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Jojoba

Simmondsia Chimensis

Plant

Jojoba plant grows mainly in desert and semi-desert areas. Major plantations can be found in countries like Argentina, Australia, Israel, Mexico, Peru, and the United States. Jojoba is particularly important in the Sonoran Desert, where it is one of the most valuable native plants. Its ability to thrive in arid conditions makes it ideal for these regions.

Medicinal properties

Jojoba is a popular medicinal plant cultivated around the world. Its seeds and oil have been used for many years to help with skin problems, wounds, sore throats, hair growth, improvement of liver functions, enhancement of immunity and even serious conditions like obesity and cancer. Research shows that jojoba oil has many benefits, such as reducing inflammation, fighting acne and fungi, relieving pain, and helping control blood sugar. It is widely used in pharmaceutical and medical industry. Jojoba oil is considered among the top-ranked oils as it contains numerous beneficial compounds, such as vitamins, sterols and flavonoids.

Skin and Haircare Properties

Jojoba seed oil has a high biocompatibility with the skin. It is quickly absorbed whitout leaving an oily film on the skin. Its structure resembles the sebum produced naturally by the skin which helps to rebuild the natural hydrolipid mantle of the skin. Jojoba oil (1) moisturizes, regenerates and soothes the skin, (2) has an antibacterial and sebostatic effect, which can help to reduce inflammation, (3) helps relieving dryness, flaking, itching, and related dry skin symptoms, (4) notably accelerates the wound closure and stimulates collagen synthesis, as proved by the scientific experiments.

Recommended use

It is particularly recommended for the care of dry, mature, dehydrated skin with the first signs of aging, as well as sensitive and problematic skin. It helps balancing sebum secretion. Jojoba oil is also recommended for hair care, especially for thin and weak hair.

Scientific reports

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21211559/

Where can I find the oil?

link

Tags/Links

dry skin, moisturizing effect, mature skin, sensitive skin, haircare

Strawberry

Fragaria Ananassa

Plant

Medicinal properties

Skin and Haircare Properties

Recommended use

Scientific reports

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21211559/

Where can I find the oil?

link

Tags/Links

dry skin, moisturizing effect, mature skin, sensitive skin, haircare

Jojoba

Simmondsia Chimensis

Plant

Medicinal properties

Skin and Haircare Properties

Recommended use

Scientific reports

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21211559/

Where can I find the oil?

link

Tags/Links

dry skin, moisturizing effect, mature skin, sensitive skin, haircare

Amygdalus Communis

Prunus dulcis syn. Amygdalus communis

Description

Perennial
Almond is native from Syria to N Africa.
It is a fully hardy, deciduous tree with lanceolate, tapering, finely toothed leaves.
Pink or almost white, solitary or paired flowers, appear before the new leaves, followed by pal green, ovoid, velvety fruits containing a single seed.

Culinary Uses

The nuts (seeds) are eaten raw, roasted, salted, and ground into a paste – marzipan.
It can also be ground and diluted with water to make almond milk, or pressed for oil, which is made into almond butter.
Almonds are used in sweet and savory dishes – pilafs, cakes, pastries, biscuits and confectionary.

Parts Used

The nuts (seeds) and oil.

Medicinal Uses. It is said that

Almond is used internally for kidney stones, gallstones and constipation.
Externally for dry skin conditions.

Almond

Prunus dulcis syn. Amygdalus communis

Plant

Medicinal properties

Skin and Haircare Properties

Recommended use

Scientific reports

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21211559/

Where can I find the oil?

link

Tags/Links

dry skin, moisturizing effect, mature skin, sensitive skin, haircare

Protection from the sun

Studies of the properties of botanical oils prove that such oils can be used to supplement sun protection as well as to promote hydration, regeneration and protection of sun-exposed skin. In this article, we look at possible ways to use oils to further protect the skin from sunburn and offset irritation caused by too much sun exposure.

How do botanical oils work?

