Skincare Benefits of Creosote
As a lifelong resident of the Arizona Southwest desert, I have been surrounded by the wild and beautiful bush scrub we call Creosote, also known as Chaparral. This unassuming plant produces a distinct scent during the rainy monsoon season, filling the air with its unique scent after a desert rain. On our property, nestled in the rural town of Marana, AZ, we have 8 expansive acres of wild creosote. At certain times of the year, the small green leaves of the creosote will become a bright lively green, this is the ideal time to harvest for the creation of creosote infused carrier oils. My favorite carrier oil for this infusion is extra virgin olive oil because the color and scent pairs well with the creosote.
Making this oil infusion is incredibly easy!
Our all natural vegan creosote soap:
Here's what you'll need:
- Several clean glass mason jars with lids
- Gardening sheers or heavy duty kitchen sheers
- Freshly harvested creosote
- Mortar and pestle (optional)
- Extra virgin olive oil (your desired amount)
Once you have the freshly harvested creosote, take the time to remove the thicker longer branches so that only the mostly leafy parts remain. Take a small amount of the leaves and gently grind with the mortar and pestle, just enough to release the creosote oils in the leaves. Take a clean glass jar and start to pack the bottom with the ground creosote, keep tightly packing the jar until the creosote reaches about 1 inch below where the rim of the jar starts. Fill the remaining space in the jar with extra virgin olive oil until the jar is full. Make sure the creosote leaves are completely covered with oil (leaves exposed to the air could cause mold growth and ruin your infused oil). Tightly seal the lids closed and store the jars in a cool and dark location for 8-10 weeks.
Once your infused oil is ready, strain out the creosote pieces with a strainer and dispose of them. You can leave some smaller pieces in the oil if you intend to make soap with it, this can add a rustic mild exfoliant quality to your soap.
Below is some data regarding the skincare benefits of pairing creosote with extra virgin olive oil.
Our creosote soap:
https://www.herbandesert.com/products/creosote?_pos=1&_sid=63f948a37&_ss=r
The Skincare Benefits of Creosote Infused Extra Virgin Olive Oil Soap
When it comes to skincare, the natural world offers some incredibly potent ingredients that can support skin health. One such gem is creosote, a plant native to the deserts of the American Southwest, known for its remarkable medicinal properties. Combining this unique plant with the benefits of extra virgin olive oil creates a soap that nourishes, heals, and rejuvenates the skin like no other. In this blog post, we’ll explore the powerful skincare benefits of using creosote-infused extra virgin olive oil soap, shedding light on how this distinctive combination works wonders for your skin.
What is Creosote and Why Is It Used in Skincare?
Creosote (Larrea tridentata), also known as chaparral, is a shrub found in arid desert regions, particularly in the southwestern United States. The plant has been used for centuries for its medicinal qualities, particularly in treating ailments related to the skin, respiratory system, and inflammation.
Creosote is known for its antibacterial, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory properties, making it an ideal ingredient for skincare. The plant contains compounds that help to reduce skin irritation, fight infection, and promote overall skin health. When infused into extra virgin olive oil, creosote delivers a potent blend of healing properties that can support the skin’s natural barrier and rejuvenate it.
The Benefits of Creosote-Infused Extra Virgin Olive Oil Soap
1. Antibacterial and Antifungal Properties
Creosote’s antibacterial and antifungal properties are particularly beneficial for those with acne-prone or sensitive skin. The infusion of creosote in extra virgin olive oil soap can help cleanse the skin by removing harmful bacteria and fungi that can lead to breakouts or infections. Its natural antibacterial properties can also assist in preventing the development of acne, blackheads, and other skin irritations.
Olive oil itself is also known for its antioxidant properties, and when paired with creosote, it boosts the soap’s ability to provide gentle yet effective cleansing without stripping the skin of its natural oils.
2. Reduces Inflammation and Soothes Skin Irritation
One of the most valuable benefits of creosote oil is its ability to reduce inflammation. This makes creosote-infused soap an excellent choice for those with conditions like eczema, psoriasis, or rosacea. The soothing properties of creosote help calm redness and irritation, reducing the discomfort associated with these skin conditions.
Olive oil, rich in oleic acid, further enhances this calming effect by helping to lock in moisture and provide a protective barrier to prevent dehydration and further irritation.
3. Promotes Skin Healing
Creosote is revered for its healing qualities, which are beneficial when dealing with minor skin cuts, scrapes, or rashes. The infusion of creosote in soap can help accelerate the healing process, encouraging the skin to repair itself more quickly while minimizing the risk of scarring.
Extra virgin olive oil, which is rich in vitamins E and K, also helps in the skin’s natural healing process, promoting the regeneration of skin cells and supporting overall skin health.
4. Hydrates and Nourishes
Creosote-infused extra virgin olive oil soap provides deep hydration, keeping the skin soft and supple throughout the day. Olive oil, known for its emollient properties, penetrates deeply into the skin, providing long-lasting moisture without clogging pores.
The added benefit of creosote’s natural compounds also helps to nourish and maintain healthy skin. This is especially useful for individuals with dry or dehydrated skin, as the soap restores moisture balance while ensuring the skin’s natural oils remain intact.
5. Antioxidant-Rich for Youthful Skin
The antioxidants in both creosote and extra virgin olive oil, such as vitamin E and polyphenols, protect the skin from free radicals and environmental stressors that contribute to premature aging. These antioxidants help neutralize harmful compounds, reduce the appearance of fine lines, and promote a healthy, glowing complexion.
By incorporating creosote-infused soap into your skincare routine, you’re giving your skin a powerful defense against the environmental factors that can cause damage and accelerate aging. This can lead to more youthful-looking skin that maintains its vitality and resilience over time.
The Medicinal Qualities of Creosote Oil on Skin
Creosote oil has long been used in traditional medicine for its healing and purifying properties. In addition to the benefits mentioned above, creosote oil has been known to:
- Treat fungal infections: Creosote oil’s antifungal properties make it effective in treating conditions like athlete’s foot and ringworm.
- Detoxify the skin: The natural compounds in creosote help to purify the skin by removing toxins, leaving the skin clear and radiant.
- Relieve pain and discomfort: Creosote has mild analgesic properties, which can help soothe the skin in cases of discomfort caused by inflammation or infection.
At Herban Desert, we formulated a limited ingredient cold process soap recipe that from start to finish takes 16 weeks to be ready for use. Our version is considered a Bastille soap, meaning that it primarily contains olive oil. Our recipe also includes palm oil to create a harder more long lasting bar, organic virgin coconut oil to add cleansing properties, and organic shea butter to provide a deeply nourishing element.
To purchase any of our products, visit www.herbandesert.com