How to use Body Oil
Over the years, I’ve refined and whittled down the number of skin care products in my bathroom. I’ve tested many, many lotions, creams, body butters, lotions, balms, oils, serums and pomades and now use a very select but effective few.
Now that I’m well into middle age and I’m, to coin a phrase, comfortable in my own skin”, I know what my skin likes and doesn’t like, through what has been a long process of trial and error.
Sadly, chocolate is a no, no! It still brings my skin out in painful pimples, leaving me reaching for a bottle of good old reliable Witch hazel or Tea Tree oil!
So, I try to stay clear, by staying clear. But, sometimes the temptation is too much, and I end up paying for my moment of weakness and end up using a thin layer of skin coloured concealer after a chocolate binge for a couple of days!
Versatile multi-tasking beauty products
To avoid waste and overconsumption, I try to stick with natural multi-taskers for my skin and hair care routines.
One of my favourite multi-taskers, along with aloe vera gel and unrefined organic raw shea butter is Kalabash Organic Bath & Body Oil.
This light and fragrant plant-based oil blend is a fantastic moisturiser for the body, face and hair. It’s made with a short exotic ingredient list of organic Coconut Oil, Avocado Oil, Sunflower Oil, Macadamia Nut Oil, Sweet Almond Oil, Papaya Oil. Plus pure essential oils for fragrance.
Avocado oil:
Made from the flesh of avocado fruit, this nourishing oil rich in Vitamins A, D and E and potassium is perfect for dry and ageing skin. Its anti-inflammatory properties help with healing and repairing damaged skin cells and reducing wrinkles.
Coconut oil:
This powerful natural oil is loaded with vitamin E and saturated fat which helps dry skin stay super hydrated and moisturised. It prevents moisture loss through the skin’s pores, giving your skin a healthy, smooth and even tone. It’s light enough to soak into your skin quickly without making it feel greasy, and it works like magic repairing, restoring and soothing your skin as it’s quickly absorbed into the epidermis (the top layer of the skin). As a bonus it has the benefit of being able to penetrate the hair shaft, making it a great hair conditioner whatever your hair type.
Macadamia nut oil:
With high levels of palmitoleic acid-like human sebum (our skin’s natural lubricant) plus protein, Macadamia oil can help with keeping your skin youthful and smooth. It’s also a lifesaver for dry and thirsty afro and curly hair which can be vulnerable to damage from the environment and prone to breakage. Using Macadamia oil can help to restore moisture to the hair shaft and locks it in, making it easier to untangle and style.
Papaya oil:
The oil extracted from this Caribbean delicacy is vitamin-rich and loaded with enzymes to make your complexion brighten and glow and protect it from sun damage and wrinkles. This luxurious oil contains the nutrient-rich compound Papain which can even out your skin tone, reduce dark spots and heal blemishes.
Sunflower oil:
Light, super moisturising and high in Vitamin E, A and D, humble yet effective Sunflower oil helps seal in moisture but allows the skin to breathe.
Sweet Almond oil:
Softening and moisturising Sweet Almond oil can also help to soothe inflammation and itchy or irritated skin. It also hydrates fine hair, and the scalp prevents moisture loss and repairs damage and dryness.
Vitamin E:
Keeps the oil fresh, and its powerful antioxidant properties can help fight and protect skin against free radicals which can damage and age your skin.
5 WAYS TO USE KALABASH BODY/BATH OIL
On your hair:
Pre-shampoo deep conditioning treatment -
As an overnight deep conditioning pre-shampoo hair treatment, divide hair as above and then squeeze a full pipette of oil from roots to ends before bed, and then cover your hair with a satin bonnet/sleep cap. Shampoo out the following morning.
After shampoo leave-in conditioner -
Starting from the ends of dry hair, use the oil as a leave-in conditioner by squeezing a few drops into your palms, rubbing your hands together and smoothing through damp hair. Do not rinse off. My daughter swears by this method to treat her 3a curly hair. She loves the uplifting spicey orange fragrance of Kalabash Tropical Spice bath/body oil, which leaves her curls defined, glossy and bouncy.
Dry scalp treatment -
For a dry scalp between shampoos, divide your hair into four sections and apply 4 drops to your scalp in each section and rub in. Use more oil as needed until your entire scalp has been treated.
On your face:
During the winter months, my skin feels drier than usual and needs a little more TLC. So I add another step to my usual 3 step morning cleanse, tone and moisturise routine. I use a couple of drops of Kalabash Creole Rose body oil With West Indian Amyris, Ylang Ylang and Rose Geranium on top of my moisturiser as my Step 4 and my skin feels great and stays hydrated all day long.
To savea bit of space in your makeup bag when you're out and about or travelling use as a cleansing oil. Lightly wet your face, massage in a few drops of oil, cover your face with a warm, clean muslin cloth and let it sit for a minute or two. Finally, gently wipe the oil and any makeup from your skin using the cloth, rinse with cool water and apply your usual moisturiser if you need it. You’re good to go!
On your hands and feet:
Massage onto hands and feet right before bed. Don’t forget your cuticles, the oil will soften and nourish them. The lavender essential oil blend in Kalabash Relaxing organic body oil will help you relax and drift into a peaceful night’s sleep
When soaking in the Bath:
For the ultimate home spa experience, squeeze a few drops into your bath to hydrate your skin and boost your mood with pure essential oils. Don’t forget to light your favourite candle.
As a body moisturiser:
Massage onto your damp skin after your bath or shower. The oil will absorb quickly and lock in the extra moisture from bathing. Your skin will smell lovely, have a lovely soft velvety feel as well as a natural glow.
Enjoy ...
UNTIL NEXT TIME
