Saturated vs. Unsaturated Fats

As winter approaches, I become concerned about protecting my skin against the cold wind and other drying elements. This gets me thinking about natural ways to protect and moisturize my skin. What can I use that is natural, not too expensive, and will fortify my skin? What do I already have in my cupboard that could be used as a base oil for aromatherapy? I took a survey of the saturated and unsaturated fats in my kitchen.

What are saturated Fats vs. Unsaturated Fats?

Saturated fat is one of the two main categories of fats that appear in foods. It is distinguished from unsaturated fat in that there are no double bonds between carbon atoms in its chemical makeup, so that the fatty acids are saturated with hydrogen. Naturally occurring saturated fat, such as the fat found in animal-based foods, congeals when cool, while naturally occurring unsaturated fat, such as olive oil, remains fluid. Saturated fat is less likely to spoil than unsaturated fat and more stable during cooking.

The two Saturated Fats I have in my kitchen are:

Coconut Oil

Butter

The unsaturated fats are:

Olive Oil

Canola Oil

Peanut Oil

Sesame Oil

Flax Seed Oil

Toasted Sesame Oil

Olive oil

moisturizer for dry skin
hair conditioner, makes hair soft and shiny
cuticle treatment
makeup remover
a skin healer for sunburn and other minor skin irritations

Sesame oil

Has been used for thousands of years as a healing oil
antibacterial
anti-inflammatory
useful in unblocking arteries
used in the treatment of Hepatitis, Diabetes and migraines.
an antioxidant and will neutralize oxygen radicals.
One study showed that rinsing your mouth with Sesame oil, resulted in an 85% reduction in the bacteria, which causes gingivitis.

Lemon

Botanical name: Citrus limon
Properties: Anti-anemic, antimicrobial, anti-rheumatic, antiseptic, antispasmodic, astringent, bactericidal, tonic
Mind and Spirit: Refreshing and cooling when feeling hot and bothered. Research in Japan has found that lemon improves one’s ability to concentrate. …"Hums like a bumblebee" and lifts the spirits during times of mental fatigue.
Body: prized for its high antibacterial properties, improves the functioning of the digestive system, counteracts acidity in the body, makes the stomach more alkaline, has a tonic effect on the circulatory system and is useful in treating varicose veins, high blood pressure.
·Skin and Hair: Astringent – has a cleansing effect on greasy skin. Antiseptic – useful for cuts and boils
Precautions: May cause dermal irritation or sensitization reaction in some people (See post regarding Skin Patch Test). Photo toxic so avoid using on skin and then exposing to the sun.

Using Olive Oil and Sesame Oil as the carrier oils in my study, I used a 2% Dilution Ratio (2 tablespoons carrier oil to 12 drops Lemon essential oil).

I used the two oil-mixtures as a pre-bath moisturizer. The Lemon-Sesame Oil was used on one side of my body and the Lemon-Olive Oil on the other. After dry skin brushing, I applied the oils, and then took a bath. The bath ran a bit warm and was almost hot. Having the oils on my skin prior to taking the bath, added some protection from the hot water. I settled in and read a book. After falling asleep and almost dropping the book in the water, I decided it was time to dry off and go to bed.

After the bath, I blotted my skin dry. I notice that in addition to the emollient feeling I have from dry skin brushing, my skin was still protected from the hot water by the oils. I felt moisturized, but being 57 years old, decided a little extra oil would not hurt. I applied more of each of the oils to the respective sides of my body and went to bed.

This morning, my skin still felt clean and moisturized. I am not sure I have a preference one way or the other for the oils. I like the way the olive oil carrier feels and I like the way the sesame oil carrier feels. However, after reading about the qualities of the oils, I am leaning toward using the Sesame Oil in future skin treatments.

Blessings,

Dorine

References:

http://www.wisegeek.com/what-is-saturated-fat.htm

http://www.ehow.com/facts_4867130_beauty-benefits-olive-oil.html

http://www.natural-holistic-health.com/benefits-of-sesame-oil/

The Complete Guide to Aromatherapy – Salvatore Battaglia