What is this oil you speak of?

Since we started peddling Cranberry Seed Oil I have been absolutely amazed at how it has helped different people in various ways. From psoriasis, eczema, nail fungus, cold sores, wrinkles, age spots and even warts. Our customers have been willing to try this oil and are reaping the rewards. It becomes a very personal interaction as they tell you about their biggest skin issue. I love when I hear a new idea for application. I always say "Go for it! You never know if it will help until you try it." They are claiming benefits of Cranberry Seed Oil that I didn't even know existed. I can't make this stuff up. I'm not that clever. 
​I have come across some skeptics though. People give you this quizzical look. "Oil on my face? Thanks but no thanks. I've got enough oil." So I thought I'd do a little research on the benefits of using an oil on your skin and how to apply it. But first a little refresher course on our bodies largest organ.
Our skin has 3 distinct layers. And within each layer there are multiple layers. I know. You are so mulit-layered. The epidermis is the outer region of the skin. The epidermis consists of five layers. Interestingly, it does not contain any blood vessels and is dependent on the dermis, the layer of the skin underneath it, to provide access to nutrients and dispose of waste. The epidermis is responsible for: 

• Creation of new skin cells
• Production of melanin to give color to the skin and reduce the absorption and impact of ultraviolet radiation
• Immune protection of the body
• Physical protection of the body

The dermis, beneath the epidermis, contains tough connective tissue, sweat glands, and hair follicles. It is the thickest layer of the skin. The dermis provides strength and flexibility to the skin and is comprised of two layers; papillary dermis and the reticular dermis. The dermis is responsible for:

• Supporting the epidermis
• Detecting touch, temperature, pressure and pain
• Producing sweat
• Secreting sebum (oil)
• Producing hair
• Carrying nutrients to and discarding waste in the epidermis and dermis layers

The deepest layer is called the hypodermis and contains subcutaneous tissue which is made of fat and connective tissue. This fat tissue insulates the body from cold temperatures and provides shock absorption. Fat cells of the hypodermis also store nutrients and energy. As we age, the hypodermis begins to shrink, contributing to the thinning of skin.
Your skin also has millions of tiny holes called pores. Pores are formed by a folding-in of the epidermis into the dermis. The skin cells that line the pores are constantly being shed, just like the cells of the epidermis. Your pores work hard by providing oxygenation, detoxing, cleansing, and penetration. The skin cells that line the pores (keratinocytes) are continuously shed, just like the cells of the epidermis at the top of the skin.  If you are thirsty for more detailed information about skin check out this article. 

lesliebaumannmd.com/understanding-the-skin-and-its-components/

Okay,I think I may have heard a few yawns out there so let's move on to WHY and HOW you should use Cranberry Seed Oil.
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Why?  Cranberry Seed Oil gives skin an instant softness. You may find yourself petting your face. Or maybe a stranger will want to pet you. Either way, once you've applied your oil that is packed full of essential nutrients, fatty acids and antioxidants you'll notice a difference. It is your skin saying thank you for the support in providing a protective layer for your skin cells. As you age, your skin produces less oil which can exaggerate the look of wrinkles. Cranberry Seed Oil can reduce the look of your wrinkles because it contains antioxidants that can quickly pass into the epidermis preventing water loss. This will keep your skin plump. Cranberry Seed Oil boosts collagen production and strengthens skins elasticity. Now I'm not saying it will make you look like you have a plastic face like many Hollywood starlets (thank goodness), but it will help reduce fine lines. So as you can see Cranberry Seed Oil is perfect for aging skin. Check out this awesome resource I found. It is an ingredient dictionary for skin care products. Look up Cranberry Seed Oil. It ranks it as BEST for skin.
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www.paulaschoice.com/ingredient-dictionary?crefn1=name-first-letter&crefv1=C
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What about acne-prone or oily skin though?
Cranberry Seed Oil can help balance your skins oil production, get rid of excess oils and minimize appearance of pores. The antibacterial properties in this oil can dissolve excess sebum and remove grime and fats from pores. Cranberry Seed Oil is non-comedogenic. So it should not clog pores. The trick is to remember that just a little bit goes a long way. It may take a week or so for your skin to get used to the application of oil. My skin broke out a little bit at first in a few trouble spots. But I kept applying the oil knowing it was what my skin was craving. After a week or so, my skin thanked me and decided that it really liked this new skin care routine. 
​What about sensitive skin?
Cranberry Seed Oil fights free radicals with its antioxidant properties. It helps protect skin and combat future damage by reducing cellular oxidation. Cranberry Seed Oil also has anti-inflammatory properties which means it can calm the skin and reduce redness and irritation. 
What about dry skin?
Dry skin means that your skin is struggling to make enough sebum. This quick absorbing, nutrient dense oil helps to deeply moisturize and smooth your skin. It helps to balance your skin. For dehydrated skin you may want to use a hydrating serum first, followed by the Cranberry Seed Oil. You can use oil as part of your morning and evening skin care regime. 
So as you can see, oil is actually very beneficial to all skin types. It may take some experimenting with it to see how it works best for you. 
How?
Our skin needs both oil and water. So even though we've talked about how oil is a great moisturizer it is still missing a key ingredient. Water. And your moisturizer is missing (or just simply doesn't have a beneficial amount of) oil. I prefer to put the oil on first then add a moisturizer. I've heard that some prefer it the other way around. Experiment. See what works best for you. I do know that Cranberry Seed Oil is a great vehicle to get your serum or moisturizer beneficial properties to penetrate the skin more efficiently. Bonus! 
So a sample skin care routine using an oil might look like this:

1. Cleanse your skin
2. Apply toner
3. Apply oil (apply by putting 2-3 drops in palm of hand, rub hands together and then pat it onto skin and glide across using the whole hand)
4. Apply moisturizer

Wa-la! Now give yourself a pat on the back for trying something new. Something natural. Something so packed full of nutrients and benefits that it just can't be wrong!
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