Protect yourself with essential oils - don't let your skin pay the price for a fun walk with your dog, supports International Walk Your Dog Month. Looking after your skin while walking your dog is vital. Windy weather strips moisture from your skin, making it sore, dry, and tight and creating conditions like windburn. Our feet can take a bashing too. We have two recipes in this article, a Face Protection Cream that our family of aromatherapists has been using for 40 years and a foot balm to soothe and care for any blisters.
Discover how to use Lavender, Roman Chamomile essential oils, and Calendula Absolute to soothe and repair your fragile skin. Explore the best carrier oils and why Rosehip Carrier oil is vital. Join me in looking at other active ingredients, like Glycerin and Vitamin E, learning why they are so effective.
It is International Walk Your Dog Month this month, and here at VINEVIDA, we fully appreciate that your precious dog needs to be walked, come rain or shine.
The Physical Benefits of Dog Walking
Dog walking is an excellent form of exercise for both you and your pup. It helps to strengthen your cardiovascular system and improve muscle tone in both humans and dogs alike.
Plus, it's an excellent opportunity to get some fresh air, enjoy nature, and clear your head. Ideal for reducing stress and anxiety. Just that is like a relief for your skin as your Cortisol levels drop. Keeping the blood and circulation moving can help improve your complexion.
All these benefits make dog walking an ideal activity to keep you and your pup happy, healthy, and on the go.
Also Read: Best Essential Oils for Dry Skin
Adverse Weather Conditions Can Damage Your Skin
Like protecting yourself from sunburn on sunny days, you need to protect yourself against adverse weather conditions like the wet, wind, or cold temperatures that can affect your skin.
Windburn is a common problem caused by exposure to winds which can create dryness, redness, and inflammation in exposed areas of the face.
Cold temperatures can also lead to dryness because the cold air strips away moisture from our skin, especially if we don't wear protective clothing like hats or scarves.
These conditions are especially problematic for those who suffer from sensitive skin as they are more prone to irritation or inflammation when exposed to extreme temperatures or winds.
How Essential Oils Can Help Repair Your Skin
Essential oils are natural extracts from plants that contain potent healing properties that can help restore the moisture in the skin while providing soothing relief from irritation or inflammation caused by these adverse weather conditions.
Some of the best essential oils for treating windburn include Lavender, Calendula, and Roman Chamomile essential oils/absolute. All three of these essential oils/absolutes have anti-inflammatory properties that relieve redness or itching while restoring moisture in the skin simultaneously. Let's look at them in a bit more detail.
Lavender Essential Oil
Studies have demonstrated that Lavender essential oil is a powerful resource for soothing irritated skin. Numerous trials have confirmed Lavender essential oil's efficiency in reducing inflammation, promoting healing, and providing comfort for those with sensitive and compromised skin.
In several trials, Lavender essential oil was used on areas where the skin was red, dry, irritated, or had undergone dermatological treatment. There was immediate relief from the discomfort and soothing of those burning sensations.
The Lavender essential oil also increased skin cell regeneration and significantly improved healing.
Lavender essential oil's use in these studies has recently prompted wider recognition of calming benefits that this beloved oil provides, which can only be good news for those who struggle with fragile skin.
For blisters, particularly, Lavender essential oil can prove beneficial. A research study by Samuelson (2020) cited, "Overall, these studies demonstrated a faster rate of wound healing, increased expression of collagen, and enhanced activity of proteins involved in the tissue remodeling process in wounds treated with lavender essential oil."
This means that Lavender essential oil can help the skin regenerate faster, which is crucial in healing blisters.
Calendula Absolute
Calendula absolute has gained considerable notoriety for its skin-soothing properties when used to treat irritated skin, and it is my go-to for healing skin.
Scientific trials have demonstrated Calendula's Absolute's efficacy in calming, quelling inflammation, and reducing discomfort associated with irritations.
Calendula absolute is an excellent choice for alleviating reactions to environmental elements, such as windburn or sunburn while being gentle on the skin.
Calendula absolute also assists in restoring moisture levels to ensure that the affected area is hydrated and healthy-looking. It relieves redness and provides a cooling sensation, making it the ideal remedy for treating many skin irritations.
