Hemp seed oil clarifying face serum

Years ago if anyone would have asked me to put oil on my face, I would have declined the offer politely.  Why would someone with combination skin put oil on their face?

I started out trying coconut oil and experienced a few minor breakouts. I dabbed some Frankincense essential oil on one area and the throbbing feeling ceased. The next day I was relieved to see it reduced in size.  Frankincense is soothing to the skin and has wonderful skin healing and balancing properties.  Lavender helps to even out skin tone and can reduce blemishes (and smells wonderful).

I recommend reviewing this article from Body Unburdened.com – it is informative without being overwhelming about appropriate carrier oils for facial use. It helped me make the decision to use Hemp Seed Oil as my base (It has a non-comedogenic 0 factor).

Some basic information about carrier oils:  They all have a comedogenic factor or  ‘number.’ Non-comedogenic 0 means it will not clog pores. For some skin types a 1 or 2 rating won’t affect your skin negatively and it may actually help dry skin; for others it will  clog pores and you need to seek out an oil with a rating of 0. Which is another reason why I chose Hemp Seed Oil. Coconut oil and Jojoba oil did not work for me personally as a facial oil. I tried both but it resulted in breakouts. I still recommend Jojoba (a 2) for hair and coconut (4) for a body moisturizer.

What else rates a 0? Safflower Oil (Carthamus Tinctorius),Sunflower oil, and Argan oil.

Why Hemp Seed Oil though?

• It has a greenish tint, which can reduce ruddiness.
• It is high in Omega 3 and Omega 6 fatty acids.
• ”Hemp seed oil is also rich in gamma-linolenic acid, or GLA. This is another type of omega-6 fatty acid and, according to Ratical.com, it has a number of skin health benefits and anti-inflammatory properties.”Source: Livestrong.com 
• It may help reduce scarring.

So, below is my current serum. I use this morning and night after cleansing my skin. I adore the way it minimizes my pores, gives my skin a healthy glow, and my makeup disperses very well with this as a base.

Skin Clarifying Hemp Oil Serum:

• 2 oz. cold pressed Organic Hemp Seed Oil
• 5 drops Frankincense essential oil
• 5 drops Lavender essential oil
• 5 drops Tea Tree essential oil (acne prone skin)

Note: Hemp oil does need to be refrigerated. I enjoy the cooling effect when I put this on my face straight from the fridge.  It’s also a good excuse to scope out a snack.  A little goes a long way (for the serum and for a snack).

Oily or acne prone skin responds best when not overwhelmed or over stripped. Don’t fear moisture. If you can mimic natural sebum production you can override its overproduction.

You can add  Tea Tree oil to this serum to further combat oil over-production and it would aid in healing blemishes. Tea Tree oil can be just as effective as the chemical salicylic acid.  I had a little dryness and peeling by my chin for just a few days when I first started adding Tea Tree oil but no further peeling since.

When using 3 essential oils in a 2 oz. solution, I would drop your ratios to 3:3:3 per 2 oz of Hemp seed oil.  10 drops essential oil total per 2 oz of carrier oil works best for me but that is slightly conservative.

I made this serum with 5 drops Frankincense, 5 drops Lavender and 5 drops Carrot seed oil for my mother and she said it has helped with her rosacea and some bumps on her facial skin.  I think my mother’s skin is amazingly soft and beautiful anyway (she eats clean and exercises daily) but to hear her amazed at the results is just another reason why I love mixing up oils for people!

Always check dilution charts prior to mixing your own products.  You can always increase ratios later.

As always, spot test your essential oils first. If irritation develops, discontinue use.

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What I discuss on this site has not been evaluated by the FDA, nor is it intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any particular disease. I am not a registered physician and I encourage you to discuss your health concerns with your own doctor.