Category: Health & Beauty

Time to say goodbye to conventional moisturizers. Face oils have become a beauty cabinet staple, thanks to their natural ability to hydrate and nourish a variety of skin types.
Whether you are looking to eliminate redness, stop irritation from acne or rosacea, plump skin, or simply moisturize, read on to find the best natural oils for your skin.
Coconut oil
What it is: Found in, you guessed it, coconuts, this sweet-smelling, edible oil is used in everything from skin care to smoothie recipes. Made by pressing the fat from coconut meat, this oil has gained considerable popularity in recent years due to its therapeutic properties.
Why it works: Chock-full of vitamin E, coconut oil can be used as a traditional moisturizer. Because it is full of fatty acids, coconut oil acts as a sort of barrier on the skin, keeping moisture locked in. It’s naturally antibacterial and antifungal, helping to protect skin and hair from the elements (especially helpful during those harsh winter months). Bonus: It smells delicious!
How to use: Solid at room temperature, coconut oil has a melting point of about 75°F. This means that while it may have a similar texture to petroleum jelly at room temperature, it melts into skin as soon as you apply it. However, coconut oil may be a bit on the heavy side for those with oilier complexions. Use it in the shower as a moisturizing shaving cream and hair conditioner, or slather on afterward as an all-natural replacement for lotion or leave-in conditioner.
Argan oil
What it is: Extracted from nuts of the Moroccan argan tree, this oil is a soothing and powerful moisturizer for all skin types.
Why it works: Argan oil is packed with vitamin E, antioxidants, and essential fatty acids. It’s light enough to use as an everyday, nongreasy moisturizer, but it can also be used to treat those with more severe skin conditions, such as eczema or rosacea. Thanks to its antioxidant properties, argan oil works to improve skin’s elasticity by fending off free radical damage, leaving skin radiant.
How to use: This oil is not just for dry skin — it can also help control oil production by reducing sebum for those with oilier skin. This nourishing oil can be used daily under makeup or at night for a more restorative skin conditioning treatment. It’s also suitable for use on dry hair and nails.
Rosehip seed oil
What it is: This powerful skin nourisher is one of the top antiaging oils. It’s extracted via a cold-press method from the seeds of a specific rose variety, predominantly grown in Chile.
Why it works: This oil is rich in essential fatty acids and contains vitamins E, C, D, and beta carotene. Chock-full of goodness, it helps to protect and hydrate skin, fight free radical damage, and reduce wrinkles. But that’s not all! The vitamins and antioxidants rejuvenate the skin to restore elasticity, help to correct dark spots, and reduce the appearance of scars.
How to use: Because it is considered a “dry” oil, rosehip seed oil soaks easily into the skin. It can be used in conjunction with other oils or lotions as an intensive moisturizing and antiaging treatment.
Marula oil
What it is: Harvested from the nut of the African marula fruit, this oil is bound to be the next big thing due to its versatility, light texture, and beautifying benefits. Thanks to its health properties, the oil can reduce not only dryness, but also irritation and inflammation.
Why it works: Marula oil is rich in fatty acids and is purported to contain 60 percent more antioxidants than most other oils, meaning it packs a powerful punch against aging and sun damage. The oil also has antimicrobial properties, making it ideal for irritated or acne-prone skin.
Jojoba oil
What it is: Extracted from plants indigenous to North America, jojoba oil is used for everything from acne to psoriasis to sunburn. But it isn’t really an oil at all, but a botanical extract actually comprised of liquid wax esters. This is important because out of all compounds found in nature, jojoba oil is structurally and chemically the most similar to human sebum, meaning it mimics the structure of the skin.
Why it works: Because jojoba oil is similar to our skin’s structure, it can replicate or dissolve oil, depending if your skin overproduces or underproduces. Thus, it can help balance out sebum production and eliminate acne. Comprised of beneficial minerals and nutrients, jojoba oil also works as an emollient to soothe skin and provide all-day moisture.
How to use: A few drops can be used for those with oily complexions in the morning or at night, to moisturize and help balance out skin tone. It’s also a great alternative to body lotion for those who have sensitive skin. When used as a hair treatment, jojoba oil may help with dandruff and promote a healthy scalp.

