Damage to this barrier occurs daily, so maintaining an effective barrier requires a continuous application of products containing lipids. For example when oils are applied on the skin it prevents dehydration not only at the surface but at the deeper levels of the skin.  In addition, lipids increase the water resistance of the skin which is quite important as it obstructs water-soluble pollutants from penetrating into the skin.  Moisture loss may result in dry, scaly or even cracked skin, bacteria-related acne, eczema, rosacea-type inflammation, atopic dermatitis and/or skin congestion, among other problems. Lipids also help to soften the skin, to smooth it and to provide elasticity.The crucial aspect should always be the support of the natural skin regeneration.  There are many different oils on the market.  And though all oils will create this important barrier, not all oils are necessarily beneficial to the skin such as mineral oil, which is a petroleum based oil.  Different oils have different benefits and are appropriate for different skin types.  Therefore when I am mixing a serum for oily skin I would not use the same carrier oil that I would use on dry skin.  Speaking of dry skin, many people with dry skin feel they need very thick heavy moisturizers.  Again, this is not the case.  It is the oils, butters and extracts that are in the moisturizer that are going to improve your skin.  Generally, most moisturizers are thickened with gums and waxes which are not bad for your skin but do little if nothing to moisturize your skin.  

So put those fears aside, try a serum or body oil you will be so happy you did.

Six Month Anniversary

It seemed fitting at the six month anniversary of the opening of Renew Botanicals Skin Care Studio and Wellness Boutique that I start blogging again.  Yes, it has been six months and what a six months it has been.  Setting up the new skin care studio was a snap since I have been doing it for 23 years,  but setting up the new wellness boutique was new for me.  I had a blank canvas to work which presented so many great opportunities.  Lots of blank white walls gave me the idea of showcasing a different local artist every month.  Getting to work making my organic toxic free products took up a good deal of time but what fun it was mixing and creating new skin and body products.  I expanded my aromatherapy and herbal practice and have quite a nice apothecary right here in the shop.  Then there was the search for artisans who make products that I don't.  They all had to meet my strict criteria of safe non toxic ingredients.  Not only did I find wonderful products to carry but I have met the most wonderful people:  Marie from Unearth Malee Soaps who creates palm oil free organic soaps, Robyn from Shear Miracles Organic Hair Care (my hair never looked so good) and Frances from Petal Pushers who makes the most amazing organic deodorants.

 

As summer turned to fall I started to settle in and  now we are winding up the busy holiday season.  I look forward to the new year and keeping you all up-to-date on tips for skin care, aromatherapy, herbs and more.