Many botanical oils contain natural antioxidants, such as vitamin E, vitamin C and polyphenols, which can help protect skin from UV damage. Antioxidants neutralize free radicals that are generated by sun exposure, which can promote skin health and reduce skin damage. Oils rich in vitamins A, C and E, such as rosehip oil and argan oil, can therefore help protect skin from sun damage.

Botanical oils can also promote the regeneration of sun-damaged skin, helping to repair cells and reduce the appearance of discoloration. Oils such as avocado oil and hemp oil are known for their nourishing and regenerative properties. Some oils, such as evening primrose oil, meanwhile, have anti-inflammatory properties that can help soothe irritation and redness caused by too much sun exposure.

Also worthy of mention in this regard is raspberry seed oil, which will be ideal before and after sunbathing, as it exhibits properties of absorbing harmful UV rays. Thus, it can provide additional natural protection for hair and skin from adverse radiation.

Is it worth it?

Although botanical oils do not provide sufficient UV protection, they will do a great job in a supportive role. Thanks to their moisturizing and regenerating properties, they will increase protection against harmful rays and benefit any irritation caused by too much sun exposure. While on vacation, it is definitely worth carrying with you raspberry seed oil, for example.

Massage with botanical oils

Using botanical oils for skin massage is an excellent way to improve skin condition, relax and relieve tension. Botanical oils, with their moisturizing and nourishing properties, can enrich the massage experience and provide health and beauty benefits. In this article, we will look at how botanical oils can be used during a body massage.

Benefits

Massage with botanical oils has many benefits. First of all, it moisturizes and nourishes the skin. Botanical oils provide the skin with essential nutrients and moisturize it, which can improve its condition, elasticity and appearance. Proper massage techniques improve blood and lymph circulation, which promotes skin health and can speed up recovery. In addition, massage with oils has a relaxing effect on the muscles and nervous system, which can help reduce stress and tension. Adding essential oils to a massage can add therapeutic benefits, such as calming, stimulating or antiseptic effects, depending on the oils used.

The exact benefits will, of course, depend on the type of botanical oil used. Among the best suited are certainly coconut oil, which has a moisturizing and antibacterial effect, avocado oil, which deeply moisturizes and regenerates thanks to its wealth of vitamins A, D and E, or hemp oil, which has a soothing and anti-inflammatory effect, making it suitable for sensitive and problematic skin. You will benefit even more from using a composition of selected botanical oils during the massage, which will enhance each other’s effects.

Practical tips

Before use, you can gently warm the oil in your hands or in a water bath to make it pleasantly warm, which increases the comfort of the massage and improves its effectiveness. Before use, however, make sure the oil is not too hot so as not to burn the skin. It’s best to check the temperature on the inside of your wrist. If you want to enrich the oil with the effects of essential oils, add 1-2 drops of essential oil per tablespoon of botanical oil. Use essential oils according to their properties and recommendations. Test the mixture on a small patch of skin before using it for the first time.

Make sure your skin is clean and dry before applying the oil. You can also perform a gentle scrub to remove dead skin and increase the effectiveness of the massage. Then apply a small amount of oil to the skin and spread it evenly. Use gentle, circular motions to massage the oil into the skin. Massaging techniques improve blood and lymph circulation. Use stroking, kneading and patting techniques to relax muscles and improve skin elasticity. Botanical oil massage can be performed regularly, such as once a week or as needed. The length of the session depends on the purpose of the massage; it usually lasts between 20 and 60 minutes.

Is it worth it?

Using botanical oils for skin massage is a great way to nurture, relax and improve skin health. During massage oil penetrates deep inside your skin, nourishing it in the best possible way. By choosing the right oils and massage techniques, you can tailor the treatment to your individual needs and preferences.

