Grapeseed Oil (Vitis Vinifera)
It doesn't always have to be all about work, and on this special occasion, the grapes we ended up admiring were at a fabulous lunch venue we'd chosen to take my Mum to for a belated 80th birthday lunch.
This is how I found myself admiring a beautiful vineyard - during an after-lunch stroll around the vineyard grounds in Devon, after a fabulous lunch with my wonderful Mum and family.
Background
Grapeseed oil is derived from the pressed seeds from grapes used to make wine - after the juice for food/wine has been extracted. It is pale in colour and odourless. This may vary depending on how much refining the oil has been through. Various oils are produced for both food consumption and skincare from various grape varieties (eg Chardonnay, Riesling, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot).
Used in many cosmetics, including sunscreens, lotions and other cosmetic products.
As I mature through the years, I find more and more often that I have to swap the grapes in wine for a good old massage using pure, organic grapeseed oil. :-)
Benefits for the Skin
Beneficial for all skin types, including oily skin, combination skin, and skin prone to acne and spots.
Restorative
Soothing
Antioxidant
Restructuring
Grapeseed oil is high in Vitamin E, and rich in other vitamins and minerals. It helps strengthen collagen and maintain the skin's elastin and has a very high percentage of omega-6 essential fatty acid linoleic acid - helping it to penetrate through the layers of the skin. It is an astringent oil, good for toning, tightening and oily skins.
How to Use Grapeseed Oil
It is a fabulous oil to use as a base oil in massage or facials. It's a very gentle oil on the skin and doesn't make the skin greasy.
At home, you can use grapeseed oil alone as a makeup remover, or use it as a face serum at night, pure and without any additives, to keep the skin smooth and supple - or dilute with another base oil if desired to maximise the health properties of the blend. Use in the evening before going to bed. Grapeseed oil can also be used in body oils, lotions, creams, balms.
Spruce it up a bit and add a 1% or less dilution (1-2 drops essential oil to 5ml base oil) of essential oils. Lavender, sandalwood, frankincense and geranium are wonderful all-round essential oils that help maintain and improve skin condition and smell amazing. If you want to push the boat out, rose and neroli are fabulous (but costly).
Grapeseed oil does have a shorter shelf life than other base oils, so take care of it, keep it somewhere cool or in the fridge and check the use-by date. If it discolours or starts to smell "off", discard and purchase a new bottle.
Do your research!
Purchase organically grown, cold-pressed grapeseed oil.
Always buy good quality, unadulterated, 100% pure essential oils, from a reputable company (buy organic where possible). Check the safety information for the essential oil, never ingest, put in the ears or eyes. Do not use on young children or the elderly without seeking advice from a professional.
And now a reward for getting this far down the blog post - a picture of my favourite animal :-) (Photo taken by either me or my hubby, Simon Pinnock, in Zambia 2011).
Essential Oil Safety:
Always read the EO safety guidance
Always dilute before use (seek advice for recommended quantities)
Avoid contact with the eyes/mucous membranes
Do not use if pregnant without seeking advice
Use lower dilutions for children/babies/elderly
If you have any medical conditions seek advice
Never ingest
Stop use immediately if you experience a reaction - inform your therapist and seek medical advice
References
"The Power of the Seed" by Susan M. Parker - (2014) published by Process Media
"The Complete Book of Essential Oils and Aromatherapy" by Valerie Ann Worwood (2016) published by New World Library
Get in touch if you'd like to purchase essential oils, smell any of the oils in my collection, buy a CAM Aromatherapy product, get help with creating your own blend, or have a treatment.
Medical Disclaimer - The above information is intended for educational purposes only, and not to be taken as an endorsement or replacement for any particular medical health treatment. Please check with your health provider before embarking on any type of herbal treatment.
Contact:
camaromatherapy@gmail.com
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