The Very Best Body Oil & Balm For Dry Skin
After years of investigating various body oils and lotions I was finally lucky enough to come across Banyan’s wonderful Organic Sesame Oil. Always having had very dry skin finding a natural way to moisturize had been an ongoing issue for me. I loved the way truly natural lotions felt on my skin, but with the gobs of lotion that my skin required I’d go through a bottle of artisanal lotion in a matter of a couple of weeks. With good lotions averaging close to $20 per 8oz, that has never been sustainable.
In my pursuit for hydrated skin, I’ve made my way through all the best oils: coconut, olive, almond, apricot kernel and even the highly praised jojoba oil. But always got similar results. My skin was a bit greasy at first, then quick to dry out again – coconut oil being the biggest culprit of this trend.
Moisturized shower to shower
Enter sesame oil – and my world changed forever! When first applied it feels pleasant like Jojoba oil. Jojoba being closest to the chemical make-up of our skin’s natural oils comes on fairly light, but unfortunately Jojoba has always left my skin feeling dry within a couple of hours. Sesame oil on the other hand has the same light feel, but keeps my skin feeling moisturized shower to shower. It’s really quite remarkable.
Sesame oil not only has the unique ability to effectively moisturize skin, but each application delivers a nourishing dose of:
- vitamin E
- vitamin D
- B complex
- calcium
- phosphorus
- fatty acids
With their healing and anti-inflammatory effects, these nutrients help to soothe and noticeably rejuvenate dull or dry skin. In Ayurveda, known for it’s detoxing effects, sesame oil has been used for millennia in massage and healing treatments, including for challenging skin conditions like eczema or psoriasis.
What’s even better is that this Organic Banyan Botanicals Sesame Oil is $17.95 for 34 oz (a whole lot less pricey than good quality organic jojoba), typically lasting 4-6 months. To keep the oil from going rancid simply pour enough to fill a pretty amber glass bottle and store the rest in the fridge until your next refill.
Beauty Balm for everything from breasts to tight hamstrings
After using Banyan Botanical’s sesame oil for a couple of years, I noticed that they also offered a series of delicious sounding balms and excitedly gave the Beauty Balm a try.
Made in a base of Organic Ghee, with Shatavari and Rose Geranium the scent is delicate, but irresistible. It’s capacity for nourishing and moisturizing skin is excellent and it’s helped me to soften those harder to moisturize parts like elbows and feet. But it’s also great to use around the eyes, to massage into the breasts (as the balm was originally intended) or on the abdomen to support the female reproductive system with the topical application of Shatavari.
According to Banyan, the balm offers these benefits:
- Tones, firms and rejuvenates the tissues
- Moisturizes and softens the skin
- Assists in gentle detoxification
- Supports breast health
Traditionally in Ayurveda topical use of ghee is said to help balance the skin’s moisture levels, but with its myriad healing compounds like phenolic antioxidants, it can also be used to reduce inflammation, relax tight hamstrings and promote deep tissue healing.
Registered Ayurvedic Clinician, Ingrid Naiman, teaches that in the Ayurvedic tradition Ghee’s viscosity is used as a means to improve, “elasticity and the capacity to manage stress on tissues.” What this means is that topically applied, Ghee can improve the resilience of tissue by calming and supporting the coping power of the nervous system, which results in greater elasticity. (source)
As with all natural healing aids, effects are achieved over time and with consistent application – so be patient! If you have have tight hamstrings or calves for example, massage the balm into the effected area twice per day for at least seven days before expecting to see results. You’ll also want to take up body rolling!
Why Banyan Botanicals
I’ve only ever used Banyan Botanicals as far sesame oil is concerned, so I can’t vouch for the results with other sources of sesame oil. I say this not to get you to buy from Banyan Botanicals, but because I truly believe Banyan Botanicals to be an integrity based company that makes products of palpably high quality. I say this also having experience with their herbs and other beauty products.
According to Banyan Botanicals their sesame oil is “extracted from the seed with a natural expeller pressed method which retains its maximum nutrition in unrefined form.” There’s so little oversight in production that it’s possible that if you go with another brand, you may be getting an oil blend instead of pure Organic sesame oil, or an oil that has been extracted with the use of chemicals or high heat, rendering the oils toxic and rancid.
So stick with Banyan’s Sesame Oil and I’m sure you’ll be thrilled with the results. See this easy DIY recipe for my go-to, super healing and refreshingly scented body oil blend:
My Go-to DIY Body Oil Recipe For Healthy Hydrated Skin
Banyan Botanicals Organic Skin Care
$17.95
Pros
- Deeply Moisturizing
- Deep Tissue Nourishment
- Medicinal Attributes
- Great for Massage
- Fairly Priced
