The world of skin care can be very confusing and overwhelming – that’s, in part, why Alicia and I started making our own products.
I used to walk into a Sephora and instantly feel a wave of self-doubt and sensory overload. “Where do I start? What’s right for me? OMG! THERE ARE TOO MANY CHOICES!” (Picture my head snapping back and forth as I walk up and down the aisles.)
Then I usually did one of two things – walked out of the store in defeat or quickly purchased something just to make that awful feeling go away. Either way, I never got what I really wanted – a solution to my problem. Sound familiar? (FYI - I have not stepped foot in a Sephora in years – and my mind and bank account feel much better.)
I’m lumping natural skin care products in with my “confusing and overwhelming” comment above. Just because something is natural and/or organic doesn’t mean you have any less confusion about what products to use on your skin. My plan is to simplify it (a bit) for you.
Today, I’m focusing on Essential Oils because they are
- relatively easy to find (local health food store or Amazon – look for “pure” and/or “organic” on the label),
- fairly inexpensive, and
- they can make a huge difference in your skin.
See the chart for recommendations – and then below the chart for ways to use these oils in your daily skin care routine.
**If you are experiencing more than one skin issue (and who isn’t?) or you want the benefits of more than one oil – combine two or more in a dropper bottle, shake, and use as your personal blend.
Daily DIY Use:
- Add a drop or two of essential oil (or blend) to your moisturizer (right before application) to super-charge and customize it. DO NOT apply essential oils directly to your skin – they may be natural, but they’re potent! (Always do a patch test and gradually introduce essential oils to your routine. Pay attention to any changes.)
- If you like to use oil on your skin (I do, I do!), add three drops of essential oil (or blend) per tablespoon of carrier oil (a great one to try for your face is jojoba) and store in a small dropper bottle. For the rest of your body, you can use up to six drops per tablespoon of a carrier oil (coconut or olive are great choices.) Just remember with oils – a little goes a long way.
Use in DIY Masks:
Easy, Soothing Mask
- 2 tsp of raw honey
- 1 tsp aloe vera gel
- 1-2 drops of essential oil (or blend)
Mix and apply. Leave on for 10-15 minutes. Gently wash off with warm water. Very soothing and calming. Perfect for sensitive or irritated skin. Also good for all skin types.
Yogurt Mask for Oil / Acne-Prone Skin
- 1/4 cup plain yogurt (preferrable Greek)
- 2-3 drops of essential oil (or blend)
Apply to face and allow to sit for 15-20 minutes. Wash off with warm water. Milk soothes and nourishes skin while the probiotics the yogurt help hydrate, alleviate redness, and support irritated skin.
Hydrating Avocado and Honey Mask
- 1/2 avocado, mashed
- 1 tbsp raw honey
- 1 tbsp aloe vera gel
- 2-3 drops of essential oil(or blend)
Combine all ingredients and apply to face. Wear for approx 15 minutes. Remove with warm water. Honey is a-w-e-s-o-m-e for your skin and Avocado is loaded with vitamins and minerals that deeply nourish your skin.
Rose Face Mask
- 1 tbsp rose water
- 1 tbsp raw honey
- 1 tbsp plain yogurt
- 2-3 drops of essential oil for your skin type
Combine and apply to your face. Allow the mask to sit for 15 minutes. Remove with warm water.
Rose acts as an anti-inflammatory, soothing irritated skin and is a rich source of antioxidants, which can help strengthen skin cells and repair skin tissue.
Wonderful for combination skin.
Question:
Do you have any go-to essential oils you like to use on your skin? Please share - we're always learning (and love geeking-out about new ideas!).
