Women have been using natural herbs and oils on their faces since the beginning of time. Companies like Aveda and Origins led the charge for mainstream cosmetics and skincare firms to reinvestigate all-natural ingredients in skin care. However, your great-grandmother and her ancestors did not need major corporations to provide them the benefits of nature's bounty---they made skin treatments for themselves. Making your own essential oils that are good for your face is not hard; it just takes some time and patience.
Making and Storing Essential Oils
To make essential oils, take about 10 oz. of a carrier oil and place it in a 20 oz. wide-mouthed jar with a tight fitting lid---a Mason jar works well. Carrier oils include sweet almond, avocado, olive, macadamia nut, grapeseed, jojoba, evening primrose and wheat germ oil. For the face, use a refined oil, like those available at a natural health food store. You can even use a blend of these oils. Place either eight tablespoons of flower petals, six tablespoons of citrus zest, six tablespoons of chopped herbs, four tablespoons of crushed herbs or a combination of them into the jar. Close the lid tightly and leave it in a warm sunny place for about 48 hours. Be sure to shake it every 12 hours or so. If you do not have a warm sunny place to steep the oil, you can place the jar into a pan with cold water in it and slowly warm the water until it is almost hot to the touch. Keep it at this temperature for about 10 minutes and remove the jar. Do this once a day, until the oil is the right potency.
Finishing the Essential Oil
Strain the oil through a piece of muslin into a bowl. Squeeze the muslin to release as much of the oil and essence from the plant material as you can. Repeat the steeping process with fresh plant material until your oil is the strength you want. After the oil is the right potency and has been strained, place it in a dark bottle with a tight lid and store in a cool, dark place. The oil should keep for six to 12 months.
Carrier Oil Properties
Different carrier oils have different properties. Olive, avocado, evening primrose and wheat germ oils are excellent moisturizers for dry skin and have antioxidant properties. Grapeseed, macadamia nut and jojoba oils are perfect for normal to oily skin, and tighten and tone.
Plants for Skin Types
Basil and ylang ylang are great treatments for oily skin. Lavender is an anti-inflammatory that also regulates oil production, which makes it useful for acne-prone skin. Rosemary clarifies normal skin and encourages oil production in dry skin. Geranium, rose, neroli, clary sage and fennel benefit mature skin. Try lavender and chamomile on sensitive or irritated skin.
Tags: evening primrose, evening primrose wheat, oily skin, plant material, primrose wheat, primrose wheat germ, right potency