OILY MATTERS
INCORPORATE AN OIL INTO YOUR ROUTINE FOR ULTIMATE SKIN HEALTH
Many people shy away from adding oil-based products to their skincare routine – either because they think oily or acne-prone skin isn’t suited to the formulas, or they just don’t know where to begin. Well, the good news is there is an oil to suit every skin type! The co-founder of The Jojoba Company, Vicki Engsall, takes us through these magical golden elixirs and makes us true oil converts.
Aussie farmed
Born into farming, Vicki has formed a great knowledge base of oils, and their benefits to our skin and overall health. Her family has cultivated a particular strain of jojoba called Wadi-wadi for over 20 years on their property in south-western NSW.
“Jojoba is actually not technically an oil, but a liquid wax ester that is the closest botanical match to our own skin’s oil,” says Vicki, who has studied oils for over 10 years and is something of a guru when it comes to their extensive health benefits.
In fact, Vicki’s father was a pioneer of jojoba in Australia. “My dad decided to be one of the first to grow it here on his Beresford farm in Yenda, NSW, along with his canola, wheat, barley and rice,” she explains.
He harvested his first crop while Vicki was on maternity leave and she used the product during her own pregnancy.
Why oils are so good...
“Natural oils are full of vitamins, antioxidants and omegas which help to repair, protect and hydrate the skin,” Vicki explains. “Our skin naturally produces oils, lipids and wax esters, which help prevent water loss and keeps you hydrated and balanced.
“Adding oils to your regime can complement naturally produced oils and activate the skin’s intelligence,” she adds. “Whatever is going on, jojoba can help the skin to reset and help itself.”