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| Method for Facial & Massage Oils |
| Oils are extremely simple to make, requiring no heating and only very gentle mixing, but they do require a sound basic knowledge of which oils can be blended, their effects when blended and on the skin and - of course - which oils will suit your skin type. The best benefits in using oils as part of your skincare regime come from the powerful effects of essential oils, and of course it's important you have a grasp of how to use these before blending your own mixtures. This is not exactly aromatherapy - which is a huge subject in its own right - but if you plan to switch to making your own preservative-free oils instead of using commercial skincare products, it may well be worth investing in a basic book or two on the subject. As ever, if you have pre-existing medical conditions, are planning to conceive or are pregnant or breast-feeding, you are advised to consult your doctor before using or handling strong doses of essential oils. All you will need are bowls, measuring spoons, a measuring jug, spatulas, and sterilised bottles or jars to store your oils in (dark glass is, I find, best). Shelflife will vary according to ingredients, but should be up to five years. If your oils start to smell rancid, musty or otherwise 'off', it's time to throw them away and start a fresh batch! |
| Sample Recipe: Heaven and Earth Massage Oil for Combination-Oily Skin Ingredients: Makes about 200ml 70ml thistle oil 30ml hazelnut oil 50ml sweet almond or apricot kernel oil 50ml jojoba oil 20 drops tangerine essential oil 15 drops lemongrass essential oil 10 drops basil essential oil 5 drops ylang-ylang essential oil 5 drops vetivert essential oil 2 drops oakmoss essential oil Method: 1.) Measure all the vegetable oils into a large bowl or beaker, and then slowly add the essential oils. Add a few drops at a time, swirling the bowl gently to mix the oils and pausing regularly to check for fragrance. You are adding the oils for therapeutic rather than aesthetic effect, but it is usually fine to tweak the blend by a drop or so if you really don't like the smell! 2.) Decant into sterilised bottle(s) and label. A teaspoon of vitamin E or a few drops of rosemary extract will help prolong shelflife. Sample Recipe: Facial Oil for Mature Skin A facial oil is a great, preservative-free alternative to conventional creams and moisturisers for most skin types. Usually, lighter, finer oils will be used than in massage oils, but you can combine the use of a facial oil with facial massage to help combat the signs of ageing, including wrinkles, fine lines and sagging. Check the store for my book on facial massage, coming out soon. Ingredients: Makes about 100ml 70ml thistle oil 20ml macadamia oil 10ml borage oil 10 drops frankincense essential oil 5 drops neroli essential oil 5 drops patchouli essential oil 5 drops rose geranium essential oil Method: 1.) Measure all the vegetable oils into a large bowl or beaker, and then slowly add the essential oils. Add a few drops at a time, swirling the bowl gently to mix the oils and pausing regularly to check for fragrance. You are adding the oils for therapeutic rather than aesthetic effect, but it is usually fine to tweak the blend by a drop or so if you really don't like the smell! 2.) Decant into sterilised bottle(s) and label. A teaspoon of vitamin E or a few drops of rosemary extract will help prolong shelflife. |
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