Roman Chamomile Essential Oil
Roman Chamomile essential oil is helpful in soothing irritated skin, as demonstrated by several scientific trials.
According to research published in the International Journal of Cosmetic Science, Roman Chamomile essential oil holds skin-calming and anti-inflammatory properties, making it an excellent choice for treating various skin conditions, especially eczema, and dermatitis.
Roman Chamomile essential oil can effectively restore the skin's hydrolipidic film, improve moisturizing capacity, and reduce the scales that can cause flaky skin.
Due to its suitability for sensitive skin, Roman Chamomile essential oil remains a popular ingredient in many skincare products and treatments, especially for sensitive skin.
Carrier Oils That Can Help
For that extra layer of cold weather protection, consider using coconut or almond carrier oil. These carrier oils form a protective barrier against harsh winds while locking in moisture simultaneously.
I would always include Rosehip carrier oil in a preparation like this; Rosehip's skin soothing benefits may derive from its substantial unsaturated fatty acid content.
Linoleic acid, or Vitamin F, moisturizes and plumps the complexion, strengthening and protecting the skin's barrier. It plays a direct role in maintaining the moisture permeability of the dermis.
Alpha linoleic acid is often added to treatments to protect the skin from environmental damage and premature aging. Therefore, it can be instrumental in skin protection preparations.
Make sure you only add about 10% of your total volume in Rosehip carrier oil.
Also Read: Best Carrier Oils For Skin Firming
Other Helpful Ingredients
Glycerine is one of the skin wonders, and I recommend you try it if you have not already.
Glycerin acts as a humectant, allowing the skin to retain moisture. Therefore, it can gently increase skin hydration, relieving dryness. It can also soften the skin because it is also an emollient.
Vit E is well known for being a skin-soothing carrier oil; it acts as an incredible moisturizer to reduce and prevent dry skin. It is widely used to reduce the flakiness of dry skin conditions, and the anti-inflammatory properties of Vitamin E carrier oil can soothe irritated skin.
Always make sure you dilute this with other carrier oils, as sometimes it can cause oxidation in some essential oils, mainly citrus.
Face Protection Cream Recipe
Equipment
- Double boiler
- Food processor/ Blender or Stand/Hand mixer
- Measuring jugs and spoons
- Stainless steel spoon/stirrer
- Jars
- Labels
Ingredients
- 2fl oz of Rosewater + a little extra
- 1 tsp of Rosehip carrier oil
- 2 tsp of Coconut MCT carrier oil
- 2 tsp of Argan carrier oil
- 1 tsp Shea Butter
- 1 tsp Glycerine
- 1 tbsp Emulsifying Wax
- ½ tsp of Vit E oil
Optional Ingredients
- Preservative - follow manufacturer's instructions.
Essential Oils and Absolutes
- 8 drops Calendula Absolute (Calendula Officinalis)
- 8 drops Lavender Essential Oil (Lavandula angustifolia)
- 4 drops Roman Chamomile Essential Oil (Anthemis nobilis L.)
- 4 drops of Marjoram Essential Oil (Origanum majorana)
Safety: Not suitable for the first 16 weeks of pregnancy.
Method
- In a double boiler over low to medium heat, allow the emulsifying wax and Shea butter to melt in their own time. Take your time, and don't be tempted to turn the heat up, as you may burn your wax and butter. Just be patient.
- While you are waiting, heat the Rosewater in a saucepan to just boiling - always err on having a bit extra in case you need to add more. It will be hot and ready if you need it.
- Once the wax and butter have melted, add your carrier oils and warm through very gently.
- Once everything is warmed through, add the wax/butter/oil mixture to the food processor, pour in the boiling Rosewater, and combine.
- You want it thoroughly mixed, but not so much that it is so full of air that it will sink back in the jars as it sets.
- Once mixed, add in your essential oils and give it another quick but thorough mixing.
- You may add your preservative at this time, but follow your manufacturer's instructions, as they differ.
- Using a measuring jug, pour the Face Protection Cream into sterilized jars.
