Winter Skin: Lizard Skin? - Part 2

Salutations and Warm Wishes to All! The temperatures dropped into the deep freeze again over the weekend! When will it end? The local red fox must be quite hungry as I spotted him eating a pile of sunflower seeds that I'd left in the yard for the wild turkeys. Poor guy! My big backyard garden is calling to me for some attention, but, alas, it is still under 2.5' of snow. I'm yearning to dig in the soft earth and smell fresh, young green plants. Perhaps I have signs of cabin fever . . . our late Maine spring is still just a glimmer in my eye, sad to say. Hope springs eternal . . . warmth will return!

Yes, winter still has a grip on the northern half of the country and many are still suffering from "lizard skin" - winter's dry hold on your otherwise soft, comfortable skin. Today, as promised, I'll share my recipe for a most wonderful skin-conditioning body oil that will make your skin feel like silk. I hope you find it to your benefit!

Nourishing Oil***

This is a nourishing blend that's high in essential fatty acids. The sesame, avocado, and olive oils are "heavy" oils and impart a velvety texture to the skin that I love, especially in mid-to-late winter when my skin is driest. This formula doubles as a healing oil to massage into cuticles on a nightly basis, especially if the cuticles are dry and ragged. It helps promote nail growth and adds a natural sheen to the nail surface. Important note: The aroma is rather distinctive, so add your choice of beneficial essential oil to help mask it if you wish. I prefer it plain and simple, though.

Ingredients:
- 4 tbsp. unrefined, sesame seed oil (not the toasted kind)
- 4 tbsp. unrefined, avocado oil or extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 large vitamin E oil capsules, pierced or 2 teaspoons vitamin E oil
- 15 drops lavender, Roman chamomile, frankincense, rosemary, grapefruit, or geranium
essential oil (optional)

Method:
Combine all ingredients in a glass or plastic storage bottle. Tightly cap the bottle, label, and shake the mixture vigorously. No refrigeration is required if product is to be used within 6 months. Store in the refrigerator for up to 1 year.

Yield: 1/2 cup

Application Tips: For bath oil, add 2 teaspoons to running water. For application as a body oil, following a shower, or for massage, use as needed. I recommend using at least 1x per day as a body oil.


*** Recipe adapted from "Organic Body Care Recipes", by Stephanie Tourles, published by Storey Publishing, LLC, December 2007.


NOTE: This blog is by Stephanie Tourles and the content adapted from her recent article, "Make Your Own Skin Oil", that appeared in the Ellsworth American newspaper "Health Quarterly" on Feb. 3, 2011. The information is true and complete to the best of her knowledge. All recommendations are made without guarantee on the part of Ms. Tourles. She disclaims any liability in connection with the use of this information. It is for educational purposes only.