Good for wine, great for skin.....grapeseed oil.
Golfers constantly battle the elements during all four seasons of the year. Wind, rain, sleet, and yes, even sun can wreak havoc with your game. However, did you consider the toll these weather conditions can also take on your skin? Many golfers show the signs of premature aging when repeated exposure to outdoor conditions is not balanced by a proper skin care regimen. As you age, the telltale signs of crinkles and wrinkles, a sallow complexion, and dark spots can rob you of the youthful complexion you once had. Skin can also get flaky and dry. Men, this goes for you too.
For those trapped in the cold weather states of the north, the height of the winter season is here and it’s time to consider preventing damage from cold and wind as well as from over-heated homes. First, make sure the humidifiers on your furnace are working properly so that some humidity is present. It also doesn’t hurt to place bowls of water around the house to allow evaporation into the air.
Did You Know that some lotions and oils you use on your skin can actually dry you out? Many of the chemicals, emulsifiers, or binding agents that cause oil and water to bond can interfere with your skin’s lipid barrier, which allows moisture to evaporate. Your skin feels dry so you put lotion on, but, in essence dries you out more. So, of course you reach for more lotion which dries you out even further. A bad cycle indeed! And the answer is not necessarily buying more expensive lotions and creams. Actually, you can buy cheaper versions– or use something that may already be in your kitchen cabinet…..like vegetable oils.
But not all vegetable oils are good for your skin. Many corn and soybean oils are made with genetically modified crops sprayed with chemicals and pesticides, so who-knows-what is in them. Here are the oils that are best and safest to use:
Grapeseed oil. A by-product of wine-making, Grapeseed oil comes from the seeds of pressed grapes. Many holistic beauty care experts consider it the best oil for skin, regardless of your skin type. It’s especially good for thin skin around your eyes and neck and can even reduce fine lines. It is also high in vitamin C, which brightens your skin.
Olive oil. This is a great oil if you have really dry skin—there’s a reason Mediterranean women have used it as a moisturizer for centuries. It provides intense moisture and rich antioxidants, making it good for your insides, which benefits your outsides by fighting free radicals created by exposure to sunlight.
Sunflower oil. Just as good as olive oil but a little less expensive and it absorbs into the skin more quickly.
A note about Coconut Oil: While often used for cooking, it is also garnering a reputation for skin care. However, this oil is a common ingredient in soap because it’s so effective at stripping surfaces of oil and can do the same thing to your skin, so it is not really recommended.
To apply, use only a couple drops as these oils go a long way. If the oil has not been absorbed in a few minutes, you’re using too much. Select oils that are as unrefined as possible, like ‘Extra Virgin’ or Cold-pressed’. Store them in dark places in dark jars, if possible. If you prefer something scented, add only essential oils to your chosen oil, which you can find at health-food stores; these are free from artificial scents and hormone-disrupting or allergenic compounds.
Another good tip: after showering, towel off lightly, leaving some water on your body. Mix a small amount of Baby Oil with the water residue. Then, put on your chosen oil/lotion mixture. I personally use Vaseline Petroleum Jelly on my face and hands, to seal in the moisture.
