Have you ever wondered what goes into creating a skin care product, a breast balm no less? Tune in to this series, The Process, to learn how these incredible products come to be.

When Zoe's mother was diagnosed with stage 4 breast cancer in December 2014 she began extensive research into the wide-range of complementary therapies described in scientific journals. One of the topics that stood out from the research was the role of essential oils during cancer treatment, and the importance of a healthy functioning lymphatic system, for which lymph and breast massage play an important role.

Having studied the science behind the key ingredients, Zoe and her late mother began experimenting with different recipes and combinations, eventually creating a truly soothing essential oil blend.

Very few skin care brands create breast oils/balms. Why did you decide to create your breast care oil?

It all started from my personal journey with my late-mother in 2015, at the final stages of her life. A few months before she passed away from breast-cancer, we started making beautiful oils formulated with her essential oils that she still had from her business as a holistic naturopath and beauty therapist. She wanted to massage her breasts every evening as part of her self-love ritual, to de-stress, and stimulate the flow of the lymphatic system.

At that point I realized, being in my mid-twenties, I had never checked or massaged my own breasts. So, we started to bottle more oils, for my own breast-massage, and as gifts for our friends. There was no other brand on the market offering this, so this is where the idea really flourished into a small social enterprise. As a social enterprise we give back to Amma, a Sri Lanka initiative that employs mothers to create beautiful handwoven fabrics and dyes them with natural plant dyes, and we pack our oils and balms in their pouches.

We also support Hello Beautiful, a holistic breast cancer charity in London, and CARE International’s women empowerment projects. So, all in all it’s a holistic approach to breast health and female empowerment.

You use some truly wonderful ingredients that very few brands use such as frankincense, sandalwood and myrrh. Why did you choose the ingredients that you used and what are some of their benefits?

My mother knew a lot about different essential oils and skincare, and these stood out to us for their association to breast health and general skin nourishment.

Frankincense and Myrrh were the first gums to be used as incense. Frankincense especially, was one of the most highly prized substances of the ancient world with it’s rich and woody aroma. The powerful aroma and its ability to deepen one’s breathing make it a helpful aid in meditation and coming to oneself.

Sandalwood has been used since ancient times in India and Egypt as a perfume and for religious ceremonies. The scent is woody, sweet with an oriental undertone. It is also renowned as an aphrodisiac. Research has shown it’s aroma also helps with sadness, melancholy, anxiety, nervous tension, and insomnia. All of the things we can sometimes suffer from.

Myrrh was one of the most widely used essential oils in ancient times for incense, perfumes and medicine. Nowadays, Myrrh is celebrated for its ability to help preserve a youthful complexion by strengthening and rejuvenating the skin.

*Editor’s note: Frankincense and Myrrh combined are great for dense breasts.

What went into creating your breast care oil ? What was this process like?

As mentioned earlier, it was a very natural process from creating oil blends for our personal use, and then eventually gifting them to our friends. From there on I made them at home for a long time and sold them online, and at a beautiful natural boutique Content Beauty in London. Eventually, I decided to move the production to a biodynamic farm who blends them for me surrounded by their farm-grown botanicals.

What are your breast care rituals?

For me it’s part of my slow Sunday morning ritual. I start by dry brushing my whole body, and also my breast area with a softer brush, followed by a warm and ice-cold shower, I then apply the Boobs’essential oil to my breasts and massage them. I inhale the beautiful aroma and take time to be grateful for my healthy body.

The breasts hold a particular type of energy. That of nurturance. How do you celebrate and nurture yourself?

I receive the most nurture and healing from being in nature. Living in London, this can be hard as parks for me usually do not hold the same restorative energy for me. I really need to go deeper into nature where I do not bump into other people.

So when I feel like I need some extra healing and self-love, I leave my phone at home, or have it on airplane mode and take a train outside of London to just fully emerge with being alone surrounded by trees and fresh air. Swimming in lakes or the sea is a whole other level of healing for me. It is just pure magic to be fully present in something so energetically powerful as water.

Afterwards, I always feel fully reset in so many ways, from the movement, to the fresh air and just connecting with my surroundings. I am very ready to move back to nature and make this a norm and not an exception.

The Process with Zoe Lind Van't Hof

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