Enhance skin tone with this low cost, natural essential oil

If your pocketbook is feeling the pinch but you'd still like to maintain healthy skin you don't have to choose. There's a low cost, natural solution - Jojoba oil. Available at most health food and beauty supply stores, jojoba typically for under $10. (Jojoba is pronounced ho-ho-baa).

This essential oil can show dramatic improvements in skin condition and in some cases overnight results because it is easily absorbed into human skin. There's nothing like going to bed tired and waking up to plumped up, rested looking skin that has absorbed the jojoba oil overnight! Jojoba is considered a "carrier oil" which means other essential oils can be blended with it for better absorption. Other carrier oils include almond, sesame and grapeseed oils. Jojoba is a personal favorite because it is light and odorless.

As skin is exposed to the elements such as: dry air, chlorine in water, excessive heating or air conditioning, sun exposure, and wind chapping, our skin feels it and shows it. One way to combat the effects of exposure and aging is to replenish the oils lost in day to day activities and one of the easiest for human skin to absorb is jojoba.

Some great ways to use jojoba for skin, hair and nails

• Jojoba is effective for conditioning hair and scalp add it to dry ends or rub into scalp to deep condition (be sure to shampoo it out or hair will be oily!)
• Gentle and effective for babies for cradle cap removal (just rub into scalp, let sit and then remove gently with warm water and light shampoo) *it is recommended to do an allergic test first
• If eyelashes are brittle and/or breaking off consider using jojoba to condition them.
• Jojoba can also be used to remove makeup put a dab on cotton ball or tissue and wipe off (don't get in your eyes!)
• Rubbing jojoba oil into cuticles prevents cracking and nourishes the nailbed (especially helpful if you wash your hands a lot).
• Because it is scent-free, jojoba is a natural with people who don't like or are allergic to fragranced skin care products.
• For best results apply it to damp skin after washing.

*Always do a test of any product to see if there is an allergic reaction for adults and children. Experts recommend rubbing a small amount inside of elbow or some other area where it is likely not to be rubbed or washed off so as to ensure the results are real.

Additional ways to enjoy using jojoba oil is to scent the oil. Some suggestions**:

• Add a drop or two of rosemary oil or lemongrass oil to the jojoba oil to invigorate skin
• Add a drop or two of lavender to relax
• To wake up or revive creativity or alertness consider peppermint oil

**Pregnant or nursing women should check with doctors before adding any scented essential oils to jojoba. Some oils such as lavender are not typically recommended to be used by pregnant or nursing women

Everyone wants to look and feel better. Incorporating jojoba oil into your skin care routine is a low cost, easy and natural way to do that. Here's to healthy skin!