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Why is keeping plumped skin past your 20's so challenging? In a nutshell, skin loses its ability to retain oil as it ages. Cosmetics companies are quick to offer synthetic (and sometimes cancer-causing) "solutions" that are often formulated to further weaken your skin so that "miracle ingredients" can be transported under the skin for a short-term fix. Unfortunately, many of these ingredients are derived from petroleum and actually make it past your pores and into your bloodstream.   

The irony is that what your skin actually needs for it to retain its youthful glow can easily be found in your kitchen. Skin wants to be fed substances that closely resemble its own natural oils.  Fortunately, these are freely available in your local health food store, don't cost a fortune and best of all you know exactly what's going on your skin.

Here is a very simple, light weight moisturising oil you can make at home in less than a minute.

Ingredients:
30 ml (1 oz) Organic Jojoba Oil
60 ml (2 oz) Organic Extra-Virgin Olive OIl
7 drops therapeutic grade Rosemary Essential Oil
3 drops therapeutic grade Geranium Essential OIl
4 drops therapeutic grade Lavender Essential Oil

Rosemary Essential Oil improves the skin's circulation. It is invigorating but gentler than some of the more "minty" oils like eucalyptus or peppermint. Rosemary is also a great tonic for sagging skin, helping it to regain its elasticity.

Geranium Essential Oil helps to regulate the skin's natural oil production, keeps it supple by moisturising it and improves skin tone.

Lavender Essential Oil stimulates the skin's natural healing process and encourages cell regeneration, speeding up the formation of new, healthy skin.

Jojoba oil and olive oil are both very soothing and conditioning for mature/dry skin. If you don't like the olive oil smell, you could also replace this with coconut or almond oil. Use organic and virgin oils where possible.

Instructions:
Mix and store the oil mixture in a little glass jar or container made from recycled plastic (the non-toxic kinds are numbered 2, 4 or 5).  It will keep for a month in your bathroom or longer in the fridge.

Application:
Apply to face and neck at least once a day for optimal results. To apply, cleanse the skin and gently pat dry. Always shake the jar of of oil before applying. Put half a teaspoon of the oil in the palm of your clean hand, rub hands together and then very gently massage over your face for a few minutes. Take care to avoid the delicate area around the eyes.

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