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Our skin needs to be hydrated for protection and to help prevent aging skin. When the skin is depleted of moisture, we start to run into all sorts of skin conditions, such as:
- Dry, flaky skin
- Itchy, irritated skin
- Fine lines and wrinkles
- Clogged pores
All sorts of things can contribute to dehydrated skin, with the biggest factor being the environment. Both dry winter weather and hot sunny days can be drying to the skin.
Washing your face will strip away natural oils (sebum) and moisture, so it is important to replenish this loss. By using a face serum (natural oils blended with essential oils), you can replenish the natural oils on your face.
In this article we will show you a simple 3 step moisturizing facial serum using the right carrier oils and essential oils for your skin type.
We Can't All Use the Same Moisturizer
Our skin is different, and it has different needs. A face serum for sensitive skin needs to be gentle, while calming irritated skin. A face serum for mature skin needs to hydrate, even pigmentation, plump fine lines and wrinkles, and increase skin’s elasticity.
All of these particular needs come from different ingredients. Both essential oils and carrier oils have their own unique benefits that are best matched with your skin type.
How to Identify Your Skin Type
In this article, we will be looking at seven different skin types. Many of us know what skin type we are, but we can be mistaken. Our skin also changes, so it is always best to identify the symptoms and determine what your skin is doing at that time.
- Normal: A normal complexion has the ideal skin type. The skin is not too oily or dry, and it appears smooth, clear and healthy. The pores are minimally visible, and the skin has an even tone.
- Sensitive: This skin type is easy to identify, as it is the most fragile. Sensitive skin is easily irritated. The wrong product can cause inflammation, redness or burning.
- Combination: People with a combination skin have both dry and oily areas. The skin is usually most oily in the T-zone; this includes the forehead, nose, and chin. Dry patches are on the cheeks and around the eyes. Combination skin can be difficult to manage because the various areas of the skin require different treatment.
- Oily: Oily skin types are not the same as acne prone. Oily skin differentiates from acne by not developing cysts or pustules. The skin has large pores and produces too much oil, which gives it a greasy, shiny appearance.
- Mature: As the skin ages we lose elasticity and start to see more fine lines. Many of the signs of aging can occur from lack of moisture in the tissues of the skin.
- Acne: Acne-prone is very easy to identify. The skin is oily, with clogged pores. The pores become infected with bacteria, creating a red, inflamed cyst. There are different types of acne including cystic, milia and blackheads. Each results from an infected pore.
- Dry: Many people have a dry skin type. Dry skin does not retain enough moisture, which causes wrinkles and fine lines to develop more easily. A lack of oil makes the skin flaky and fragile and reduces its ability to act as a protective barrier. As a result, the skin is much more susceptible to the effects of external elements such as pollution, UV radiation and extreme weather. Small pores are another characteristic of this skin type.
Carrier Oils Best Suited for Your Skin Type
Now that you are aware of your skin type, let's talk about the carrier oils that work well for you.
- Normal: apricot kernel oil, jojoba, grapeseed oil, sunflower oil, sweet almond oil.
- Sensitive: sunflower oil, jojoba oil, sweet almond oil, apricot kernel oil, rosehip seed oil, avocado oil, argan oil, grapeseed oil, evening primrose, tamanu oil.
- Combination: rosehip seed oil, jojoba oil, grapeseed oil.
- Oily: jojoba, argan oil, grapeseed oil, sunflower seed oil.
- Acne: jojoba, sesame oil, argan oil, grapeseed oil, evening primrose oil, hemp seed oil, tamanu oil.
- Dry: avocado oil, sweet almond oil, rosehip seed oil, apricot kernel oil, sunflower oil.
- Mature: tamanu, raspberry seed oil, sacha inchi oil, apricot kernel oil.
Essential Oils Best Suited For Your Skin Type
*Its important to note: Always dilute your essential oils with a carrier oil. Many essential oils should not be used directly on the skin.
