Sunday, December 02, 2007
What have I been up to lately? Drifting from one activity to the next, and yeah I have packed my room and it's about 50% closer to what I hope to achieve. Up next, to decide what to place in my order from Mountainroseherbs.com.I do not have sensitive skin. My skin type is oily,pigmented,resistant and tight.
Carrier Oils
Because pure essential oils are very concentrated and it's really very expensive to use them undiluted, the common practice is to use a few drops in carrier oils. I'm now deciding which carrier oil to buy because on its own, carrier oils have some amazing properties as well.
The following have been consolidated from various sources such as websites and books. I am just using these for reference, they are not something which I am recommending for anyone.
8oz - About 240ml
Sweet Almond
This is one of the most useful, practical, and comonly used oils. It is great for all skin types as an acting emollient and is best known for its ability to soften, soothe, and re-condition the skin. It is truly marvelous as a carrier oil and is equally superb for addition to body care products. Natural expeller pressed oil from raw almond kernels and exceptionally rich in fatty acids. (MRH)
Protects and nourishes the skin. Helps with irritating on babies' bottoms and soothes sunburn. (Aromatherapy solutions - Veronica Sibley)
Steph's note : This oil is actually quite cheap , 8oz for US$4.25. However, I am quite adverse to the smell of almonds. The nuts I can take, but not the smell. Thus still considering.
Apricot Kernel
Very similar to sweet almond. However, it is more suited for sensitive and prematurely aged skin. (MRH)
Steph's note : More expensive than sweet almond and out of stock at the moment.
Borage Seed
Because of its extremely high levels of gamma linolenic acid, Borage Seed Oil has many potential uses. It has been widely studied for its ability to calm and reduce inflammation, and has been used successfully to alleviate the pain, swelling, and joint stiffness associated with rheumatoid arthritis. Borage Seed Oil has also been used with positive results for many different skin disorders, such as psoriasis, eczema, acne, rosacea, and prematurely matured skin. Furthermore, studies have begun to show that it may be able to be beneficial for treating and preventing a malady of conditions including:
Menstrual cycles: breast inflammation and cramping
Nails, scalp, and hair: growth, nourishment, dry conditions
Osteoporosis: calcium deposits and absorption, bone strength and growth
Menopausal symptoms: hot flashes
Weight loss: metabolism regulation
Respiratory conditions, sore throat, cough: expectorant, mucilage
Nerve disorders for those with Diabetes and Multiple Sclerosis: assists with nerve function
Dry-eye conditions and pressure in the eye
Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder
High blood pressure and heart disease
Ulcers: anti-inflammatory
Lupus: anti-inflammatory
Impotence: promotes blood flow
Reduction of abnormal blood clotting: promotes blood flow
Alzheimer's: assists with nerve impulses
(MRH)Steph's note : Sounds pretty good but it is better to be consumed than applied. Morever, must be kept in fridge. Very troublesome to go running to the kitchen when I need to apply stuff. It is actually found in EPOs as well. So just eat that!
Calendula
This is good for healing problems like bed sores, stubborn wounds and varicose veins. It is excellent for skin problems especially rashes, chapped and cracked skin. (AS)
Calendula helps to balance excessively oily skin. It can be used alone for skin conditions, or added to Almond or Grapeseed oil at 15% or more for massaging. (www.quinessence.com)
Steph's note : MRH isn't selling this. Sounds good but I don't really have either skin problems.
Coconut oil
This has skin softening properties. It makes the skin smooth and satin-like. It is also excellent for conditioning the hair.
Steph's note : I have one bottle given by my mum. Only S$2.40. Smells good, but it makes my hair rather limp and oily at the end of the day.
Grapeseed
Grapeseed is especially useful for skin types that do not absorb oils too well, and it does not leave a greasy feeling. Wonderful for those with skin sensitivities because of its natural non-allergenic properties. (MRH)
Steph's note : This is great for body massaging purposes because it is cheap - 8oz for US$4 but don't see how it will help in skincare.
Hazelnut
Hazelnut oil is known for its astringent qualities and because of this, it is best used for those who have oily skin but do want to abstain from using oils. (MRH)
Steph's note : Sounds good! 8oz for US$4.50 is cheap!
Hemp Seed
In cosmetic and bodycare products, Hemp Seed Oil is anti-inflammatory, anti-ageing, balances dry skin, fights skin inflammations, helps heal skin lesions, has anti-oxidants, and contains moisture balancing properties. The oil is non-greasy, readily absorbs into the pores, is an emollient, and has rejuvenating and moisturizing properties for the skin. Adult users of Hemp Seed Oil have reported softer skin, and stronger nails and hair after only a few weeks of using 1-2 Tablespoons per day. The vitamins and minerals present in Hemp Seed Oil are easily absorbed through the skin, resulting in a more vitamin and mineral enriched bodycare product.
In hair care products, Hemp Seed Oil increases elasticity, manageability, and shine. (MRH)
Steph's note : I must say I was really impressed with this oil when I first read about it. Sounds like a good source of Omega 3,6,9 fatty acids too. 8oz - US$9 (A bit more expensive)
Jojoba Oil
Jojoba is not an oil but liquid wax. Thus it can be kept for quite a long time. It not only resembles our skin's sebum, sebum can dissolve in it, which is very useful in cases of acne. I have seen jojoba oil used in many skincare products. Also makes a great scalp cleanser for the hair.
Steph's note : Most likely I will be getting this. 8oz - US$12.75
Macadamia
This fine oil comes from the pressed nuts of the Macadamia tree. It is a priceless delight for the skin and has proven itself to be one of the best regenerative oils available.
It is high in monounsaturated fatty acids, and closely resembles sebum (the oil naturally produced by ones skin to help protect it). Macadamia oil is a fabulous, protective oil with a high absorption rate and has been successfully used as a healing oil for scars, sunburns, minor wounds and other irritations. (MRH)
This highly nourishing oil is rich in palmitoleic acid which promotes young looking, soft and supple skin. As we get older our bodies produce less palmitoleic acid, so regular use of Macadamia oil may help in the fight to prevent premature aging skin.(www.quinessence.com)
It is non-greasy and has been described as a 'vanishing oil'. (AS)
Steph's note : Going to get this! 8oz - US$5.75
Pomegranate seed
Pomegranate seed oil is commonly used in cosmetic products to revitalize dull or mature skin, assist with wrinkles, and to soothe minor skin irritations. Without moisture, wrinkles become more abundant and pronounced, the skin looks tight and lacks luster. Pomegranate seed oil adds moisture, has natural estrogenic properties, anti-oxidants, is anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial, improves skin elasticity, and protects the skin. It provides relief from minor skin irritations and inflammation, including dry skin, eczema, psoriasis and sunburned skin. The conjugated fatty acids give it strong anti-inflammatory properties, which help to reduce swelling and ease muscular aches and pains. (MRH)
Steph's note : I've read a LesDame who raved about this item. It sounds really good though it's rather expensive. 2oz - US$18 MRH says a bit should be used to achieve good results.
The above oils are oils which interest me. There are so many more oils out there, I just don't know where to start! Moreover, there's the shipping costs to be considered. Think the shipping cost would be as much as the cost of the items itself.
Still thinking about getting some hydrosols too!
Rose Geranium hydrosol 4oz - US$6.45
Rosemary hydrosol 4oz - US$6.45
So many things to get and so little money.
Stephy
is just simply too gorgeous 9:32 PM
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