As a tried and true do-it-yourselfer, I am always looking for exceptional skin care treatments that provide excellent results, are inexpensive, and simple enough to do at home.
When my company, Herbs of Grace, was manufacturing skin care products, I spent years researching and developing various facial creams, lotions, elixirs and serums, that provided great results and customer satisfaction. But the treatment that stands out ahead of all the rest, as far as quality of results and simplicity, is The Oil Cleansing Method. It’s fast. It’s easy. And, it makes my skin glow! As a busy work at home Mom of 3 children (2 of whom homeschool) the Oil Cleansing Method fits the bill!
Here is a brief outline of the oil cleansing process:
- Wet a washcloth with hot water, wring it out and lay it over your face for a minute or two.
- Freshen your cloth with hot water, repeat and then gently massage your face with the cloth to loosen any dirt and makeup.
- Warm a teaspoon or two of oil in the palms of your hands and thoroughly massage your face and neck, taking care to be extra gentle with the delicate skin around the eyes.
- Wet your washcloth again with hot water, wring out and lay over your face.
- Gently wipe away any dirt and makeup that the oil has loosened from your skin.
- Leave the remaining oils on your face to soak in and moisturize.
There are many variations to this routine. For example, you can repeat the procedure if you find that not enough oil is remaining on your skin to feel fully moisturized. Alternatively, if you find there is too much oil remaining on your face, you can wet your washcloth again and massage your face until more of the oil has been removed.
The true brilliance of this method, though, is that you can completely customize the oils you choose, to accommodate your particular skin type and issues – and, you can change it up to suit your mood, whenever you like!
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There are many ways to make an oil recipe that is attuned to the unique needs of your skin. Whether you have dry skin, acne, combination or oily skin, the Oil Cleansing Method can benefit you.
There are dozens of oils you could potentially select to include in your own personalized recipe for oil cleansing. I have put together brief descriptions of many of the most popular oils and their benefits.
| Apricot Kernel Oil | This oil can be used for up to 100% of your blend and is very softening to the delicate skin around the eyes and neck, as well as for those with sensitive or prematurely aging skin. |
| Avocado Oil (unrefined) | A rich, nutrient-dense oil containing vitamins A, B1, B2, D and E, avocado oil also contains amino acids, lecithin and other essential fatty acids. It can be used for up to 100% of your blend and is especially suited to very dry or sensitive skin. |
| Argan Oil | This luxurious oil is rich in Vitamin E and A, is deeply hydrating and can be used to reduce stretch marks. |
| Borage Seed Oil | Rich in GLA’s (gamma-linolenic acid), borage can be used for up to 10% of your blend and is beneficial for mature and aging skin. |
| Black Currant Seed Oil | Also rich in GLA’s, black currant seed is another oil with benefits for dry or mature skin and can be used for up to 10% of your blend. |
| Camellia Oil | Used extensively in Asia in skin restructuring beauty aids, camellia oil can be used for up to 20% of your blend. |
| Castor Oil | A thick, rich oil with drawing properties, castor oil has been used throughout the years in medical treatments as well as skin care. It can provide a protective barrier between your skin and the harsh environment. It can be used for up to 50% of your blend. |
| Fractionated Coconut Oil | Liquid at room temperatures, unlike other coconut oils, fractionated coconut oil has a very long shelf life and is easily absorbed into the skin. Coconut oil is mild and suitable for those with inflamed or sensitive skin. It can be used for up to 100% of your blend, but I feel it is best to use in combination with other oils. |
| Evening Primrose Oil | Another nutrient-dense oil containing high amounts of GLA’s, evening primrose is also excellent for cell regeneration, repairing mature and damaged skin and can be used for up to 10% of your blend. |
| Grapeseed Oil | A light oil useful for oily skin, as well as those with skin sensitivities, grapeseed oil is often solvent-extracted, so you’ll need to check labels carefully for this oil. It is high in antioxidants, so it may aid in preventing cellular damage. It can be used for up to 50% of your blend. |
| Hazelnut Oil | Useful for any skin type due to its skin penetrating qualities, hazelnut contains vitamin E and can be used for up to 100% of your blend. It is especially suited to oily skin because of its astringent properties. |
| Hemp Seed Oil | A very nutrient dense oil from an extremely useful plant, hemp oil contains high levels of essential omega fatty acids and protein and is especially beneficial for dry skin. It also absorbs quickly and can be used for up to 15% of your blend. |
