The Secret of Olives
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Water and oil normally reject each other like temperamental lovers, but given the right energetic conditions, they can also become one. Chemistry is just as important in the production of cosmetics as it is in love. Depending on the ingredients, a mixture of water and oil can become a light lotion, a gentle emulsion or a rich cream, all very important skin care products. Skin needs oils and moisture for protection. The quantities required depend on the time of year, type of skin and age.
If you wish to avoid factory-made skin creams or lotions, you can try using oils. After a skin peel or a brush massage - both everyday skin care practices in Sweden and Japan - your skin is particularly ready to be spoiled with the invaluable ingredients of oils and oil mixtures.
Choose your oil carefully
Cold-pressed oils are the most suitable for skin care. They can be used as a carrier for mixtures with essential oils, also known as ethereal or volatile oils. Essential oils are much too strong to be applied directly to the skin. The average mixture contains five drops of essential oil in ten millilitres of carrier oil. Carrier oils themselves can also be used in skin care. Vegetable oils have a shelf life of approximately six months. They should be stored in a dark space, preferably in dark glass bottles. These oils are available in supermarkets, food departments in larger department stores, and health food stores.
Avocado oil is particularly rich in vitamins. It is used on the face and décolleté areas and is especially suitable for dry skin.
Jojoba oil is a natural liquid wax, produced in the seeds of the jojoba shrub. It doesn't leave sticky residue on the skin and is particularly suitable for hair care.
Coconut oil has the scent of exotic lands. This thick, saturated oil can be mixed with salt and used as a skin peel. It can also be used as a nutritional hair mask.
Macadamia oil is particularly suitable for body skin care because it contains acids very similar to the fatty acids in human skin. This oil makes for an excellent moisturiser and is mainly suited for mature, dry skin.
Almond oil has a light, quickly evaporating scent and is rich in vitamins and proteins. It softens the skin and provides nutrition, which makes it especially suitable for sensitive skin and dry hands. Almond oil absorbs quickly and is perfect for use in massage.
Olive oil is rich in vitamins and proteins. Due to its strong smell, it is usually mixed with other oils. It gives off pleasant warmth, making it suitable for massages, cold days, or for sore muscles.
Sesame oil has a pleasant smell and is universally useful. It soothes, smoothes, and firms the skin. It is suitable for normal and oily skin.
Grape seed oil is relatively light and thin. It absorbs quickly and leaves a satin glow on the skin.
Wheat germ oil is rich in vitamin E and is suitable for mature skin. It can also be mixed with other oils to enhance their shelf life.
If you mix carrier oil with a few drops of essential oil, you will notice the scent first, and then feel the beneficial effect on your skin.
Grape seed oil face mask
Italians say that Chianti enhances beauty from the inside, while grape seed oil works on the outside. This subtle oil works extremely well as a moisturiser, refreshing and firming the skin. Your skin will be smooth and firm with a beautiful glow. You can make this mask yourself; use it at least once a week and you will be amazed at the beneficial influence it has on your skin.
Ingredients: 1 spoon of grape seed oil, 2 spoons of yoghurt.
Preparation: Mix the oil with the yoghurt and apply to face and neck. Leave on for 15 minutes; then rinse with lukewarm water.
Sesame oil massage for a good night's sleep
A massage of the abdomen is relaxing and helps to alleviate stress. Lightly heat the sesame oil and massage it into your abdomen using 36 clockwise circular motions.
Foot massage: In the evening, massage your feet with sesame oil, put on wool socks and enjoy a good night's sleep.