Lazy winter skin care; natural oils and butters

Inspired by this post over at msn we decided to compile a truly lazy winter skin care regimen that relies on our favourite oils and butters (we'll post later in the week about 1 product that everyone should wear all year round: sunscreen - We forget to use it quite often but it is sage advice and there are some awesome non-toxic options out there).

Out of the three of us, Layla is the most oil oriented. Some creams just don't agree with her, all of the Oskia stuff that she tried out was a nightmare it just dried her skin up and made her look much older (we used a range of audiences so if you'd like to read our original Oskia reviews click here for our Oskia Bedtime Beauty Boost Review and click here for our Oskia Get Up & Glow Review). So she has picked her favourite winter essentials to get your skin in tip-top condition.

In reality, you're only really going to need 1 -3 of these oils. We are product junkies but you don't need to be to get the most out of your products. Layla tends to stick to one oil/butter or mixes two. It's a simple, effective way to give your skin a boost and not break the bank.

As a word of warning, if you have a treenut allergy you might not be able to use the following oils
please check with your health practitioner before purchasing!

We don't another situation similar to that of quinoa in Bolivia. So we urge you to buy your oils and butters from companies that promote sustainability and fairtrade, our go-to  supplier is Akua Wood @ Sheabutter cottage (who also do international orders).


#1. Shea Butter
Supremely moisturising, gentle enough for sensitive skin and odourless, shea butter has it all. It can be used all over and will leave your skin silky smooth. It works as an eye cream and a lip balm.   Our favourite brand is none other than Sheabutter Cottage - if you've read the blog before then you know the deal on this one, if not click here for our review.

Shea butter contains plant sterols, oleic, stearic, palmitic and linolenic acids, has high antioxidant properties (one of which is catechins - the antioxidants found in green tea), and is high in vitamins A and E all of which are great for repairing, healing and nourishing the skin. But there's more!

It also contains derivatives of cinnamic acid, commonly found in cinnamon and balsam trees. One animal study found that shea butter demonstrated anti-inflammatory effects and that one compound (lupeol cinnamate) helped to prevent tumor development in a carcinogenesis test (which is the name for when labs 'grow' cancer cells in a culture dish). Another study found that cinnamic acid esters help to prevent skin damage from UV radiation. 

Another study found that shea butter can help reduce nasal congestion when applied to the 'interior of the nose' in test conditions.

# 2. Marula oil

From the same fruits that are used to make Amarula, Marula is like a dream oil only better. Used in Sheabutter Cottage's famed Akuaba Belly Butter and Kimia's exquisite rejuvenating facial system this oil contains high levels of oleic acid and antioxidants (such as flavonoids, procyanidin, galattotannin and catechins) all of which promote skin elasticity, aiding the repair of scars and nourishment of skin tissue.

#3. Mango Butter

Studied as a partial substitute for cocoa butter, mango butter is yummy. We've never eaten it but we have an ongoing love affair with this butter, it's smooth and imparts the most velvety softness.
It's been found to reduce skin cell degeneration  and wrinkles, while increasing skin hydration due to a high percentage of tocopherols, phytosterols and triterpenes.
On top of that mango butter has antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. (ref).


# 4. Rosehip oil

Full of antioxidants, trans-retinoic acid (vitamin A) in the form of unsaturated EFA's which reduce the effects of aging, regenerates damaged skin, stimulates cell renewal and diminishes fine lines. Like magic in a bottle.
One study suggests the use of rosehip oil (as well as other oils high in fatty acids) to help repair radiotherapy-induced damage to the skin

#5. Argan Oil

We've blogged about the wonders of Argan Oil before but just to recap;
Argan Oil is rich in vitamin E, phytosterols, carotenoids, and EFA's, and is touted as one of the best anti-aging products. Topical use improves skin hydration, increases skin elasticity, and helps to prevent the formation and reduce appearance of stretch marks.

#6. Japanese Camellia Kissi Oil

Perfect for all skin types, this non-greasy, odourless quickly absorbed oil has been used for centuries in Japan for the skin, scalp, hair and nails. It's a rich source of Oleic acid and collagen which aids cell regeneration and helps to restore skin elasticity, which can help to reduce scarring and stretch marks.
Camellia kissi Oil also contains the antioxidants vitamins A, B, C & E and polyphenols (also found in wine, tea and chocolate).

What are your natural skincare go to's?

Love,
Em, Layla & Ella
X