Avocado - Credit: chris27

Avocado Oil
INCI Name: Persea Gratissima
Extraction Method: Cold Pressed

Although traditionally classified as a vegetable oil, the avocado is really a fruit (it has a pit/stone). Regardless, the oil pressed from the fleshy pulp surrounding the pit is nutrient-rich, containing many vitamins and minerals including vitamins A, D and E, lecithin, potassium and numerous fatty acids.

*Vitamin A helps skin to retain moisture and eliminates dry patches while fighting the signs of aging.

* Vitamin D is sometimes called the ‘sunlight vitamin’, as the body naturally produces it when the suns’ ultraviolet B (UVB) rays hit the skin. Vitamin D plays a role in skin cell metabolism and growth, and has been used to treat the itching and flaking associated with psoriasis.

* Vitamin E, well-known for its antioxidant properties helps to protect skin cells from damaging free radicals. Products containing vitamin E are often used to help reduce the appearance of scars.

* Lecithin helps to repair and protect the skin as it allows the oil to penetrate deep into the skin tissue.

* Potassium has been called the ‘youth mineral’ because it helps the body maintain smooth, tight skin.

Avocado oil is also high in phytosterols, which are suggested to heal sun damage and scars as well as reducing age spots. Studies have also shown that avocado oil significantly increases the amount of collagen in the skin. As we age, the amount of collagen naturally decreases and leads to wrinkles and lines in the skin. Since avocado oil is easily absorbed into deep tissue, it is a wonderful option for those with mature skin looking for a softer, regenerated appearance.

While avocado is good for all skin types, it is particularly beneficial to dry, sun damaged or mature skin. It is also known to be especially helpful in relieving the itching and dryness of psoriasis and eczema.

You can find this wonderful oil in the following Vintage Body Spa products:
Massage / Bath Oil
Wake Up Sugar Scrub
Whipped Sugar Scrub

Stay tuned for even more products to be released that incorporate this beneficial oil!

One of the latest Vintage Body Spa releases is our Salt Soak. I’m sure you’ve heard of bath salts before, but do you know why they’re so good for you, and a great spa product to pamper yourself with?

Dead Sea Salts have been used for thousands of years for their therapeutic effects. But why is salt from the Dead Sea so special? The Dead Sea contains ten times the salt content of other sea water. Further, it is a more complex mineral composition. Most salt in normal ocean water is over 90% sodium chloride, compared to about 15% in Dead Sea Salt. The remainder is made up of a rich blend of minerals including potassium, calcium, magnesium, chloride and bromide. These minerals have been shown to increase circulation, prevent fluid retention, and relax muscles.

We’ve added additional ingredients to provide further benefits as well. Epsom salts are high in magnesium and sulfate, and are considered to be a natural stress reliever, as they draw toxins from the body, reduce swelling and relax muscles. Baking soda softens, soothes and gently exfoliates skin. Finally, grapeseed oil is a fantastic lightweight, non-greasy oil that will leave your skin smooth and moisturized.

Simply pour 1/4 cup into warm, running bath water and soak in the tub for 20 minutes. You’ll emerge refreshed with silky smooth skin as well. Our salt soaks also make a perfect first step to a pedicure.

Currently available in 12 oz containers, we’ll soon be releasing 1 pound refills packaged in biodegradeable bags – just another way we’re being gentle on the earth. The first scent to be released was Citrus Blast, perfect for summertime fun or year round for a energizing, revitalizing pick-me-up. It’s an invigorating blend of Litsea Cubeba (May Chang), Lemon, Lime, Tangerine, Grapefruit and Peppermint esential oils. This blend wakes me up in the morning and kick-starts my day.

Stay tuned, for we’ll be launching even more essential oil blends in the coming weeks for you to enjoy. Which scents would you most like to see in our salt soaks?