While I’m a big fan of all the products in my daily skincare routine, more and more I’ve been appreciating the simplicity, versatility, and sensory pleasures of a good facial oil. Skip ahead to my DIY face oil recipe, or keep reading to find out why I’m a big fan of facial oil!
What does facial oil do?
When you’re doing a gua sha routine, you want your skin to be slippery so the tool glides easily without tugging or digging into your skin. Facial oil is the best “base layer” I’ve found for keeping that scraper slidin’ without resistance! In addition to being a great lubricant for a gua sha practice, face oils can be used for so much – removing makeup, cleansing, adding extra hydrating oomph to your foundation or regular moisturizer, and more.
Why use a DIY facial oil?
Many skincare brands (including my go-to, OSEA) make nice facial oils, but it isn’t a very economical choice for facial cleansing, or if you plan to wash your face again after your gua sha treatment. I use the OSEA Hydrating Oil as the finishing touch on my nighttime skincare routine, before I do my gua sha, I use my own DIY facial oil for gua sha any other time of day, and whenever I want to use an oil cleanse.
Is facial oil good for aging skin?
Let’s be honest: ALL skin is technically “aging”, even a baby’s. Aging is just what happens as we live life! That said, in my 40s I am finding my skin to be more reactive to products than it used to be. Oils are gentle moisturizers, make effective cleaners that won’t strip your skin, and leave it feeling so soft.
If you’re looking for a lot of bells and whistles of the chemical kind in your skincare, a facial oil may not excite you much. But my personal skincare philosophy gravitates toward clean, simple products that are pleasurable to use and won’t do me harm. I love the simplicity in the ingredients list of a facial oil – especially one I make myself! If you’re thinking about switching away from chemical treatments but just aren’t sure, I would recommend swapping in oil for either your A.M. or P.M. routine to start. Once you experience how good it feels I have a feeling you’ll want to use it more and more.
What ingredients should a DIY face oil contain?
My blend includes equal parts of these three skin-friendly ingredients:
- Rosehip oil is rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and essential fatty acid and is said to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, improve skin tone and texture, and hydrate the skin. It’s also anti-inflammatory and is said to be calming for sensitive skin.
- Carrot seed oil is known to protect and rejuvenate skin, and is a rich natural source of beta-carotene, antioxidants, and vitamins A and E, which can help to protect the skin from environmental damage, hydrate, and create firmness and elasticity.
- Jojoba oil is similar in composition to the oil created by our own skin and is a popular and versatile base for skincare products. It’s easily absorbed, anti-inflammatory, and is said to protect the skin from environmental damage.
I also add essential oils for their aromatherapeutic and skin-healing properties – see below.
Facial oil recipe for healthy midlife skin
- 1/8 cup carrot seed oil
- 1/8 cup rosehip oil
- 1/8 cup jojoba oil
- 15-20 drops essential oil (I like to use a blend of lavender and rose)
Shake together in a clean, sterilized glass jar or bottle with a dropper lid. I use 5-6 drops on my face and neck when doing my gua sha routine, and often add a couple of drops to my daytime moisturizer or foundation.