Moisturizing your skin is one of the most important ways you can keep it looking youthful and healthy – and despite the long lists of ingredients on many fancy store-bought moisturizers, you can make your own natural moisturizing oil with just a few ingredients, customized to your own preferences and needs! A pretty little bottle of handmade moisturizer makes a wonderful gift, too… so why not give it a try? Make it in small batches and use it daily, and you'll see why skin oils have become so popular in recent years.
The first thing you need to make face oil is what is called a "carrier oil" or base oil. This will be the primary ingredient in your face oil, so it's important that it's a good match with your skin – before mixing up your finished product, it's a good idea to test your carrier oil by itself and make sure your skin loves it. You can do this by using just your carrier oil (applied sparingly to a clean face) and seeing how your skin reacts to it.
There are many oils to choose from as carrier oils. Jojoba oil is very popular in soaps and cosmetics; according to the International Jojoba Export Council, jojoba oil has been used as a moisturizing oil for hundreds of years. This oil is similar in structure to the oils naturally produced by your skin.
Oils high in oleic acid are good choices for people with dry skin; these oils are usually heavier and absorb slowly, nourishing skin and sealing in moisture. Olive oil, argan oil, and nut oils like macadamia, almond, and hazelnut are all high in oleic acid. For skin with more natural oil, lighter carrier oils high in linoleic acid usually work better, such as sesame oil, hemp oil, safflower oil, and sunflower oil.
Once you have chosen a carrier oil you're happy with, you can fine-tune your blend with some additional ingredients. If there are multiple oils that you want to use on your skin, you might consider adding a second oil; keep your ratio around 2/3 carrier oil to 1/3 secondary oil. This is a good way to get the benefits of more expensive oils like rosehip or primrose that might be too costly to use as a carrier oil.
Vitamin E is another popular addition to face oils; for each ounce of face oil, you only need a few drops. It works as an antioxidant and also helps repair sun damage to your skin. Plus, vitamin E works as a preservative, helping keep your oil fresh longer!
Finally, you can finish off your blend with a few drops of essential oils. Make sure you buy therapeutic-grade essential oil and not artificial "fragrance oil." There are many different essential oils out there – you can choose based on their skincare properties, their aromatherapy properties, or just on what you would like your blend to smell like. But remember, with fragrance, less is more; add your essential oil slowly, and don't let the scent become overpowering.
Once your custom face oil is complete, you can stir or shake it together. Storing it in a glass bottle is best, and it should last at least six months if stored out of bright sunlight – even longer if you added a little vitamin E. Looking for a professional to help with your skincare? Call Waccamaw Dermatology & Plastic Surgery LLC .
Share31 January 2015
Over a year ago, I was formerly diagnosed with high blood pressure. However, due to frequent headaches and dizziness, I had already suspected that I suffered from this serious medical problem. Immediately, I was placed on medication. I also began to research natural ways that I can lower my blood pressure. I now carefully scan food labels for sodium content. I also try not to add extra salt to my recipes when I’m cooking at home. In addition, I strive to consume foods daily that are believed to have a positive effect on blood pressure numbers. On this blog, you will learn about various natural ways to lower your blood pressure.