Did you know that dry skin can cause breakouts too?

I didn't realize this either until I went to see a dermatologist. The amount of I also didn't know how much damage I was causing my skin. I was using exfoliators, scrubbing my skin too hard while in the shower, and being too rough on my skin in general. 

I needed to relax and be more gentle with my skin. I started researching information about various plant oils to determine if I could give my poor stratum corneum some TLC (the stratum corneum is the outermost layer of our skin that is our body's first line of defense against intruders. Review this blog post for a diagram).

This blog post series will highlight the benefits of the oils that are used in our products. First up...jojoba oil.

What is Jojoba Oil?

Jojoba oil is a liquid wax extracted from the seeds of the jojoba plant (Simmondsia chinensis). It has a light, non-greasy texture and is rich in essential fatty acids, antioxidants, and vitamins, which makes it an excellent ingredient and one of my favorite additions to my skincare routine.

Benefits of Jojoba Oil 

1. Moisturizing Properties: The structure of jojoba oil is similar to the natural oils produced by our skin, which is what makes it easy to absorb.

2. Anti-Aging: Jojoba oil is rich in antioxidants and vitamin E, which help to protect the skin from free radicals and environmental damage.

3. Anti-Inflammatory: Jojoba oil has anti-inflammatory properties that can help to soothe and calm irritated and inflamed skin. 

4. Balancing: Jojoba oil can help regulate the skin's natural oil production, which can be good for both dry and oily skin types.

How to Use Jojoba Oil in Skincare

Jojoba oil can be used in a variety of ways in skincare. Here are some tips for incorporating it into your routine:

1. Moisturizer: Jojoba oil can be used as a daily moisturizer for the face and body. Simply apply a few drops to clean, damp skin and massage it in gently.
2. Cleanser: Jojoba oil can also be used as a gentle facial cleanser. Apply a small amount to the face and massage in gently, then rinse with warm water (you can run warm water over a cloth or towel to wipe your face clean. Please be gentle with this process).
3. Serum: Jojoba oil can be used as a serum to boost hydration and provide anti-aging benefits. Apply a few drops to the face and neck before your moisturizer.
4. Carrier Oil: Jojoba oil can be used as a carrier oil for essential oils. Mix a few drops of your favorite essential oil with jojoba oil and apply it to the skin for a relaxing and nourishing massage or everyday oil.

Check out our facial oil for plant-based goodness, and here is a DIY formula that makes 3.5 ounces or 100g of product:

Grams

• 80g jojoba oil
• 10g grapeseed oil
• 5g evening primrose oil
• 5g vitamin E oil

Ounces

• 2.8 oz jojoba oil
• 0.35 oz grapeseed oil
• 0.17 oz evening primrose oil
• 0.17 oz vitamin E oil

Instructions:

1. In a small mixing bowl, combine the jojoba oil, grapeseed oil, evening primrose oil, and vitamin E oil.
2. Mix the oils together until they are fully combined.
3. Transfer the mixture into a clean and sterile pump bottle or dropper bottle.
4. To use, apply a small amount of the oil to your face and massage it gently into your skin for a few minutes.
5. Wet a clean washcloth with warm water and gently wipe away the oil.
6. Follow up with your standard facial cleanser or you can use this as a stand alone.

Store for three months at most.