BOTANYO_massaging-woman-s-back-with-hot-towel-spa

Botanical oils in baths and saunas

The use of plants and herbs when using saunas and baths has a long history in various cultures. Plants have been used not only for their aromatic properties, but also for their health and therapeutic benefits. Saunas and baths affect the skin through intense sweating, which can lead to dehydration and dry skin. Botanical oils can help moisturize and regenerate the skin after such a treatment. In this article, we’ll look at how botanical oils were traditionally used in saunas and baths, and how we can use this ancient knowledge today.

Ancient methods

Baths (thermae) were popular as far back as ancient Rome. They used various herbs and plants to improve health and hygiene. Herbs such as thyme, rosemary, lavender and mint were used to prepare infusions and baths to promote skin health, improve blood circulation and have a relaxing effect. Sauna and herbal baths were also used to detoxify and improve circulation in traditional Chinese medicine and Indian Ayurveda. Plants such as ginger root, cinnamon, turmeric, tulsi (holy basil) and Chinese herbs were added to baths and steam. They were meant to promote skin health, detoxification and overall balance of body and mind. Botanical oils were also popularly used in Hammams, or Turkish baths. These places served to purify both body and spirit. The oils were used during a massage or application to the skin to make the treatment more comfortable and effective. Botanical oils were also often used in combination with various herbs and natural ingredients. In the Finnish sauna tradition, on the other hand, it was popular to use not only botanical oils, but also birch twigs (vihta) to lightly whip the body during the sauna. This is because birch twigs have antiseptic and circulation-stimulating properties.

Slavic tradition

Slavic tradition, including the sauna practices known as “banya” has a rich history and specific use of botanical oils. The banya is part of East Slavic culture, wide-spread especially in Russia, Ukraine and Belarus. Banya was not only a place of hygiene, but also an important part of social and spiritual life with integrative and ritualistic significance. In addition to cleansing the body, banya was used for relaxation, improving blood circulation and alleviating various health ailments.

Botanical oils were added to the water used to make steam or used in the form of infusions to enhance the therapeutic effects. In such cases, local plants that were available in the region were most often used. Traditional recipes may have included blends of botanical oils that were prepared from local plants and herbs. Such mixtures were added to the water used to moisten the banya stove, enhancing their aromatherapeutic effects. Oils from coniferous trees, such as pine and spruce, were used for their purifying and aromatic properties. They were added to steam to enrich the scent and enhance health benefits, such as improved breathing and relaxation. In some cases, local herbs such as chamomile or lemon balm were used in the form of oils or infusions to enhance the refreshing and soothing effect. Although less traditional, oils such as lavender or mint may have been used for their relaxing and cooling properties. They aided relaxation after an intense session in the banya.

How to use botanical oils after sauna?

After leaving the sauna, while your skin is still slightly damp, apply a botanical oil to retain moisture. Oils such as coconut oil, avocado oil or argan oil are excellent for this purpose. Massage a few drops of oil into your face and body, concentrating on areas that may be particularly dry or sensitive. Choose oils rich in vitamins and fatty acids that promote regeneration, such as hemp oil, jojoba oil or grapeseed oil. You can use them alone or mix them with other moisturizing ingredients such as honey or yogurt to create a nourishing skin mask. You can also add a few drops of essential oil to your favourite botanical oil and gently massage such a mixture into the skin. You can also add a few drops of oil to your bath after the sauna.

Is it worth it?

Today, botanical oils are widely used in saunas and spas. They are added to the water used to moisturize the sauna stove or used in the form of masks and massage oils after the sauna. Modern practices often draw on tradition, adding essential oils and herbal infusions to the sauna to promote skin health and relaxation. After the sauna, botanical oils are used to moisturize and regenerate the skin. Oils such as argan oil, coconut oil and avocado oil are popular with sauna-goers, keeping the skin hydrated and nourished.

Combining botanical oils with skin care after the sauna can provide many benefits, including hydration, regeneration and relaxation. The history of the use of plants and herbs in the context of saunas and baths shows that the use of natural ingredients to enhance health and well-being has a long tradition across cultures. By using botanical oils, we can continue this tradition, adapting it to modern skin care needs.

