Vegetable oils are ideal in cosmetics for protecting the skin during the cold season. Some we already have in the kitchen: here are the ones you simply can't do without.
With the arrival of the cold season, our skin increasingly feels the effects of climate change. Redness and dryness are the first signs that should prompt us to protect it deeply. One of the simplest and most effective solutions comes from the vegetable oils we commonly use for dressing and cooking: foods that create a natural protective barrier during the winter period and with which you can make easy homemade preparations that nourish the skin.
Let's start with a lesser-known oil that is also very useful for making DIY cosmetics: grapeseed oil. As the name suggests, it is obtained by cold-pressing grape seeds and is rich in omega-6. It is an oil that also lends itself well to combating cellulite, perfect for targeted massages, particularly on the thighs. For a nourishing, anti-cellulite treatment, combine two tablespoons of grapeseed oil, two tablespoons of sweet almond oil, and five drops of essential oil of oregano or geranium. Blend the oils together in a bowl and pour into a sterilised glass bottle. The mixture (as with the others described below) must be used within one month of preparation.
Highly nourishing for the skin is sesame oil, which helps keep it elastic as it is rich in vitamin E. For an antioxidant and cold-weather treatment for facial skin, you can prepare a blend with two tablespoons of sesame oil, adding one tablespoon of coconut oil, five teaspoons of calendula macerated oil and five drops of chamomile essential oil. This mix, as well as being highly nourishing, is calming thanks to the properties of chamomile essence, which also works on the mind, dissolving tension.
Equally soothing and nourishing is sunflower seed oil, rich in linoleic acid (which, at a dietary level, helps keep cholesterol and triglycerides under control). Three tablespoons of this vegetable oil blended with five drops of lemongrass essential oil and the juice of half a lemon make an easy-to-prepare solution for a toning and invigorating massage for hands and feet. Lemongrass gives the mixture a fresh aroma and in winter is particularly recommended for improving blood circulation in the upper and lower limbs, which are more sensitive to cold temperatures.
We conclude with an oil that is a staple of Italian cooking and equally perfect for skin care: olive oil. It has always been a precious ally in many beauty recipes. Drawing inspiration from the practices of the ancient Romans, we recommend it for massaging the skin of the body after a bath or shower. To nourish the face, you can turn to face masks prepared by thoroughly blending one tablespoon of acacia honey, the flesh of half an avocado and two tablespoons of olive oil. To prevent stretch marks, simply combine five drops of rose essential oil with olive oil and massage onto the affected areas. To make the mixture even more effective, you can also add a tablespoon of rosehip oil to taste, which is recommended for restoring elasticity to the skin and nourishing dry skin.