We all have the same agenda, whether we realize it or not: to age gracefully. That’s why we all have those three essentials skincare products: cleanser, toner, moisturizer. Most recently, face serums have become a staple in many skincare routines. Face serums can target a number of conditions, from acne scars, to wrinkles and fine lines. They hydrate the skin, but penetrate deeper than moisturizers. Since they come with so many benefits, why wouldn’t we add them to our routines?
Because they’re expensive.
At Sephora, a skin serum to correct pigmentation can cost $40 – and that’s on the cheaper side. Let’s not forget that some come with a high price tag and unsafe preservatives. We recently spoke to aesthetician Brittany Del Toro about the quality of medical grade products, and why we should purchase them over drugstore products. However, medical grade costs even more than high-end products.
So what’s a girl (or guy) to do? The answer is simple: DIY face serums with the use of carrier and essential oils. If you don’t know which oils are best for your skin type, we’ll break a few of them down for you here. Just remember, the oils listed don’t even touch the tip of the iceberg. You have many others to choose from, but we find these to be the most popular and commonly available. As you will see, certain carrier oils work for all skin types.
Dry Skin
Carrier Oils:
- Wheatgerm Oil
- Almond oil
- Avocado Oil
- Jojoba Oil
- Evening Primrose Oil
Essential Oils:
- Rose Oil
- Palmarosa Oil
- Yland Ylang Oil
- Rosemary Oil
- Tea Tree Oil
Combination Skin
Carrier Oils:
- Grape Seed Oil
- Jojoba Oil
- Avocado Oil
- Hemp Seed Oil
- Olive Oil
Essential Oils:
- Bergamot Oil
- Palmarosa Oil
- Rosemary Oil
- Chamomile
- Geranium
Oily Skin
Carrier Oils:
- Neem Oil
- Jojoba Oil
- Grape Seed Oil
- Hemp Seed Oil
- Safflower Oil
Essential Oils:
- Lemon Oil
- Orange Oil
- Bergamot Oil
- Geranium Oil
- Cypress Oil
Sensitive Skin
Carrier Oils:
- Avocado Oil
- Grape Seed Oil
- Baobab Oil
- Jojoba Oil
- Kukui Nut Oil
Essential Oils:
- Frankincense Oil
- Geranium Oil
- Chamomile
- Palmarosa Oil
- Lavender Oil
Mature Skin
Carrier Oils:
- Avocado Oil
- Hemp Seed Oil
- Sweet Almond Oil
- Jojoba Oil
- Olive Oil
Essential Oils:
- Ylang-Ylang Oil
- Cypress Oil
- Patchouli Oil
- Lavender Oil
- Frankincense oil
Ratio for Your DIY Face Serum
The most common ratio that I have seen is 20 drops of essential oil for two tablespoons of carrier oil. Essential oils work best when mixed together, but you should have one carrier oil as your base. Preferably the carrier oil that works best (out of the best) for your skin type. Pour them into an amber glass bottle with a dropper so they last longer, and are applied easily.
Now that you know which carrier oils and essential oils work best for you, get to mixing. I recommend buying your essential oils in bulk as it may reduce the price – they can get a bit pricey.
Try them out, and swap what doesn’t work for what does. It takes a little time to discover which oils (even from the best for your skin type) will allow your skin to flourish and shine. But with effort, you’ll get there.