Botanical oils vs. essential oils

Botanical oils and essential oils are two different types of oils used in skin care, aromatherapy and other areas of health and beauty. While both have their own unique properties and uses, they differ in their ingredients, production method and function. At the same time, the use of both types of oils in skin care and health can bring beneficial results, provided they are used properly and tailored to individual needs.

In this article, we’ll take a closer look at what are the differences between botanical oils and essential oils, and answer the question often posed: can they be combined with each other?

How are they different?

Botanical oils are pressed from seeds, nuts, seeds, roots or other parts of plants, such as their pulp. They contain fatty acids (saturated, unsaturated, polyunsaturated), vitamins (A, E, K, or those in the B group), minerals and other nutrients, such as magnesium, calcium, nickel, iron, potassium, sodium, or zinc. The process of extracting botanical oils usually involves cold pressing or refining. The oils do not undergo distillation or major chemical processing, so they do not lose their health properties. They remain rich in fatty acids, which help moisturize and nourish the skin. They can promote regeneration, improve elasticity and soothe irritation. They are safe to use directly on the skin, alone or as additives to other cosmetics. They can be used on large areas of the body and in daily skin care. Examples of botanical oils include argan oil, hemp oil, linseed oil, jojoba oil, rasberry seed oil, nigella oil, coconut oil, avocado oil, etc.

Essential oils, on the other hand, are concentrated extracts from plants that contain volatile chemicals responsible for their intense fragrance and therapeutic properties. These are often terpenes, aldehydes, ketones, esters, alcohols. Essential oils are obtained by steam distillation or extraction with solvents. This process concentrates the volatile active substances of plants. Essential oils are often used in aromatherapy to affect mood, stress, sleep and other aspects of mental and physical health. They have antibacterial, antiviral, anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties. Due to their high concentration, essential oils should not be applied directly to the skin without dilution. They should also not be used on sensitive eye areas or damaged skin. Pregnant women and children should even avoid certain types of essential oils or use them in very small amounts. Essential oils are usually added to carriers, such as botanical oils, for safe use. Essential oils include, for example, lavender oil, tea tree oil, cinnamon oil, peppermint oil, and lemon oil.

Can they be used together?

Combining essential oils with botanical oils is a common practice and can be very beneficial in skin care and aromatherapy. There are many benefits from such a combination, such as:

♥ Safety of use. Essential oils are highly concentrated and can irritate the skin when used in their pure form. Combining them with botanical oils, which act as carriers, reduces the risk of irritation and makes essential oils safer to use.

♥ Improved absorption. Botanical oils help essential oils be better absorbed through the skin, which can increase their effectiveness.

♥ Customization. Botanical oils can enhance the properties of essential oils, tailoring them to different skin needs. For example, avocado oil can provide extra hydration, while tea tree essential oil can have an antibacterial effect.

♥ Increased effectiveness. By combining various essential oils with botanical oils, synergistic blends can be created that can work more effectively on specific skin problems, such as acne, eczema and dry skin.

When combining essential oils with botanical oils, a few simple rules should be followed. First, the right proportions. Typically, 1-2 drops of essential oil per 1 tablespoon of botanical oil is used. This dilution is safe and effective for most skin types. For more sensitive skin or children, smaller amounts of essential oils are recommended. The total content of essential oils used for fragrance purposes should not exceed 1% of the mixture. Before applying such a mixture to a larger area of the skin, it is always a good idea to conduct a test on a small piece of skin (such as the inside of the wrist) to ensure that there is no allergic reaction. In this way, the resulting mixture can be used as a face serum, body moisturizer, massage oil or bath additive. When using it on the skin, massage gently to promote absorption. Prepared blends of essential oils with botanical oils are best stored in dark glass bottles in a cool place to prevent oxidation and preserve their freshness and effectiveness.

Together or not?

