Ancient use of plant oils

The use of plant based oils to nourish and beautify the body is a common practice originating from ancient civilizations.

Emu oil was used by the Australian Aboriginals and the Chinese were using herb-infused oils for various dermatological conditions. Coconut oil, sesame oil and ghee were used in Ayurvedic treatments in India, and in ancient Egypt it was a common practice for both men, and women to oil their bodies daily as a form of moisturization and protection from the hot arid conditions.

This tradition is being embraced again today as more people are returning to pure ingredients from the earth to nurture, heal and protect their skin.

What are plant oils?

Botanical plant oils are fats that have been extracted from the fruits, nuts and seeds of plants. Because they are related to the skin's own natural lipids, plant oils penetrate easily into the layers of the skin, supporting it's natural functions and offer optimal care and protection.

Will oils cause breakouts?

Many people are cautious about changing to oil based skin care. Will I breakout? Will it clog my pores? Will it make my face shiny? In fact, the opposite is generally the case.

Oily skin results from a condition where there is an over production of oil. The best way to stop the skin from producing so much oil, is by using products formulated with low, or non-comedogenic plant based oils that mimic the skins natural sebum, thus stopping this cycle. 

These oils won't clog your pores, which is a leading cause of breakouts. In fact, oil based skincare works well for all skin types and will often help to transform your skin, alleviating concerns and helping to achieve a natural radiance.  

The importance of non refined cold pressed oils

Refined or processed oils have been deodorised and bleached, and then extracted with the involvement of high temperatures. This method destroys many of the nutrients and antioxidants that are present in the virgin oil, meaning the refined oils can’t provide their maximum benefits.

Cold pressed oils have been extracted under low temperatures, without the use of any chemicals or solvents preserving the integrity of the nutrients. Studies have shown that these oils have higher levels of anti oxidants, fatty acids and phenols, nutrients that are found naturally in the plants. 

Increased levels of immune boosting nutrients, such as oleic and lauric acid have also been found, indicating better oxidative stability. Tocopherol (vitamin E) levels are raised which means that products have a naturally longer shelf life, often foregoing synthetic preservatives. 

Cold pressed oils are non-toxic and nourishing for the skin as no heat, chemicals or solvents are used in the extraction process. 

The use of only cold pressed oils is an extra step we take to preserve as much nutritional content as possible, thereby ensuring maximum results from our skincare products.

Skin benefits of plant based oils

• Hydration. Plant oils are known to seal in moisture due to their occlusive nature. They create a barrier on the skin, preventing the evaporation of hydration from the skin to the environment. 
• Radiant skin. Plant oils consist of essential fatty acids, which keep our skin, supple, plump and youthful. These essential fatty acids can only be obtained from our diet or by applying them on our skin. The most common ones are linoleic and oleic acid which are found in many of the plant oils we have chosen to incorporate into our products. Rosehip, argan, acai, avocado, hemp, sea buckthorn, evening primrose, black seed, tamanu, camellia, pumpkin seed oils and mango butter are all rich in oleic and linoleic acids. 
• Restore balance. Oil based skincare prevents clogged pores which often lead to breakouts and acne. This is because the small molecules actually resemble our own skin cell structure which allows them to be easily absorbed by the skin. Sebum production will be slowed down, leaving your skin more balanced.
• Protect the skin. Free radicals, generated from processed foods, unfiltered water, excessive sun exposure and environmental pollutants, cause direct damage to our skin's DNA resulting in accelerated skin aging. Plant based oils are enriched with antioxidants which help to defend the skin's barrier from these oxidative stressors. 
• Assist with acne breakouts, rosacea, eczema and dermatitis. Many plant oils contain antibacterial, antimicrobial and antifungal properties. These properties can kill acne causing bacteria, reduce inflammation and calm the skin.

Some of our favourites

The oils in our skincare range have been carefully chosen for their unique and beneficial properties. Each has its own fatty acid profile offering specific benefits to the skin. The magic is in the way they synergise with each other and this is what produces the most effective skincare.

Here are just a few of our favourites

• Jojoba oil mimics our own natural sebum making it highly compatible with the skin. Applying it sends a signal to your hair and sweat follicles that your skin doesn’t need additional sebum for hydration. This keeps the skin from looking oily and helps prevent acne caused by clogged pores. You can find jojoba oil in our anti-aging serum, ultra calming serum, body and bath oil and our balm.
• Baobab oil, found in many of our products is loaded with essential fatty acids and vitamins A, C, D, E and K. It aids mature skin by improving elasticity of the tissues, restructuring the skin and supporting collagen health. 
• Pumpkin seed oil, an important ingredient of our facial cleansing oil is a potent source of Vitamins C and E and is packed with essential fatty acids. Its high levels of zinc help fight bacteria and impurities. It also gently exfoliates the skin and increases cell turnover.
• Tamanu oil is a warrior when it comes to wound healing and skin regeneration and has even been used to successfully treat scars in a hospital setting. This hero ingredient is a vital component of our ultra calming serum and our healing balm.

Not only is oil based skin care clean, effective and kinder to the environment, it transforms our skincare routine to a bit of luxury time, a sensory experience for ultimate rejuvenation as we connect our bodies with the wisdom of the plants.