| Jojoba | Having an extremely long shelf life, jojoba is very useful for all skin types. It is closest in chemical structure to the skin’s own sebum, so it is very easily assimilated into the skin. It can be used for up to 50% of your blend. |
| Kukui Nut Oil | High in essential fatty acids, this oil is wonderful for sensitive, damaged, dry or wrinkled skin. It can be used for up to 10% of your blend and is readily absorbed by the skin. |
| Macadamia Nut Oil | Another oil similar to the sebum produced by human skin, macadamia nut oil absorbs very well into the skin and can be used for up to 20% of your blend. It is especially useful for healing scars and irritations. |
| Olive Oil | The first pressing, or “Extra Virgin”, is more nutrient dense than subsequent pressings and so is the best choice for skin care. Olive is very conditioning and suitable for all skin types. It can be used for up to 100% of your blend. |
| Peanut Oil | Excellent for oily skin, peanut oil is a very light oil, but penetrates deeply. |
| Rose Hip Seed Oil | Another regenerative oil high in GLA’s and Vitamin C, Rose Hip Seed oil is an excellent choice for dry skin and scar healing. Can be used for up to 10% of your blend. |
| Sesame Seed Oil | This oil has anti-inflammatory benefits, rich in vitamins A and E and can be used for up to 25% of your blend. |
| Sunflower Seed Oil | Rich in vitamins A, D and E, this oil is very light but can provide extra protection in the winter months. Can be used for up to 100% of your blend. |
| Sweet Almond Oil | A very emollient, soothing oil, sweet almond oil is light but also penetrating and rich in fatty acids . It can be used for all skin types and for up to 100% of your blend. |
| Tamanu or Foraha Oil | This is a rich, thick oil with the documented ability to heal damaged skin, scars and stretch marks, that can be used for up to 25% of your blend. |
| Wheat Germ Oil: | This oil is rich in protein, squalene and vitamins, A,D and E. It can be used for up to 5% of your blend. |
Once you have selected your carrier, or base, oils, you have the option of adding other ingredients, such as essential oils, to your blend.
Using the information below on a few of my favorite essential oils, you can create a combination that is tailor made for your unique skin type.
| Chamomile | Anti-inflammatory and anti-septic, chamomile is great for eczema, psoriasis and acne, as well as just plain sensitive skin. |
| Clary Sage | Astringent and anti-bacterial, this anti-septic oil can be very useful for those with acne. |
| Eucalyptus | Great for acne and skin infections, eucalyptus is anti-inflammatory and very anti-microbial. |
| Frankincense | This oil is anti-inflammatory and astringent and great for eczema and skin wounds |
| Geranium | Astringent and anti-septic, Geranium is very balancing and healing to the skin. |
| Helichrysum | Demonstrated to heal scar tissue and skin regeneration, it is essential in a treatment for acne prone or maturing skin. |
| Lavender | This oil is toning and healing. It’s analgesic and antiseptic qualities make it perfect for sunburn, rashes and acne. |
| Melissa | Anti-inflammatory and highly anti-viral, this oil is perfect for problem skin, eczema and herpes infections. |
| Patchouli | Excellent for chapped or oily skin, as well as mature skin, Patchouli is anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial. |
| Rose | Known as the Queen of Flowers, Rose is the eternal woman’s oil. It is perfect for sensitive and maturing skin as well as those with eczema and rosacea. |
| Tea Tree | Great for acne and cold sores, Tea Tree is anti-microbial and analgesic. |
| Ylang Ylang | This oil is excellent for maturing skin as well as problem skin. It is anti-septic and anti-inflammatory. |
I have played around with my own recipes for oils to use in my Oil Cleansing routine, but there is one I keep coming back to again and again. I have chosen the oils in my recipe to match the needs of my individual skin type. My skin has a tendency to be oily, but is often drier around the mouth. I also used to be prone to having a few small breakouts now and then. However, since beginning this treatment routine many years ago, my skin has been soft, smooth and clear.
Here is my favorite Oil Cleansing Recipe:
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- 1 part organic olive oil
- 1 part organic jojoba oil
- 1 part organic castor oil
- ¼ part organic avocado oil
- ¼ part organic argan oil
- a few drops of rose otto essential oil
- a few drops of carrot seed oil
- a few drops of helichrysum essential oil
- a few drops Ylang Ylang essential oil
Have you used the Oil Cleansing Method? How did you like it? What is your favorite recipe?
Elle Lawrence says
Searched for a home made coconut oil? Based skin care cream to make to nourish delicate face skin and also a body cream to make. Couldn’t find???
Can you direct me????
Loved your presentation today on the webinar Back to Basics Living with Jennifer. So hoping you’d share a home made healthy face cream or lotion.
Great work. Elle. ☺️☺️😊😊
Jennifer says
Hi Elle! I do not have one on my site currently…only in the eBook I discussed. Shoot me an email here and we can discuss further if you would like. https://hybridrastamama.com/contact-me/