- Now listen to me here - do NOT add the lids until the jars are cold. Any residual heat could cause molding, which would be a waste of a beautiful product.
- Lid and label clearly with all the ingredients and the date of manufacture.
- Keeping it in the fridge will prolong its shelf life.
How to Use Face Protection Cream
This cream can be used both as a preventative and when your skin might need some TLC after exposure to the weather.
If I know I will be out hiking or walking, I will apply it under my makeup as it makes a perfect base for makeup too.
Because of the wax content of this cream, it creates an excellent skin barrier, and I have used it for bodyboarding in the past, applied over sunscreen. The salt, the sun, and the wind can ravage your fragile skin, which is a beautiful way of protecting yourself. Don't just keep it for dog walking!
Take a small amount, as a little goes a long way, and work in upward circular motions, just like you would put your moisturizer on.
However, go a little further and apply it to the tops of your ears and even the front and back of your neck if it is exposed. On a rare sailing trip, I have used it on my décolletage.
When you return home, give your skin a quick clean to remove any impurities or grime you picked up, and apply another liberal layer.
Get your skin covered up as much as possible if you are out walking your dog in adverse weather conditions; look after your skin, and it will look after you.
Remember not to get caught out on those sunny days too.
Blister Buster
Generally, blisters are probably best just to let the healing process take its course. However, we live busy lives and often don't have time to let a blister slow us down.
This cooling, soothing lotion will help expedite that healing.
Equipment
- Measuring jugs and spoons
- Stainless steel spoon/stirrer
- Jars
- Labels
Ingredients
- ⅓ cup of alcohol-free Aloe Vera Gel
- 1 ½ tsp of Rosehip carrier oil
- 3 tsp Glycerine
- ½ tsp of Vit E oil
Optional Ingredients
- Preservative - follow manufacturer's instructions.
Essential Oils and Absolutes
- 20 drops Calendula Absolute (Calendula Officinalis)
- 20 drops Lavender Essential Oil (Lavandula angustifolia)
- 10 drops Roman Chamomile Essential Oil (Anthemis nobilis L.)
- 10 drops of Marjoram Essential Oil (Origanum majorana)
Safety: Not suitable for the first 16 weeks of pregnancy.
Method
- This is super easy, combine all the ingredients into a measuring jug or bowl and mix thoroughly to combine.
- Decant into jars and label clearly with the ingredients and the date it was made.
- Keeping it in the fridge will prolong its shelf life.
How to Use Blister Buster
Remember here that a blister should be treated like an open wound and infection care taken.
Please wash your hands thoroughly and with a lint-free cloth, very gently clean around the blister, and pour cooled boiled water over the blister to cleanse it. It would not hurt to add a couple of drops of Tea Tree essential oil to this cleansing water. Let it air dry for a few moments, don't try wiping it; you will regret it.
Once dry, spread a tiny amount, carefully and gently, across the surface of the blister and around the edge of it. This is why you need alcohol-free aloe vera gel; otherwise, the alcohol would sting.
You can either cover the blister with a band-aid or leave your food free to air to encourage healing.
You can apply this up to 3 times a day, but always make sure your hands are spotlessly clean to mitigate infection risk.
The Final Word
Regularly taking your pup out for walks is an enjoyable exercise while spending quality time with man's best friend.
However, it's important to remember that adverse weather conditions like wind or cold temperatures can still affect our skin—even on those sunny days.
It pays to be prepared with a small sunscreen tube in your pocket and a tiny pot of face protection cream. You will be ready for any eventuality all on the go!
Thankfully, there are other ways we can help to protect ourselves from these elements, such as wearing weather-appropriate protective clothing like hats or scarves. We can reduce the risk of blisters by wearing appropriately fitting shoes or boots and wearing them well.
If things do turn for the worse, be confident that beautiful essential and carrier oils are here to help repair any skin damage done by Mother Nature!
Next time you take your pup out for a walk, make sure you come prepared with everything you need to stay happy and healthy.
Remember to protect yourself with essential oils - Don't let your skin pay the price for a fun walk with your dog!
Also Read: Best Essential Oils for Skin Tightening
