Face oils are quickly gaining popularity as more and more people ditch their synthetic moisturizers and serums for a more natural alternative. Generally comprised of organic essentials oils, these concoctions address an array of skin care needs from acne to eczema. Naturally oily person? Don’t worry! Using the right face oil for your skin will make your face soft and supple, not oily!
With all the heightened interest around face oils, many new products have recently flooded the market. Although they have the potential to be amazing products, you could be paying a premium price for something you can easily create yourself. Not only is it cheaper to make your own, but you can tailor make your oil to address the specific needs for your unique skin. Added bonus: If you happen to be someone who already uses essential oils, you may already have most of your ingredients!
What you need:
- Container for your face oil; I recommend a dark dropper bottle. Darker bottles block too much light from entering, keeping your oil fresher longer. Using a dropper will allow you to more easily control the amount of oil used. You can find these bottles online or at a nearby apothecary.
- Base or carrier oil. This will make up the majority of your volume. Since essential oils are so highly concentrated, it is not advised to apply them directly to the skin without some type of carrier oil. Listed below are three commonly oils, but there are certainly many more available. All carrier oils listed are non-comedogenic (won’t clog your pores) and are chock full of antioxidants (like vitamin E & C)
- Essential oils. While you can make any combination of oils under the sun, it’s important to keep any allergies or sensitivities in mind when choosing your players.
Carrier Oils
Grapeseed Oil: This is my personal favorite due to its very lightweight feel, quick absorption and abundance of skin benefits. Grapeseed oil contains linoleic acid (which is and Omega-6 fatty acid), known to protect the skin from harmful environmental factors while moisturizing and healing problem areas. It also contains Polyphenols which minimize fine lines and wrinkles. It is great for any type of skin, including sensitive skin.
Jojoba Oil: This powerhouse is actually a wax (not an oil) derived from plants. It’s especially great for oily skin because it is very lightweight and more closely resembles natural sebum. Similar to Grapeseed oil, Jojoba is full of antioxidants and fights inflammation. It is also odorless and has a longer shelf life since it does not go rancid.
Sweet Almond: If you experience issues like Eczema, dark spots or under eye circles, this may be the option for you. Sweet Almond oil is very moisturizing and has an incredible effect on skin tone and coloration. Of all the carrier oils listed, it has the highest concentration of Vitamin E, which we all know is amazing for healing.
Essential Oils
There are so many essential oils out there that cover an array of unique benefits. While I won’t list every oil available, I’ve included many of the commonly used ones that have very well-known benefits. That said, I am not a doctor and am not providing any medical advice. I’m simply helping to spread the tribal knowledge that we’ve gained over years of using these amazing oils.
Essential Oils categorized 6 ways:
Anti-Aging: Full of antioxidants that fight free radicals in your skin
Fights Acne: Antimicrobial and or antiseptic that fight bacterial on the skin that can lead to acne
Anti-inflammatory: Reduces irritation and inflammation
Moisturizing vs. Reduces Oil= dry skin vs. oily skin
Reduces Redness: Helps with things like Rosacea or discoloration
Process
The process for making your face oil is quite simple. Depending on the size of your dropper bottle, add about 25ml of carrier oil to a glass or jar, then drop in your chosen essential oils. I recommend starting with only a few drops at a time and build from there. You will generally want around 10-15 drops total. If you want one oil stronger than another, simply adjust the ratio of oils added.
Be sure to stir well and test your oil on a small area of skin throughout the process. Once you’re happy with your oil, carefully pour it into your dark dropper bottle using a small funnel (like one for a flask). The bottles usually comes with a small funnel, but that is a good thing to check before purchasing.
To Use
A little will go a long way!
Apply 3-4 drops of oil to a clean face and neck. Lightly massage into the skin (avoiding the eye area) and allow it to sink in before applying makeup or any other face products.
Be sure to shake your bottle before each use, and discontinue use if any irritation occurs.