- Normal: frankincense, geranium, lavender.
- Sensitive: helichrysum, lavender, rose, jasmine, geranium, frankincense, sandalwood.
- Combination: geranium, jasmine, lavender clary sage, blue tansy.
- Oily: frankincense, geranium, lavender, patchouli, tea tree, ylang ylang, clary sage, Roman chamomile, cypress, peppermint, rosemary, sandalwood.
- Acne: neroli, lavender, tea tree oil, grapefruit, lemon.
- Dry: geranium, lavender, myrrh, patchouli, rose, frankincense, ylang ylang, cedarwood, clary sage, Roman chamomile, sandalwood, jasmine.
- Mature: rose, frankincense, myrrh, helichrysum, sandalwood, geranium, lavender, patchouli, cypress, jasmine, rosemary, ylang ylang.
DIY Moisturizing Serum Directions
Step 1:
Add 2 ounces of carrier oil to a dark glass bottle. Pick a carrier oil that is best for your skin type.
Step 2:
Add 20 drops of essential oils to your bottle of carrier oil. You can also divide multiple oils into your blend. Pick the essential oils best for your skin type.
Step 3:
Roll your bottle in the palm of your hands. This will mix all your ingredients together. Store and place your new moisturizing serum in a dark cool place.
How to Use:
Use your serum daily after you have washed your face and before you apply any makeup. Serums are great to use in combination with all your other skin care products, including your cream moisturizers.
Conclusion:
Moisturizing the skin can be simple when we use the right ingredients for our skin type.
When we choose to make our own facial oil blend, we have the advantage of knowing what is in our skincare. Natural ingredients can make a huge difference in your skins condition.
This 3 step Serum is a fast and effective way to re-hydrating the skin according to your skin type.
Know others who love DIY recipes? Share this article with your friends!
To a Bright and Beautiful you,
Maria.
Is it really effective for dry skin?
Hi Bachlien
The oils selected for a DIY Dry Skin Serum are absolutely effective. Avocado oil is one of the most hydrating oils for the skin. I would highly recommend trying it out, you will notice a difference when you include a facial serum (on a regular basis) that contains ingredients perfect for your skin concern.
Enjoy 🙂
Maria.
I’ve been told I have lipid dry skin. I’m 42 and have had a hysterectomy with only 1 ovary left (so im guessing it has an effect on skin hydration) still get the odd spot and my skin can be a bit blotchy/flushed
Sometimes my skin gets itchy .. and it never really has a glossy look to it. . Rather it looks powdery and flat. ..
Any recommendations?
Hi Maria, it sounds like you need more moisture in your skin! There are two types of dry skin, one is lipid dry, meaning you don’t produce enough oil, and one is dehydrated, where your skin lacks water moisture. Lipid dryness can lead to dehydration. I know menopause can cause lipid dryness, so I am sure a hysterectomy could as well.
Avoid powdery makeups and foaming facial cleansers, or anything that strips your skin of oil. Also make sure you are eating enough healthy fats such as fish and avocados. Drink plenty of water.
As for what products to use, a facial oil would be good for you, as well as a good moisturizer. Facial oils that would be good for you include, argan oil, pomegranate seed, and marula oil (you can pick one and use it, or use a combination, it is up to you). A moisturizer with ceramides in it will help restore your skin barrier and help with water retention. Ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, honey, glycerin, and aloe restore moisture. Another tip is to use a hydrating toner after cleansing, this will help your skin absorb your moisturizer and facial oil better. Your skin care steps would be:
1. Wash with a gentle cleanser
2. Apply a hydrating toner containing hyaluronic acid
3. Apply a facial cream or moisturizer
4. Apply a facial oil
Let me know if you have any other questions 😀
Hi, What are the measurement of carriers oils? thank you
Hi Sheryl, the recipe calls for 2 ounces of carrier oil and 20 drops of essential oil. I hope that helps, let me know if you have any other questions!