Lavender essential oil is one of the most popular aromatherapy oils on the market. It is touted as being the “Mother of All Oils” for good reasons. Not only does it have some amazing benefits but lavender essential oil mixes well with many other oils.
Obviously what smells good to one person may not smell good to another so it is important to take your personal oily enjoyments into account. It is also important to keep an open mind because when blending essential oils there is a wonderful thing called synergy that happens that can lead to something beautiful!
Let’s explore lavender and mixing essential oils a little more before we get into what blends well with lavender essential oil.
What are the Different Types of Lavender Essential Oil?
We have to look at the different types of lavender oil to make sure that we are on the same page. There are three main types available on the marketplace, this is where the botanical names really help you know what you are buying.
True Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) has a floral and herbal aroma. For this post, we are referencing this type of lavender. It is the most common in aromatherapy and its versatility is truly amazing.
Spike Lavender (Lavandula latifolia) has a high percentage of 1,8- Cineole and Camphor which is why the aroma is reminiscent of Eucalyptus and Ravensara.
Lavandin (Lavandula x intermedia) is a hybrid of them both True Lavender and Spike Lavender and will have elements from both oils.
What is Essential Oil Synergy?
A synergy essential oil blend is two or more essential oils working together for a greater benefit then the total of their individual effects. Kinda magical right 😉
When blending essential oils together, each oil can have an enhancing effect on the other oils in the blend. You get more bang for your buck, so to speak.
What is Your Goal for Blending Essential Oils?
From my perspective, lavender oil can be added to almost any other essential oil because I really love it. When using essential oils, keep in mind your intent for the blend you are mixing.
For example, if you want a relaxing blend for bedtime, find complementary essential oils for sleep. Have a headache try lavender with peppermint.
What Blends Well With Lavender Essential Oil?
There are lots of essential oils that are good to mix with lavender, it really depends on what you will use it for and/or what essential oils you find enjoyable. The nice thing about Lavender is that it is a multipurpose essential oil so it can blend with just about anything. With that being said, I am sharing my favorite lavender essential oil blends so they could differ from yours .

As a runner you must be very concerned about injuries and recovery times. One of the best things about essential oils is that they are an all-natural way to treat all kinds of problems you might be facing on your daily run. Here are some tips on how to use essential oils for runners to achieve better well-being, as well as improve your performance.
What Exactly Are Essential Oils?
If you do not know anything about essential oils, they are naturally produced from plants to protect themselves from illnesses or attacks. Every plant substance is unique, thus different kinds of essential oils made from the substance is unique in their smell and characteristics.
The production can vary depending on the plant which is used, but typically they are made by either steam distillation or cold-pressing. After the extraction, the essential oils are very concentrated.
How to Use Essential Oils for Runners
Essential oils are most commonly used through aromatherapy, but they can also be applied directly to skin and let it absorb some of the chemicals. Before topical application, it is best to combine with carrier oil after which the oils can be applied to the skin.
When inhaling the essential oils they stimulate our limbic system, which is an important part of our bodies responsible for emotions, long-term memory, and behaviors, which is why essential oils can really improve our emotional well-being. But they are also good with physical injuries.
Essential oils can relieve pains associated with running
Sometimes when running you can injure yourself, whether it’s because of overtraining or because of not having the proper equipment (like running shoes), essential oils can help you heal more quickly.
For example, if you have sore muscles after your run, or you tend to over exercise, apply peppermint oil and coconut oil to your muscles. You can also use almond oil instead of coconut.
For sprains, you can use helichrysum essential oil to help you with healing by improving your blood flow, but it is generally better to prevent the injury by investing in good quality running shoes.
Essential oils promote better sleep and relaxation
Good rest is probably the most important part of an athlete’s day, because while we are sleeping our bodies are healing our muscles.
Whether you have difficulties falling asleep, staying asleep during the night, or you do not feel well rested after waking up, essential oils can help you get the necessary sleep you need.
Lavender, Roman Chamomile, and orange are some of the oils that can help you relieve stress and anxiety and allow you to have a peaceful night.
Essential oils can help you improve energy levels
Apart from the battling the fatigue through an improved sleep hygiene, essential oils can help to boost your energy even more. Peppermint oil is the best choice for improving you energy levels. You can add a drop of it into your shoes to stimulate your feet, or you can apply it on your temples and back of the neck before your run.
Essential oils can improve your overall health
If you are a competitive runner, you must know how devastating it can be if you get sick days before your big race. But even if you are not participating in a race, getting sick can really slow down your progress or even present a setback.
Lemon, tee tree, sandalwood and thyme essential oils can help you improve your immune system and fight off germs and viruses much effectively.
One very helpful oil for runners can be eucalyptus oil, because it boosts your respiratory system and helps fight inflammation. It is a remedy that every runner should always have with them.
Even if you are not a runner, all these oils can help you improve your performance in other fields of your life. For example, if you are a student, peppermint oil can improve your alertness and help you study more efficiently.