Facial Serum Infusion

Here in Crestone, Colorado, we have a thriving botanical garden every summer. We grow and tend beautiful lavender plants for hydrosol distillation, other flowers such as chamomile for dried herbs, and a variety of blossoms for infusions.

Oil infusion and maceration are other methods of extraction used for plants that cannot be steam distilled or pressed, such as seeds and nuts. Macerated extractions are processed differently from other nut and vegetable oils listed here. This process is used when the plant matter is non-aromatic and cannot be distilled.

To start an infusion, the flower heads or plant matter are collected, dried, and then covered in a base of either jojoba or olive carrier oil. These carrier oils have a much longer shelf life and generally do not go rancid, unlike other carrier oils. More delicate aromatic plant matter is best infused in jojoba oil; other non-aromatic plants, such as arnica, are best infused in olive oil. This mixture is then left in a warm environment for two to four weeks, with daily shaking, until the base oil has absorbed the properties of the plant matter and begins to degrade. At the end of this time, the oil is drained, filtered into an amber glass bottle, and labeled. Store the bottle in a cool, dark place, or refrigerate it to extend shelf life. It is then ready to be used as a carrier for topical blends and other aromatherapy products.

Recently, we combined several dried flowers and rosehips that we collected in our garden to create an infused base for a facial serum. Here is more on the combination We developed an equal mixture of dried borage, calendula, evening primrose, and rosehip in a jojoba oil base.

Borage (Borago officinalis)

Family- Boraginaceae

Borage (Borago officinalis) is a fast-growing, edible annual that thrives in Colorado, often reaching 2–3 feet in height and width. It is well-suited to local conditions, requiring full sun to partial shade, well-drained soil, and moderate water. Borage oil is found to have a high level of gamma- linolenic acid (GLA), an essential fatty acid that the body uses to manufacture one class of prostaglandin. This enhances the protective functions of skin cells, reinforces the skin as a protective barrier, and may reduce inflammation.

Borage oil is a good choice for face oil blends because of its restorative power for prematurely aged skin, psoriasis, and eczema. It reduces damage and inflammation from ultraviolet rays. Menstrual complaints, PMS, menopausal discomfort, arthritis and other inflammatory conditions, and heart imbalances also seem to benefit from the use of borage oil.

Calendula (Calendula officinalis)

Family- Asteraceae 

Calendula grown in Colorado is highly beneficial due to its resilience to the region's climate and its anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. Calendula promotes wound healing, reduces inflammation, and protects against UVB-induced oxidative damage, sunburns, and dry skin. It stimulates collagen production and protects against collagen degradation. Its anti-inflammatory properties make it useful in preparations for wounds, bruises, ulcers, bedsores, and skin rashes.

Evening Primrose (Oenothera elata)

Family- Onagraceae

 (Oenothera elata), native to Colorado, is a drought-tolerant perennial that blooms from May to August with large, white, fragrant flowers that turn pink with age. Found in foothills and mountain meadows, it thrives in dry, stony soils and full sun. North American Indian medicine men were the first to recognize evening primrose as a healing agent, using a brew from the seedpods to make an infusion for healing wounds. It is excellent for skin care formulas.

This oil is rich in gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), an essential fatty acid vital to cell and enzyme activity and overall bodily function.

Clinical studies have shown the effectiveness of evening primrose as a free radical scavenger and have supported its use in treating endometriosis, menstrual difficulties and discomfort, high blood cholesterol, and abnormal growths in the breast, ovaries, and uterus. Evening primrose has also been used effectively for skin disorders, prematurely aged skin, PMS, rheumatoid arthritis, weight reduction, and cardiovascular disorders.

Rosehip (Rosa woodsii)

Family- Rosaceae 

Rosa woodsii (Mountain Rosehip) offers significant skin benefits, including intense hydration, reduced inflammation, and improved elasticity, due to its high levels of antioxidants and vitamins A, C, and E. It is used to soothe irritation, treat acne/eczema, fade spots, and promote wound healing. The plant acts as a natural toner, tightening pores and balancing moisture across all skin types. 

Rosehip oil is also used for its balancing effects on the female endocrine system, for reducing emotional stress, and for reducing internal and external ulcerations.

Once the infusion is complete, we will include essential oils in a daily facial serum, used twice daily, to promote enriched, radiant skin.

Another blog article on Facial Serum that includes essential oils.