In the field of cosmetology, oil macerates are beginning to gain recognition. Indeed, much like vegetable oil, oil macerates are increasingly popular and provide a truly personalised skincare solution depending on one's skin type. Moreover, they come in various kinds (carrot, calendula, arnica, St. John's wort, lavender, etc...). This article will focus on the use of macerates as beauty treatments, their benefits, and the appropriate quantity to apply for each type of use.
Oil macerate: what quantity should be applied?
Summary
Published on February 20, 2024, by Stéphanie, PhD, Doctorate in Life and Health Sciences — 4 min of reading
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Oil macerate: definition and virtues.
An oil macerate is the product of macerating a part of an aromatic plant (leaves, flowers, roots, etc...) in virgin vegetable oil, which then becomes the carrier of the active principles contained in the plant. This product is packed with numerous properties for the skin and hair, which are valued in the field of beauty care. This treatment provides your skin, as well as your hair, with nourishing, softening, regenerating, toning, and protective benefits. It works by replenishing the lipid film of your skin through a content rich in essential fatty acids. Furthermore, the oil macerate is appreciated because it penetrates the skin very quickly.
Vegetable oil and oily macerate: what is the difference?
The difference between a vegetable oil and an oil macerate lies in their method of acquisition. A vegetable oil corresponds to the natural fat present in a plant that is obtained through extraction. This oil is obtained by first cold pressing of the chosen plant substance, either by cold mechanical pressure grinding of seeds/kernels/pips or the fruit. This method allows for the preservation of all the active principles of the plant (antioxidants, vitamins, etc...).
On the other hand, an oil macerate is produced following a process that involves cold maceration of a part of the plant. This method involves grinding the plant, then infusing it in virgin vegetable oil to extract the liposoluble active ingredients contained in the leaves, flowers, roots or fruits, before harvesting it after filtration. The beneficial virtues of the infused plant are then transferred to the vegetable oil, which is used as a solvent. This technique is used when it is difficult to produce oil from the selected plant.
For instance, our carrot oil macerate is composed of sunflower oil, which serves as a base for the maceration process. Being a source of provitamin A (beta-carotene) and vitamin E, the carrot roots have thus transferred their softening, antioxidant, protective, and brightening properties to the sunflower vegetable oil.
Oil macerate: instructions for use and quantity to apply.
The use of the macerate is similar to that of oils. The first step: before applying the oily macerate to your skin or scalp, it is essential to wash your hands. For use on the face, take 2 to 3 drops of oily macerate between your hands and warm it up. Then apply it to your entire face and neck on clean, dry skin using upward circular motions. You can also use it in conjunction with skin care treatments. To do this, simply add one to two drops of plant macerate to your cream, massage oil...
For application on the hair, take a few drops of the product into the palm of your hand and wrap your hair with the treatment, focusing on the ends. You can also perform an oil bath for your hair, by thoroughly coating your lengths and ends with an oily macerate, which requires a larger amount of treatment. In this case, leave it on for a few minutes before removing it with a shampoo.
