Facial serums are an important part of a skin-care regimen, just as much as a good cleanser and moisturizer. Serum will provide nourishment and soothing to your skin.
If you have acne-prone skin, you would benefit from a light, astringent serum to keep your face moisturized and nourished without clogging pores. And you will also want to use as a toner, either Bragg’s apple cider vinegar, or organic witchhazel – or both combined (witchhazel-based toner is the best for your skin, as it will not dry it out like an alcohol-based toner would). Toner is always a must in any skin care regimen because it firms, tightens and tones the skin.
If you are 25 or older, I would highly recommend using an anti-aging facial serum. It’s never too early to start nourishing your skin. As skin ages, it loses its elasticity and starts to sag. Without proper moisture and nourishment, you may end up looking like an American bulldog by the time you are 60. Sorry, it’s truth – and the truth hurts sometimes…
Let’s get started!
FIRST, choose your carrier oil – which is your main ingredient. It’s also known as a base oil. Below are a list of very light base oils that will not leave your skin sticky or greasy. I would try to always get organic or cold-pressed:
Argan oil (for dry, aging, oily, normal, or acne-prone skin)
Jojoba oil (for dry, aging, oily, normal, or acne-prone skin)
Apricot kernel oil (for any skin type, but especially dry, aging skin)
Sweet almond oil (thicker, and takes longer to sink in, but nourishing)
Grapeseed oil (for normal, oily, or acne-prone skin)
Avocado oil (for dry and aging skin)
Hemp seed oil (for any skin type, also very light)
Calendula oil (extremely healing to irritated, sensitive skin)
My favorite base oils are jojoba oil or sweet almond oil. They are very lightweight and do not clog pores.
SECOND, you will choose an extra oil, for added nourishment (optional, but very beneficial). Here are some extra oils:
Tamanu oil (good for acne-prone or oily skin, or skin with scars)
Sea buckthorn oil (for all skin types, but especially aging or dry skin)
Rosehip seed oil (regenerating, firming, anti-aging)
Carrot seed oil (super nourishing! – you only need a miniscule amount
Borage oil (high in oleic acids – for most skin types, especially oily & acne-prone skin)
Evening primrose oil (acne, aging, normal skin)
Neem oil (antimicrobial and healing – for acne and oily skin)
Emu oil (emollient, protective and nourishing – for dry or aging skin)
THIRD, choose your favorite essential oils that work best according to your specific skin care needs. You will only need a few small drops of essential oil as they are super potent. (See note in red below)
Here are the most-used essential oils in skin care:
Lavender (oily or dry skin)
Peppermint (oily or dry skin)
Chamomile (soothing for sensitive skin)
Rose (for aging, dry and normal skin) (Unless you are the CEO of Microsoft, you may not be able to afford this oil! My company finally sells it, and it’s pre-diluted so it’s cheaper! Hallelujah!)
Geranium (for dry, sensitive, aging, and normal skin)
Lemongrass (brightens/tones – for normal or oily skin)
Rosemary (moisturizes oily skin)
FYI – Not all essential oils are created equal. Most oils are adulterated, and contain fillers and/or contaminants. I use oils from a company that gives full disclosure pertaining to each plant’s country of origin, testing and third-party testing, to guarantee absolute purity. 100% pure essential oils will provide higher therapeutic benefits.
LAST, take the dropper top off of a 1-oz glass bottle and:
1. Fill your bottle just under 2/3 of the way with your base oil.
2. Add “extra” oil until the bottle is just about full (If you are using carrot seed oil, only use a few drops)
3. Add 5-7 drops of essential oil. (Less if you’re using peppermint!! – and make sure to keep away from eyes). Put the cap on your bottle and shake well. You should be able to smell the oils, but it should not be overwhelming.
Apply 2-3 drops to face and neck after cleansing, and before your moisturizer. If you use toner, use it after the toner. You will not need a moisturizer after applying the serum – it should give you enough moisture on its own. Keep your serum out of the sunlight (use a dark colored class bottle, such as amber or cobalt blue). Give it a little shake each time before you apply the serum, to make sure the oils are well combined. It should be good for up to 12 months.
This recipe may need tweaking, to accommodate your skin care needs. We all have different skin types, and an oil that is good for one may not be good for another. I would suggest by making only a small amount at first. If it ends up not working for your face, you can always rub it on your body to moisturize before bed, or add it to your whipped body butter (see my recipe HERE). The mixture will still benefit your skin, and does not need to go to waste.
To learn more about essential oils, or the brand I use, comment below. I’m happy to help point you in the right direction.
Blessings
Certified Aromatherapist
and Member of the National Association
for Holistic Aromatherapy
Sp-OIL-ed Silly 