As explained, botanical oils are plant fats, while essential oils are concentrated extracts containing volatile aromatic compounds. Botanical oils are produced by cold-pressing or extraction, while essential oils are obtained by distillation or solvent extraction. Botanical oils are mainly used to moisturize, nourish and deeply regenerate skin and hair, while essential oils are used in aromatherapy and to enhance cosmetic and therapeutic products. Botanical oils are safe to apply directly to the skin, while essential oils may need to be diluted before application to avoid irritation.

Is it worth it?

The use of both types of oils in skin care and health can bring beneficial results, provided they are used properly and tailored to individual needs. Essential oils can be combined with botanical oils, which are a great carrier for them. Adding a few drops of essential oil to the bottle of our favourite botanical oil will not only add a nice fragrance, but also enrich it with essential oil properties. For example, lavender oil has relaxing, calming and even sleep-enhancing properties; tea tree oil, also known as the “cure-all” will positively affect our skin, hair and nail conditions; and rosemary oil will not only stimulate hair growth and reduce dandruff, but also help with skin problems, additionally improving our mood and well-being with its fragrance composition.

To sum up, yes! It’s worth to mix them and experiment.

Botanical oils in the service of our skin

Botanical oils are gaining popularity in facial and body skin care thanks to their natural nourishing and therapeutic properties. Modern cosmetics are increasingly turning to these natural elixirs, which offer a range of health and cosmetic benefits. In this article, we take a look at the health properties of botanical oils, their use in daily skin care and what benefits they can bring you.

Health properties of oils

Botanical oils are rich in a variety of nutrients that have a positive effect on skin health. First of all, they can moisturize it perfectly. This is because botanical oils are an excellent source of unsaturated fatty acids, which help keep the skin moisturized, preventing its dryness and flaking. Secondly, oils are great for nourishing the skin. Thanks to their natural abundance of vitamins, such as vitamin E, A, D and K, botanical oils promote skin health, improving its elasticity, regeneration and overall condition. For example, rose seed oil is prized for its high vitamin C content, which supports collagen production, while parsley seed oil exhibits anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and astringent properties, which is used as an active ingredient in eye cosmetics, as well as those that soothe cellulite. What’s more, botanical oils are full of antioxidants that neutralize free radicals, slow down the aging process and protect the skin from damage caused by external factors such as UV radiation. Such oils include, for example, grapeseed oil and raspberry seed oil.

In addition, some botanical oils show anti-inflammatory effects. Such oils include, for example, evening primrose oil or hemp oil, which can help soothe inflammation, redness and skin irritation, such as acne or eczema. As a rule, botanical oils promote skin regeneration, which is particularly beneficial for scars, stretch marks or other skin damage. Tea tree oil, for example, is known for its healing and antiseptic properties, while tomato seed oil is used to prevent hyperpigmentation and unify skin tone.

How to use botanical oils on the skin?

Organic botanical oils are completely safe and can be used directly on the skin of the face and body. All it takes is a few drops, which should be massaged into a damp skin in gentle, circular motions. Oils are ideal for use at night, so that all the nutrients and regeneration can be absorbed while we sleep. Oils are also great for adding to creams and masks. Just add a few drops of oil to your favourite cream or mask to enrich their nourishing and moisturizing properties. You can also add the oil to homemade scrubs for additional moisturizing and regenerating benefits. Another good idea is to use botanical oils for body massage. Applying a nourishing oil in conjunction with a massage will not only improve blood circulation but will help the skin absorb nutrients. Botanical oil will be great for moisturizing and regenerating the skin after sunbathing, swimming in the pool or using the sauna.

A very healthy treatment is facial oiling. Botanical oils can be used alone or as an addition to our daily skin care products, such as creams and masks. Oils can be used both at night, to give them time to absorb into the deepest layers of the skin, and in the morning, to protect the skin from external factors such as UV radiation. Oils easily adapt to the needs of our skin, serving as a separate skin care product, or as an addition to other preparations. A small bottle of our favourite oil is worth carrying with us at all times.