I have discovered that Emu Oil is the most fantastic non-toxic moisturizer for just about every dry skin condition that you could imagine. In the wintery months, I tend to get overly dry skin – probably because I’m going from freezing cold into a dry-heated room a gazillion times a day. I also suffer from cracked heels (very attractive I know!). So I’ve been on the hunt for the miracle cure and I think I’ve got pretty close. Emu oil sounds weird as it comes from the fat of a large bird not unlike Big Bird on Sesame St! It sounds a bit gross, but I promise you that Emu oil is not like rubbing chicken fat into your skin – far from it, its simply a clear, odorless oil or lotion that is immediately absorbed into your skin. The Emu is a native Australian Bird and it’s oil has been found to address a myriad of health concerns from cuts and bruises to severe arthritis (because of it’s potent anti-inflammatory properties). I highly recommend purchasing a small bottle of the oil and keeping it in your purse. Whenever your skin feels a little tight and dry, just apply a few drops. It also makes a great base for your make-up.
Be very careful that you get the real thing and that it’s unrefined, pure and not mixed with toxic chemicals. You’re better off buying the pure oil as opposed to lotions and face creams etc. Many of these skincare products will contain perfumes and hormone-disrupting parabens – however, the pure oil is stable enough that it doesn’t need this kind of preservative.
I love “Only Face Feed” www.daybreaklavenderfarm.com
I’ve been hearing a lot of good things about emu oil, but my only concern is how it’s extracted from the bird…is the emu harmed in any way?
You know there are some Emu’s that are treated badly, just as much as there are many cows, chickens and pigs that are treated appallingly. So you have to find a farm that rears the Emu in a totally humane manner. DayBreak Lavender Farm is a family-run farm that does exactly this. If you have anymore questions about how they actually extract, you should contact them, as they are very open and very helpful. Good luck!
I did some research on Emu oil and found out from the the American Emu association that “Emu Oil is a natural, omega rich oil refined from the fat, a food co-product obtained when the bird is processed for its lean red meat.” Basically, the emu is killed for the meat and the oil is extracted from the bird’s fat. Not exactly vegetarian… It’s sort of like leather belts and shoes – it comes from dead animals and it’s difficult to prove that the animal was raised in a humane way… I can’t imagine that there is a “certified humane label” for emu oil, just as there isn’t one for leather or fur, etc…
Personally, I try my best to contribute as little as possible to polluting the Planet, as well as to the suffering of animals. To me, emu oil is just not worth it. There are many other great oils out there derived from plants…
I was really surprised at GG for featuring this tyoe of product. Thanks for the extra info Sophia. Emu oil is just not worth it to me either.