Votary: A complete guide to the botanical oils that should be on your radar
Botanical oils: this phrase may sound organic and appealing but what does it mean? Would a switch from synthetic skin care products to natural oils benefit your complexion?
Botanical oils stem from plants while synthetically produced oils are made with petroleum. Not only is it much harder for the skin layers to absorb such oils, would you really want them to? Votary believes in harnessing the power of botanicals for smooth, radiant skin. The natural skin care company is renowned for its range of award-winning botanical products which replace petroleum with parsley and chemicals with chia. They've done the hard work so all that’s left for you to do is a pick a product to suit your needs and skin type.
With cleansing oils, facial oils, face creams, serums and body oils available, there’s a wide range to choose from. The Votary natural oils are high in fatty acids which are essential to keep skin healthy and youthful-looking. Many modern diets lack fatty acids as people try and steer clear of calorific foods, something that can benefit your insides but not your outsides. Add in skin dehydration from drinking more coffee and alcohol than water (something many of us are guilty of!) and you could be heading towards premature skin ageing. Central heating and excessive airconditioning can also exacerbate the problem.
The solution? Stay natural when it comes to skin care. We’ll run through some of the best botanicals for healthy, youthful skin...
Rosehip oil
Known for its anti-ageing properties, rosehip oil is a beauty industry favourite. Harvested from rosehip seeds, the oil is rich in Vitamin A & C, antioxidants and essential fatty acids. These acids nourish your skin while the antioxidants repair damage from environmental aggressors and tack signs of ageing. The Votary Intense Night Facial Oil contains nourishing rosehip extract which acts as a repairing facial treatment while you sleep.
Chia seed oil
Known as a superfood and an intense moisturiser, it’s little wonder we see chia seeds scattered across healthy salads. They're not just beneficial when eaten - as a natural oil, chai is both strengthening and hydrating when applied as a body oil. The Super Seed Cleansing Oil from Votary contains extract of chia seed and parsley, another favourite natural oil. This vitamin-rich botanical product brings unhealthy skin back to life by simply smoothing it into your face, the way you would any other cleanser.
Parsley seed oil
Also included in The Super Seed Cleansing Oil is extract of parsley. This essential herb was used as a medicinal ingredient way before it became a popular garnish. As an oil, parsley is antibacterial and antifungal. It reduces hyperpigmentation whilst expertly fighting spots, acne and other skin conditions. Sounds like a winner, right?
Retinoid
While most of us have heard of rose, chia and parsley before, retinoid may be a new word to add to your vocabulary. This clever natural oil is derived from Vitamin A and is known to unclog pores and speed up cell turnover to reveal a fresh, glowing complexion. It also plumps natural collagen in your skin to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. You’ll find it alongside rosehip in Votary’s Intense Night Facial Oil for fresh, awakened skin.
Salyclic acid
Salicylic acid is a natural peeling agent and a popular ingredient in body oils for its ability to banish dry layers of skin. Votary’s effective Blemish Rescue Oil is a pocket-sized miracle treatment that uses salicylic acid to gently and naturally dissolve dead tissue. As an antioxidant, it also speeds up recovery time of blemishes and battles hyperpigmentation.
Neroli oil
Ideal for acne-prone skin, neroli is another natural oil that you should be on your radar. Votary Lemon and Neroli Facial Oil is expertly equipped at evening out skin tone and reducing pigmentation. This toning oil contains flower water and glycolic acid to freshen skin and fight signs of ageing. Many swear by the powers of neroli, so why not give a try for yourself?