Carrie's Handmade Essentials

Oils for Hydration

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Since it is wintertime I thought we'd talk about hydrating oils, how to use them in your skincare routine, and how to choose one.

Rosehip Seed Oil

Rosehip seed oil which is known for containing vitamins C and E provides antioxidant protection and helps skin regeneration and moisture retention. It is lightweight and absorbs quickly, making it ideal for all skin types.

To use it, simply apply 2 to 3 drops to damp skin after cleansing or mix it into your favorite moisturizer.

Jojoba Oil

Jojoba oil closely mimics the skin’s natural sebum, making it excellent for balancing hydration without clogging pores.

Jojoba contains a variety of fatty acids (omega 9), anti-bacterial, and antioxidants. It is great for all skin types.

Jojoba helps wounds scar over, moisturizes, protects and reinforces the top layer of skin. It reduces inflammation, is non comedogenic, hypoallergenic, helps control sebum, and may help promote collagen synthesis. It may help soothe eczema, psoriasis and other drying skin conditions. It may help fine lines and wrinkles. It may help treat acne.

You can use it as a standalone moisturizer or as a carrier oil for essential oils in your DIY blends.

Argan Oil

Argan oil is packed with vitamin E and omega fatty acids, which deeply hydrate and provide a protective barrier against dryness.

Argan oil has many benefits for your face. It works on wrinkles and dark spots, dry skin, and superficial injuries. Use it on burns. Argan oil also reduces inflammation, protects from sun damage, moisturizes, and helps reduce symptoms for conditions like psoriasis and rosacea. It treats acne, is anti-aging, reduces skin’s oiliness, and protects and reduces stress marks.

Massage a few drops into clean skin or add it to a nighttime face mask for best results.

Sweet Almond Oil

Sweet Almond oil is another fantastic option. Its emollient properties help soften and smooth the skin, reducing dryness and flakiness.

Almond oil contains vitamin A, vitamin D, and vitamin E. It has the minerals magnesium, calcium, potassium and zinc. It contains omega fatty acids including linoleic acid and vitamin K.

Almond oil is good for sensitive, normal and dry skin. Use almond oil for hydrated glowing skin. It helps the skin retain moisture, stimulates the production of new cells, and reduces fine lines, and bacteria. Almond oil helps prevent dermatitis, and fades scars and stretch marks. It helps in healing sun damage, reducing the signs of aging, puffy eyes, psoriasis and eczema.

Avoid almond oil if you have nut allergies. If you are acne prone, avoid almond oil as it may block pores and cause breakouts.

Apply it after a shower to lock in moisture or mix it with sugar for a hydrating exfoliant.

Coconut Oil

Coconut oil is well-known for its intense hydration. It forms a barrier to prevent moisture loss and is particularly effective for very dry or rough skin areas. When using it on your face, do so sparingly to avoid clogging pores, but feel free to apply it liberally to your body.

Avocado Oil

Avocado oil is rich in oleic acid, which allows it to deeply penetrate the skin to provide long-lasting hydration and nourishment.

Avocado oil contains omega 3 fatty acids, vitamins A, D and E, potassium, lecithin, and many other moisturizing ingredients. It keeps skin moisturized and may help acne and wounds and reduce the signs of aging. It may help to heal dry, irritated, flaky skin with eczema and psoriasis. It is anti-inflammatory and may help sunburn. It is also good for nails and hair such as dandruff and dry flaky scalp.

Combine it with a hydrosol for a light facial mist or use it in DIY body butters for that extra hydration boost.

Grapeseed Oil

Grapeseed oil is lightweight and non-greasy. It contains linoleic acid, which helps retain moisture and strengthen the skin barrier.

It also contains vitamin C, D, E, phenolic compounds, and it is antimicrobial. Grapeseed oil protects skin from drying, helps regulate sebum production, helps protect skin from free radicals, moisturize, reduces inflammation and scars, and improves elasticity. It is best for sensitive skin.

Apply it as the final step in your skincare routine to seal in hydration.

Ways to Use Oils

So how can you incorporate them into your skincare routine effectively?

First, try double cleansing. A cleansing oil can help remove makeup and impurities while hydrating your skin.

After cleansing, apply a hydrating toner or serum and then apply a few drops of your favorite oil to lock in moisture.

To boost the effectiveness of your moisturizer, add a drop or two of oil. For an overnight treatment, apply a nourishing oil before bed to wake up with soft, supple skin. Avocado or argan oils are great choices.

Lastly, for a custom skincare experience, blend oils into masks, scrubs, or body butters.

Which One Should I Use?

Selecting the right oil for your skin type can make a significant difference. If you have dry skin, heavier oils like avocado and coconut are beneficial. Oily or combination skin thrives with lighter oils like grapeseed and jojoba. Sensitive skin loves soothing oils, such as chamomile-infused or rosehip. Additionally, always look for cold-pressed and unrefined options, as these retain more nutrients and offer better results.

I hope you find some ways to add these hydrating oils into your skincare routine. See you next week!

Embrace Winter this Year

Want to dive deeper into winter skincare and self-care rituals? Check out our workshop, Radiance and Ritual: Skincare, Self-Care and Seasonal Renewal. Together, we’ll create winter skincare routines, explore self-care rituals, and even delve into journaling practices to nourish both your body and spirit.

You will get the workshop, skincare recipes, containers and supplies to make your winter skincare, and a copy of my eBook and journal.

If you are located outside of the US (or just like this option better), you can download the workshop without getting the supplies sent to you.

Let’s make this winter your most radiant yet! 🌿

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