Keep Your Skin Supple & Soft With This Deeply Nourishing Body Oil

If you’re familiar with body oils, you might expect to find jojoba oil in this blend, instead sesame oil is the star and base for this moisturizing body oil recipe. I landed on sesame oil after trying all the best oils on my skin, from coconut oil, olive oil, almond oil and apricot kernel oil, to the lauded jojoba oil. Usually the results were pretty similar, a bit greasy to start, only to find myself with dry skin within a couple hours.

I’ve found that sesame is the only oil that keeps my skin supple all day without leaving my skin feeling greasy or causing a drying effect – as so many other oils do with their astringent properties. Sesame oil not only has the unique ability to 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.

The test of time and climate

I have dry skin, and I mean really dry. To the degree that if I don’t moisturize after I shower my skin hurts and in some areas, like my shins, it will actually break and crack. This sesame based oil blend completely relieves my skin and prevents that from happening!

It honestly feels like a miracle, and it’s stood the test of time and climate. Because it’s been my go-to body moisturizer for over three years now, I’ve seen it work on my skin throughout both east coast winters and for over a year now in the dry heat of Los Angeles.

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 6 or more 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.

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 from 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 was extracted with the use of chemicals or high heat, rendering the oils toxic and rancid.

Argan oil for extra added nourishment

The second component of my healing body oil blend is nutrient rich Argan Oil. Combining roughly 1 part of argan oil with 6 parts sesame oil, infuses the body oil with an extra boost of:

• vitamin A
• vitamin E
• Omega-6 fatty acids
• linoleic acid
• anti-oxidants

The nutrients in argan oil help to reduce inflammation and can help heal damaged skin cells. As such, it’s a great oil to use as spot-treatment on acne and rashes, or other skin irritations. The inclusion of argan oil will boost the body oil’s ability to reduce stretch marks, brake-outs and generally soothe the skin.

Argan oil is much more expensive and slightly astringent, making it less moisturizing but a perfect addition to the sesame oil base. When used directly on acne it not only helps reduce inflammation, but  also to balance sebum production. By adding it to your body oil, you can get these benefits all over!

Personalizing your body oil with essential oils

Last, but certainly not least, the final component of my body oil recipe is the inclusion of essential oils. Essential oils not only imbue the body oil with a pleasant scent, but a great majority of essential oils contain antiseptic, anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial properties, along with antioxidants and a long list of anti-aging and cell repairing benefits.

Many essential oils posses constituents that work to keep skin looking youthful, but a few of the most common and beneficial essential oils used in skincare include:

1. Frankincense Oil
   • astringent, balances the skin’s PH, improves elasticity and firmness, reduces acne, the appearance of wrinkles, discoloration (age or sun spots), scars and stretch marks, heals wounds and balances dry skin
2. Lavender Oil
   • heals wounds, reduces age spots and restore’s youthful appearance by triggering the body’s natural production of powerful antioxidants: glutathione, catalase and superoxide dismutase
3. Myrrh Oil
   • heals wounds and restores cells damaged by free radicals
4. Geranium Oil
   • astringent, balances sebum production, reduces pore size and improves firmness

You are by no means limited to these essential oils, but they have stood the test of time and modern research affirms that they are each effective allies in repairing skin and keeping it looking youthful.

In my current blend I’ve personally been using doTerra Lemongrass Oil, it’s effective for all skin types and like the above oils has skin healing properties, along with:

1. Antiseptic properties
   • sterilizes pores, reduces acne causing bacteria, deodorizes
2. Astringent properties
   • balancing sebum, acting as a toner, strengthening skin tissue
3. Sedative properties
   • relieves anxiety, stress and insomnia
4. Analgesic properties
   • Reduces muscle pain and improves blood circulation, making a great essential oil for whole body recipes

Have fun with it and come up with an essential oil blend that meets your unique needs. It’s easy enough to get the information you need to get started online, but if you’re serious about delving into the incredible healing powers of essential oils consider investing in this guide: Essential Oils & Aromatherapy, An Introductory Guide

Putting it all together

To recap, here’s what you need to get started:

• 8 ounce amber glass bottle or cobalt blue bottle with pump
• Organic Banyan Botanicals Sesame Oil
• NOW Organic Argan Oil
• Essential Oil

Not all essential oils are made equal

If you opt for a cheap oil, chances are you’re not going to reap the benefits you seek. Some brands that you can trust to deliver high quality, unadalterated essential oils include:

• Floracopeia
• Snow Lotus
• Plant Therapy
• Mountain Rose Herbs
• Young Living
• doTERRA

The sun & one last word

Although my body oil recipe only contains only 1 drop of essential oil to 30 milliliters of carrier oil (a ratio considered safe for Bergamot, the most photo toxic EO), it would be wise to bare in mind that a few essential oils may best to avoid in formulas intended for daytime use.

Get the full scoop on which essential oils are considered to have photosensitive properties by reading Protect Your Skin! Know Which Essential Oils Are Safe In The Sun