Grape seed oil has very beneficial effect on problematic skin.This is which it is easily absorbed by the skin and does not cause or aggravate skin due to light and finely textured oil.It also almost odorless and help keep the skin hydrated, soft and supple because of superb moisturizing and emollient qualities.Apart from this, it has healing effects and great anti-oxidant properties, which neutralize free radicals without leaving any tacky or oily residue on the skin.
Grape seed oil contain mildly astringent qualities,which help to tighten and tone the skin, making a good cosmetic ingredient for anti-aging products.The oil extract contains palmitic, palmitoleic, stearic, oleic, linoleic, as well as alpha linolenic, icosanoic, icosenoic and docosanoic fatty acids. Linoleic acid is very important for the health of the skin as well as cell membranes.Proanthocyanidins which exist in grape seed oil are very potent antioxidants; helpful for eliminate the sun's damaging effects and lessening free radical damage. Proanthocyanidins are also helpful in wound healing.
Grape seed oil is useful for anti-aging due to the antioxidant effect it have and also good restructuring virtues.Grape seed oil is made from the seeds of the vitis vinifera grape which is the most common wine-making grape in the world. Grape seed oil is a type of vegetable oil that's pale green in color.Grape seeds oil is produced when dried grape seeds are pressed under extreme heat. As a result of this process, grape seed oil has a high-resistance to heat. Grape seed oil has no cholesterol and little saturated fats; as a result, it is often used to make marinades, salad dressings and baked goods.
Why apply potentially harmful chemicals to your skin? Many commercial skin care products contain mineral from petroleum derivatives which can be very irritating to skin, clogging pores and causing blemishes, and drying out skin. Natural oils such as seed or nut oils are very good for the skin.
Lavender Oil
Ingredients:
- 2 cups lavender flowers
- 2 sprigs rosemary
- 1 piece of orange zest
- 1 ¼ cups olive or grapeseed oil.
Directions:
- combine all except oil and pound in a mortar or on a cutting board.
- Pack the herbs into a small jar (two cup capacity) and pour in the oil.
- Cover and shake well.
- Place the jar in a sunny window for two weeks, and shake it at least once a day.
- After two weeks, strain the mixture. Keep refrigerated when not using.
Calendula Oil
Ingredients:
- 1 cup calendula flowers
- 2 cups olive or grapeseed oil
- ½ cup wheat germ oil.
Directions:
- Combine all ingredients in a jar and cover it.
- Place in a sunny window for two weeks and shake at least once a day.
- After two weeks, strain mixture and refrigerate.
Skin Toner
Ingredients:
- 3 ½ cups liquid witch hazel
- ½ cup herbs
Directions:
- Combine in a jar, set on a sunny windowsill for one week, shaking at least once a day.
- Strain and store in refrigerator.
Variations:
- Use calendula for a gentle toner, or try a lemon rind/mint mixture for oily skin .
Facial Masks
Dry skin
Combination of rose petals and chamomile, or comfrey alone.
For oily skin
Use sage, yarrow, or a combination of chamomile and lemongrass.
Directions:
- Mix 3 tablespoons dried herbs and 2 tablespoons oatmeal in blender with 2 tablespoons distilled water.
- Apply to the face and leave on about ten minutes, rinse.
Herbal Soap
Ingredients:
- 2 teaspoons dried or 2 tablespoons fresh herbs
- ¼ cup water, several drops essential oil
- 2 cups shredded pure soap (glycerin soap like Neutrogena).
Directions:
- Combine all ingredients EXCEPT soap and bring to a boil and simmer 25 minutes in enameled pot.
- Add shredded soap, stirring frequently to mix.
- Turn off heat and cool for 15-20 minutes.
- Divide into 6 parts and roll into balls.
- Let dry on waxed paper for a few days.
For Sore, Dry Skin
Ingredients:
- 3/4 cup of apricot or almond oil
- 1/3 cup of coconut oil or cocoa butter
- 1 teaspoon lanolin
- 1/2 oz of grated beeswax
Melt these ingredients over low heat. Cool to room temperature. While these ingredients cool, mix together:
- 2/3 cup of rosewater
- 1/3 cup of aloe vera gel
- 1-2 drops of rose oil
- Contents of 1 vitamin E capsule
Add these ingredients to the first mixture. Whip together until their consistency resembles buttercream frosting. Store in a covered jar.
