You need to use oils in your facial skincare!
This is why…
They are so much more healing and penetrating than lotions and can actually help reduce breakouts if you use the right type.
If you are a user of essential oils, you are about to get very familiar with my favorite carrier oil: Hemp Seed oil. For facial care it’s Hemp Seed oil or bust. I won’t use anything else on my face!
It’s non-comedogenic factor of 0. Yes, 0! It is considered a “dry oil” so it is not greasy. It heals breakouts, has a greenish tint that masks ruddiness, and leave skin feeling smooth. It contains 80% essential fatty acids.
“Since hemp seed oil is nearly identical to our own lipids, it is capable of penetrating our cells and lubricating the surfaces between them. It is used to nourish not only dry skin but blotches and lesions as well.”
– Learn more here: Natural News.com
I get compliments on my skin tone all the time. I look better rested, wrinkles are diminished, and my skin clarity has greatly improved. I use it morning and night. It functions perfectly under makeup also.
Yes, this is my eye. Looking pretty good in the mid 30’s department…thank you oils!
I used a name brand “commonly dermatologist- recommended” face lotion for a week during a temporary bout of, I don’t know, I guess laziness and insanity? I broke out, had clogged pores on my forehead, and my skin looked sallow. Yuck.
It’s worth a trip to the fridge to use my Hemp Seed Oil Face Serum! (Yes, it does need refrigerated).
Featured in the images below are the 5 oils I always use in my face serum. Sometimes I add Carrot Seed oil (it has an SPF factor for skin protection).
If you are a novice to oils or feel you cannot spend so much money, I would recommend the following combos:
- Lavender & Tea Tree: acne prone skin
- Frankincense and Palmarosa: oily skin
- Lavender and Palmarosa: oily skin that is sensitive
- Lavender and Frankincense: dry and/or mature skin
Repairing Face Serum
Recipe:
- 1 oz Hemp Seed Oil
- 5 drops Lavender
- 5 drops Frankincense
- 5 drops Hyssop
- 5 drops Palmarosa
- 5 drops Tea Tree (if you have dry skin, reduce to 3 drops and see how you react)
Frankincense and lavender are the main staple in my face serum; lavender is moisturizing and reduces inflammation and redness.
Frankincense is extremely healing and may reduce blemishes for many skin types. (It works for my combination skin: a dab of bentonite clay and frankincense, let sit, rinse off after 10-15 minutes, then apply a dab or frankincense after is a great zit zapper!)
This astringent quality also reduces the appearance of wrinkles,… Anti-Aging: As a Cytophylactic, Frankincense Oil promotes regeneration of healthy cells and also keeps the existing cells and tissues healthy. [1]
Hyssop, or Hyssopus officinalis, has a slightly sweet scent and can promote creativity. It is often used for skin issues and can treat bites, bruises, and swelling. It also contains antiseptic qualities.
photo courtesy of wikepedia.com
Palmarosa, or Cymbopogon martini, is also known as East Indian Geranium and has restorative and regenerative effects. It has a floral-like lemon smell. If you like the smell of Lemongrass, you may enjoy diffusing Palmarosa with a few drops of Lavender. [3]
The reason I bought Palmarosa was to use during the hot summer months, as it reduces excess sebum (oil) production. You can create a refreshing toner with unscented witch hazel and a drop of Palmarosa, Lemon, and Lavender on an organic cotton round.
It helps stimulate cellular regeneration and to re-establish the physiological balance of the skin. It can help smooth out wrinkles. It also helps to rehydrate dry skin and hair by helping balance the production of sebum. [4]
Tea Tree, or melaleuca oil can treat many skin conditions: such as cuts/abrasions, gum and teeth issues and acne. “Numerous Aboriginal communities along the east coast of Australia have a long history of using tea tree as an antiseptic for skin conditions.” [5]
I dot Tea Tree on my skin all the time. I also dilute it in water and combine it with peppermint for a refreshing mouth wash!
Eye Serum
Recipe:
- 1 oz. Hemp Seed Oil
- 10 drops RoseHip Oil (if desired- for mature skin)
- 5 drops Frankincense
- 3 drops Patchouli
- 3 drops Elemi
- 3 drops Cypress
See how you react with 3 drops and you can work your way up to 5 drops each essential oil. Of course, never apply directly in your eye or too close to it!
Patchouli oil is one of my favorite oils in regards to scent. I wear it several times a week mixed with orange and a drop of geranium as a perfume oil (my friend gave me this recipe).
The scent is very earthy and calms me down! I always carry it in a rollerball. I do avoid wearing it before work meetings as this fragrance is not for everyone.
It can help mature skin, especially in the under eye area, in regards to wrinkling or dryness.
“Patchouli oil has long been used in traditional Asian medicine, especially in Malaysia, China, and Japan. It is used to treat skin and hair problems, such as dermatitis, eczema, acne, dry chapped skin, dandruff, and oily scalp. It also has wound healing and scar reducing properties,8 as well as aphrodisiac effects.” [6]
Cypress, or Cupressus sempervirens: I add it for it’s circulatory and vein strengthening effects. Cypress is often used in combination with other oils to help treat spider and varicose veins. [7]
I also use this oil in a headache blend (peppermint, eucalyptus, and lavender) that I rub on my temples. Skip this oil if you tend to develop under-eye puffiness. Here is a recipe using Cypress for a toning eye makeup remover from Sustainable Baby Steps.
Elemi, or Canarium luzonicum is known scent-wise to resemble Frankincense but with a hint of lemon. It may help reduce scarring and acne, so it’s a perfect skin care oil. It has many other wellness benefits, so read up more on Elemi oil!
“Part of the same family as Frankincense and Myrrh, Elemi has been used traditionally to support the appearance of the skin.” [8]
BONUS TIP: I use lavender in any mix I make. It’s moisturizing and calming. It tones down woodier scented oils, like Vetiver or Cedarwood. It masks the balsamic smell from oils like Rosemary or Elemi.
It reduces swelling and itchiness from bug bits of all types: mosquitos, chiggers, mites, etc.
Disclaimer: These statements have not been approved by the FDA. They are not intended to diagnose, prevent, or cure any disease. Always exercise caution when using essential oils. Always consult with your primary care physician prior to use. Some oils are safe during pregnancy and some are not, please consult your medical doctor or obstetrician prior to any use of essential oils. If you are on any medications, please inform your doctor.
- Frankincense is not recommended for use during pregnancy. [1]
- Patchouli may not be safe for use during pregnancy [6]
- Do not use Hyssop oil if you have a history of seizures, epilepsy or high blood pressure. Not to be used on children under 5. [2]
Sources:
- Accessed August 2, 2016. Health Benefits of Frankincense. www.organicfacts.net
- Accessed August 2, 2016. Herbal Oil: Hyssop Oil: The Sacred Herb. www.mercola.com
- Callahan, Jeff, December 2, 2012. Palmarosa Essential Oil. www.essentialoilbenefits.org
- Accessed August 1, 2016. Palmarosa Oil. www.rockymountainoils.com
- October 2013. Tea Tree: Australia’s Oldest Medicine. University of Sydney. www.sydney.edu.au
- Accessed August 9, 2016. Patchouli: The Hippie Herbal Oil. www.mercola.com
- Accessed August 9, 2016. Dr. Axe’s Essential Oil Guide. www.draxe.com
- Young Living Essential Oil website: www.youngliving.com
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