Even though I have oily skin, the areas near my mouth used to get very dry.
This problem was more pronounced in the winter. But it never really went away, even when the weather was warm. So I tried to manage the problem. I used a facial moisturizer, hoping my skin would “drink” it in.
Instead, it had the opposite effect. It also seemed to add a layer of irritation. The corners around my mouth were red, in addition to being dry.
It wasn’t until I cleaned up my lifestyle, and switched to plant-based cosmetics, that I realized the “moisturizers” I was putting on my face were probably causing the dryness in the first place.
Natural Oils For Your Face
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Using natural moisturizers was a revelation. I had no idea they would work so well. But, now, it makes perfect sense. Something found in nature is designed to work with our skin, much better than anything that can be cooked up in a lab. Plus, you don’t expose yourself to hormone-disrupting parabens and other potentially dangerous compounds.
It appears that slick marketing efforts have convinced generations of women that synthetic chemicals are needed, if they want to keep their skin soft, and that natural ingredients, such as pomegranate seed oil, won’t do the job. So I’m happy to do my little part to get the truth out.
Pomegranate Seed Oil For Face
Pomegranate seed oil is now found in what seems to be a growing number of natural beauty products. In recent years, we’ve been hearing a lot about the health benefits of eating pomegranates.
What’s less well known is that pomegranate seed oil, which is packed with nutrients, antioxidants and essential fatty acids, seems to be exceptionally good for your skin. This oil seems to be taking its place among argan oil and rosehip seed oil in the minds of women who want a more natural approach to beauty.
Pomegranate Seed Oil Skin Benefits
Part of this may have to do with an Omega-5 EFA called punicic acid, which is actually named after the fruit. The scientific name for pomegranate is Punica granatum.) Pomegranate seed oil is a rich source of punicic acid, which has a number of health benefits, and is now being studied for its various effects upon the body.
One finding, published in the International Journal of Oncology, showed that punicic acid inhibited the growth of breast cancer cells in the lab.
Punicic-rich pomegranate seed oil is believed to be able to renew the skin, as well as reversing the visible signs of aging. Another study that ran in the Experimental Dermatology journal noted that pomegranate components, including the oil, had a protective effect against UVB damage in human reconstituted skin. (This is derived from skin cells grown in the lab.)
Where To Buy Pomegranate Seed Oil
You might be able to find pomegranate seed oil locally, if you live near a health food store or a high-end grocery store. You can definitely find it online. You can use this oil on its own, directly on your skin, or you can add it to a DIY moisturizer using other ingredients, such as jojoba oil.
If you do buy pomegranate oil, I highly recommend buying an oil that’s cold pressed, such as the Leven Rose oil shown here, as opposed to one that’s refined or processed with chemicals. That way you’re assured of getting the beneficial compounds in their most natural state. American-based Leven Rose makes a line of organic and natural beauty oils, such as pomegranate, as well as jojoba, rosehip seed and argan oils.
Cold Pressed Pomegranate Seed Oil
How To Use Pomegranate Seed Oil
I’ve found that rotating my natural oils seems to make them work better. Another thing that seems to make them more powerful and effective, at least for me, is to add a drop or two of essential oil, before applying them to my face. Many holistic health experts believe that combining multiple plants in one recipe creates a synergy. (This is why herbal remedies are often comprised of multiple ingredients.)
One aromatic that’s considered very good for your skin is palmarosa essential oil, which smells a lot like roses, even though it’s derived from a tropical grass. Oftentimes, I’ll add a drop of this to a teaspoon of plant-based facial oil.
Essential oils are highly concentrated, so a little goes a long way, so you probably don’t want to exceed this dilution strength, especially when using an aromatic oil on your face. Frankincense essential oil is also considered a good natural remedy for mature skin, and can also be added to various seed oils such as pomegranate.
Disclaimer
These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Women who are pregnant or nursing should not use essential oils unless directed to do so by a healthcare professional.
For More Reading
Punicic Acid Breast Cancer Study
