CARRIER OILS:
Sweet Almond Oil – Organic unrefined sweet almond oil has a pale-yellow hue and a faintly sweet and nutty aroma. It is incredibly rich in monounsaturated fatty acids (mostly oleic acid) and polyunsaturated fatty acids (primarily linoleic acid). It also has a high concentration of vitamins A and E and phytosterols. As far as benefits for the skin are concerned, sweet almond oil has been shown in research to hydrate, provide UV protection, reduce acne flare-ups, cleanse, and moderate the visibility of striae gravidarum (a form of stretch marks common in pregnancy) and prevent new striae. Concerning sweet almond oil’s moisturizing ability, studies show that it only penetrates the most external layers of the skin which makes it capable of forming a light film over the skin to protect against excessive water loss as effectively as mineral or paraffin oil. As far as UV protection is concerned, sweet almond oil has been shown to prevent structural damage to the skin that is caused by UV radiation as well as slow down the skin’s photoaging process; it also has a natural sun protection factor (SPF) of 5. Sweet almond oil’s ability to heal and reduce acne flare-ups is in part due to its linoleic acids that have potent anti-microbial properties. Sweet almond oil is also light enough in texture to penetrate the surface of the skin and gently dislodge the dirt and debris accumulated in the skin pores and hair follicles which makes it great for inclusion in a pore refining or cleansing serum. Finally, as far as skin benefits are concerned, sweet almond oil is a very ideal oil for body massages because of its soothing and hydrating effects; moreover, it is even more beneficial as a pregnancy body and belly massage oil as studies show that it is very effective in reducing the visibility of current striae gravidarum (a unique form of stretch marks common in pregnancy) and preventing new striae or striae itching.
Argan Oil – Organic unrefined Moroccan argan oil is pale yellow in color and composed of monounsaturated fatty acids (80%) and saturated fatty acids (20%). It is also rich in vitamin E, squalene, polyphenols, sterols, and triterpene alcohols. Argan oil’s most noticeable effects for skin are in increasing hydration and elasticity and reducing inflammation. Evidence for these effects come from studies on the topical (skin) application of argan oil among postmenopausal women. In these studies, argan oil was found to significantly decrease trans-epidermal water loss in skin and to significantly increase the water content of the epidermis (outer layer of skin), the gross-elasticity of skin, net elasticity of skin, and biological elasticity of skin. Owing to its high concentration of phenols, argan oil is a strong anti-inflammatory, free radical scavenging, and antiseptic agent and is useful for soothing inflammation and skin and scalp disorders such as eczema and psoriasis and protecting against oxidative stress (thus, delaying signs of aging such as fine lines and wrinkles).
Hemp Seed Oil – Organic unrefined hemp seed oil is dark green in color and has a remarkable fatty acid profile. Precisely, it is composed of 80% polyunsaturated fatty acids (particularly linoleic and alpha-linoleic acids), 11% monounsaturated fatty acids (primarily, oleic acid), and 9% saturated fatty acids (mainly, palmitic and stearic acid). It is also rich in flavonoids, phenols, and tannins. These various constituents of hemp seed oil make it an extremely multi-purpose oil, effective at moisturizing and softening both skin and hair, promoting skin radiance and anti-aging, soothing inflammation and acne, acting as a natural UV protectant, cleansing skin, hair, and scalp of dirt, sebum, and sweat, tightening skin spores, and preventing hair loss. Clinical evidence suggests that the essential fatty acids in hemp seed oil contribute to its ability to hydrate the skin and hair; precisely, omega 3, 6 and oleic acid (omega 9) work in concert to improve the softness, suppleness, and smoothness of skin and hair without leaving them greasy. The oleic acid in hemp seed oil has also been found to promote skin radiance and to reduce wrinkles and fine lines; relatedly, hemp seed oil’s flavonoids protect the skin against oxygen and nitrogen free radicals and in so doing, help to delay free radical-induced signs of aging. As far as acne is concerned, hemp seed oil is considered a non-comedogenic, dry oil which makes it perfect for individuals seeking to balance oil/sebum production and settle acneic skin. Additionally, the linoleic and linolenic acids in hemp seed oil have anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial properties and help in the improvement of acne vulgaris (chronic acne). Concerning its UV protection capabilities, hemp seed oil has an SPF rating of 6 and can be used as a low broad spectrum UV protectant. Importantly, it can deflect UV rays without preventing the skin’s absorption of vitamin D which is a vital nutrient for the body. As far as the skin’s pores (and hair and scalp) are concerned, the stearic acid in hemp seed oil has cleansing properties that help to remove dirt, sebum, and sweat; additionally, the tannins in hemp seed oil act as natural astringents and work to remove excess oil from skin pores, tighten them, and fight against bacteria that cause acne.
ESSENTIAL OILS:
Turmeric Essential Oil – Turmeric essential oil is antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory. It helps to cleanse and reduce pores, smoothen and brighten skin, and improve blemishes and dark marks.
Ylang Ylang Essential Oil – Ylang ylang essential oil is anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial and very effective at maintaining the health of pores (through cleansing, reducing their appearance, and balancing oil production). It also minimizes fine lines and wrinkles.
BOTANICALS:
Included in the serum are two botanicals: hibiscus and calendula flowers. Hibiscus flowers are known widely as “nature’s botox” because of their high vitamin C content which supports collagen production and helps to tighten the skin and pores. Hibiscus flowers also contain AHAs (alpha-hydroxy acids) which gently exfoliate the skin, cleanse pores, and minimize their appearance. Calendula flowers are a time-honored ingredient in pore formulations that disinfect, unclog, and minimize pores.
