I really believe in the power of plant-based medicine and for me, essential oils fall into this category. I have replaced ALL my personal care products to natural, organic ones, many that I make on my own, and most to which essential oils are added. I simply add them to a carrier oil (jojoba oil, coconut oil, apricot kernel oil, and many more) and I’ve created a product that’s ready to use.
Incorporating essential oils into your daily personal care routine is very easy, and so much fun. I always feel like I’m doing something healthy for myself when I use these products and I’m betting you will too. These two recipes I’m sharing here are ones that I use daily, and products that I get the most requests for from my friends. I hope you enjoy them as much as I do.
If you’re wondering, essential oils are natural compounds extracted from different parts of a plant – it’s needles, bark, flowers or roots – that help support our health and well-being. They are in fact the essence of the plant. What is captured is not just the plants unique scent or fragrance, but also everything the plant develops to protect itself against environmental conditions in order to survive. It is this “nutrition” that is then used in our bodies in a synergistic way.
Some of my favourite oils are the citrus oils like lemon and wild orange, grapefruit and lime. But I also love peppermint, lavender, rosemary, and many of the woodsy oils like pine, cedar and blue spruce. Geranium rose is wonderful for the skin and I often blend it with other essential oils when creating a facial blend. Some of the ancient oils like frankincense and myrrh are top on my favourite list as well. The list goes on. It’s so much fun coming up with your own blends, depending what your needs are. Note, the citrus oils are photosensitive so should not be used on your skin during the day.
When it comes to purchasing your oils, make sure they are of the highest quality you can find. Organic and therapeutic grade without any additives or fragrance added. Be vigilant in this as there are many imposters out there. Our skin is like a sponge and absorbs everything we put on it. Why not make what we put on our skin something clean and healthy?
My Face Wash Blend
I know it may seem odd to “wash” your face with an oil but people have been using this technique for centuries. The oil actually attracts oil and dirt out of the skin. It doesn’t make it more oily.
I tend to use this in the evening. It’s very good at removing makeup and any impurities.
In a 1 oz. glass bottle with dropper or spray attachment, fill with 1/2 jojoba oil and 1/2 castor oil.
The castor oil helps detoxify and pull out impurities but it can be drying so you may have to use less if you find the this ratio too drying for you. The jojoba oil absorbs really nicely into the skin.
Add:
5 drops lavender – gives a lovely, relaxing scent
1 drop geranium – very soothing for the skin
1 drop tea tree – cleans out clogged pores
1 drop frankincense – anti-inflammatory and great for wrinkles and aging
Place the dropper or spray attachment in the bottle and screw it on. Gently flip the bottle back and forth until all oils are blended.
To Use:
Place about half a dropper full, or a few good sprays into the palm of your hand. Gently rub your hands together, cup them over your nose and breathe in the aroma of the oils. Then, gently rub the oil into your face.
Using a face cloth rinsed in water as hot as you’re able to stand, place the facecloth on your face and let the oils do their thing. Breathe.
Gently wipe off.
For some, no moisturizer will be needed.
My Face Oil Moisturizer Blend
In a 1 oz. glass bottle with dropper or spray attachment, fill with 2 parts jojoba oil and 1 part rose oil (other carrier oils that can be added to the jojoba oil are raspberry oil, evening primrose oil or vitamin E oil)
Add:
1 drop frankincense – prevents wrinkles, lifts and tightens the skin, can also reduce blemishes
1 drop sandalwood – promotes a smooth looking complexion
1 drop myrrh (if you have it. Myrrh is very expensive)- helps fade blemishes and reduce redness
1 drop chamomile (I prefer German over Roman) – calming and soothing to the skin. Helps reduce redness. Anti-inflammatory
1 drop lavender (optional) – works to kill bacteria so can help prevent and heal acne breakouts
Place the dropper or spray attachment in the bottle and screw it on. Gently flip the bottle back and forth until all oils are blended.
To Use:
Place about half a dropper full, or a few good sprays into the palm of your hand. Gently rub your hands together, cup them over your nose and breathe in the aroma of the oils. Gently rub the oil into your face. Leave the palm of your hands on your face for a few moments to help warm the oils as they absorb into your skin. Breath in the scent and let it calm you.
I hope these home made blends bring you the same joy and serenity that they do for me. I’d love to hear your feedback!