Lesley’s beauty A-Z

Harley Street Skin Clinic’s Lesley Reynolds continues her 26-part series taking you through the natural skin care ingredients from A-Z, this week, the Js...

Essential oils should not be used directly on skin, as they can be very potent and cause irritation. Use small doses and always blend with a carrier oil.

JASMINE

It’s one of the most expensive oils, due to the lengthy and costly extraction process. But it’s worth splashing the cash on. It will help clear congestion and hydrate dry skin. It also has a wonderful perfume and, when used as aromatherapy oil, can help boost positivity.

TRY: Pixi Retinol Jasmine Lotion, £24, features vitamin A and jasmine oil to help renew skin and reduce the appearance of fine lines.

DIY: For a relaxing bath, add a few drops of jasmine essential oil into your bath water (try Miaroma Jasmine Blended Essential Oil, £7.49), and inhale the calming aroma. Be careful, it’s also an aphrodisiac!

JUNIPER

Juniper helps stimulate the lymphatic system, making it a good choice to treat fluid retention and smooth cellulite. It is also marvellous for irritations, including clogged, oily, blackhead and acneprone skin. Naturally high in antioxidants, it also helps ease tired muscles.

TRY: Espa Detoxifying Body Oil, £28, with cypress and juniper berry – smooth on after a shower to fragrance the skin and uplift the senses.

DIY: Dimple slayer: To make a cellulite treatment, dilute a couple of drops of juniper – use one drop of juniper per teaspoon of olive oil. Smooth over treatment areas and gently massage. For best results use morning and PM.

JOJOBA OIL

The closest botanical match to our skin’s natural oil, jojoba resembles sebum, which our bodies naturally produce, making it ideal for oily skin. It can be used as a make-up remover or oil cleanser and is also one of the best oils for natural hair care.

TRY: Apivita Express Moisturising Hair Mask, £3 (lookfantastic.com), uses hyaluronic acid and jojoba oil to protect locks from split ends and reduce frizz.

OTHER Js TO KNOW ABOUT

Juneberry: The new natural on the block, packed with antioxidants and 21 youth-activating elements, including Vitamin B for smoother, glowier skin.

Jujube fruit extract: Packed with antioxidants and vitamins, it can smooth wrinkles, relieve dry skin, and treat sunburn pain.

Jaborandi: Often found in hair oils to help boost growth.

Jelly: This dessert is a collagen protein, and by consuming it regularly, you’ll get the amino acids to build up a dwindling supply of collagen.

WARNING. Anyone can be allergic to almost anything, so check out any unfamiliar substances before you use them! To do this, just place a small amount on the skin of your inner arm, cover and leave for 24 hours. If the patch shows any reaction, such as redness or obvious irritation... that ingredient just isn’t for you. Use mixtures immediately or within 24 hours if kept in fridge.