The late winter chill has settled over Madison, making it feel slow and gray as I gaze out the Green Life Trading Co. shop window. During this season of cold and grayness, it's more important than ever to nourish ourselves, and Valentine's Day is a reminder to prioritize self-love throughout the Wisconsin winter. What better way to do that than with a carefully formulated face oil? It soothes dry skin, relaxes the mind, and makes for a great self-care ritual in the lead-up to Valentine’s Day.
Much of the information from this post is sourced from Make Your Place: Affordable, Sustainable Nesting Skills, a book featured in our store library handwritten and illustrated by Raleigh Briggs. Give it a flip through while you’re in the store, or check it out from the public library!
Choosing your oils
Carrier oil
Carrier oils are vegetable oils that help diffuse essential oils so they can safely absorb into your skin, and they’re also full of healthful skin benefits themselves. You can find more information about different carrier oils online, but here is a quick guide to common carrier oils.
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Jojoba oil: Great for normal or oily skin, jojoba oil is lightweight, rich in vitamins and minerals, and won’t clog your pores.
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Sweet almond oil: Great for all types of skin, this oil absorbs easily and is very hydrating.
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Grapeseed oil: This oil is good for oily skin and can help reduce redness and inflammation.
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Olive oil: For dry skin types, this oil is especially hydrating and is rich with antioxidants that smooth the skin.
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Coconut oil: Coconut oil is also good for dryer skin and can ease inflammation.
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Rosehip seed oil: To reduce the appearance of scars and wrinkles, mix in some rosehip seed oil, which contains essential fatty acids making it a great emollient for dry or mature skin.
Essential oil
When applied topically via a carrier oil, essential oils are absorbed into the skin and directly provide localized benefits. Plus, their pleasant aromas can improve mood and wellbeing. Here are a few common essential oils used in skincare:
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Lavender: Lavender essential oil is great for all skin types and soothes irritated skin. Its aroma is widely considered to be one of the most relaxing essential oils.
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Peppermint: Peppermint oil is also soothing for all skin types. The minty scent will help you feel refreshed and awake.
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Rosemary: Great for oily skin, rosemary essential oil tightens the skin and evens skin tone.
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Rose: Hydrating and softening for normal and dry skin, rose essential oil has a calming floral scent.
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Orange blossom (Neroli): This essential oil can reduce acne and skin irritation, and it has a pleasant citrusy aroma.
How to make your face oil
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Combine 2 ounces of carrier oil and up to 15 drops of essential oils.
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Funnel the mixture into a small dropper bottle.
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Store in a cool, dark place.
How to apply
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Rub a few drops of oil and a few drops of warm water together in your hands.
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Massage the emulsified mixture into your face.
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To lock in moisture, apply face oil last in your skincare routine.
Safety Note: Even when diluted with carrier oils, essential oils can cause irritation due to their potency, so you should test them on a small patch of skin first and consult a healthcare professional if you have specific health concerns. To do the skin test, apply a small quantity of diluted essential oil on your inner forearm or back and apply a bandage. Wash the area if you experience any irritation. If no irritation occurs after 48 hours it is safe to use on your skin.
Enjoy, and I hope your face oil keeps your skin and spirits nourished through the end of Winter!
