Essential Oils for Glowing Face: What’s in a Formula?

The seasons are changing and, for those of us entering the colder climates, this is a time to assess the best products for our particular skin. Essential oils offer a variety of topical applications to meet your needs.

The first consideration is the source. Make sure anything you put on your skin is organic and sourced from a reputable distributor. I personally stay away from those oils manufactured by large corporate entities where the goal is profit over purity.

Oils, Creams, Serums

What type of product is best for your skin? It depends, though face serums, because of the concentration of their active ingredients, are thought to be very effective in targeting specific concerns.

Dermatologist Dr. Janet Prystowsky explains, “The concentrations in serums are meant to penetrate the skin faster and easier than creams because they’re not diluted with moisturizer.”

I am one of those people who really like to dig in and understand the science of creating basic recipes. I make my own ghee, ricotta cheese, pesto, etc. just for the fun of it. That’s just me!

In that same manner, I have researched, experimented, and tested a variety of essential oils for my own use. I am aging, so after years of trying many products, here is what I have found to work best for my normal, aging, sometimes dry, wrinkled at the edges skin.

Please be aware that a small percentage of people may be reactive to various essential oils so always test a small area before a full application. I like to combine oils and use a solid carrier oil, such as Grapeseed, to deliver small, diluted amounts to my skin.

Grapeseed Oil

Organic grapeseed oil, processed from the seeds of grapes, is great for cooking. It is also a fantastic base for facial products as it makes the skin softer, more elastic, and evens out the skin tone.

Additionally, grapeseed oil contains a powerful antioxidant ingredient called proanthocyanidin and helps to protect your skin from absorbing the full damage of UV rays. You can use this alone or as a base for your own ‘formula’, as I do.

Vitamin E

Organic Vitamin E protects your skin from free radicals that form because of environmental factors such as pollution and unprotected sun exposure. Vitamin E is a moisturizer and healing agent. “Basically, it’s an all-around ‘workhorse of a vitamin’,” as board-certified dermatologist Ava Shamban calls it.

“Vitamin E is also a natural anti-inflammatory, so it can be soothing and help calm the skin,” she says. “It’s also good for hydrating skin, and serves as a moderately effective natural barrier to the sun.”

Lavender Oil

Organic lavender oil naturally reduces inflammation, kills bacteria, detoxifies, and cleanses the skin. It is another effective source of antioxidants. Lavender can soothe inflamed skin by reducing redness, swelling, and itching. And a dose or two of lavender oil is known as a soothing and calming aroma.

Frankincense Oil

Organic frankincense oil can minimize the appearance of wrinkles and skin imperfections such as discoloration as it stimulates the growth of new cells. It evens out the skin tone and reduces the appearance of age spots.

Helichrysum Oil

Organic helichrysum oil is not well-known. However, it’s a very effective anti-microbial and antibiotic skin formula ingredient. Helichrysum oil is treasured for its fantastic regenerative and protective benefits as well as its anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties.

Rose Oil

Organic Rose Oil is an anti-inflammatory agent and tissue regenerator. It not only moisturizes, it’s “often referred to as ‘liquid gold’ or the ‘queen of all oils’. This oil is great for use on all skin types, including sensitive skin. Rich in gifts from mother nature, Rose Oil helps promote beautiful, radiant skin.”

These are the organic essential oils that I have formulated into my own GYG Organic Facial Serum and see the best results on my own skin. I have normal, slightly olive, and acne-free skin. I highly recommend that you select a few oils that have the properties that best suit your own skin qualities.

There are benefits and side effects to all essential oils, however, so doing your own homework is essential.

Other Essential Oils

Other Essential Oilsthat might be just right for you include:

• Argan
• Cedarwood
• Vetiver
• Neroli
• Geranium
• Marula
• Grapefruit
• Peppermint
• Copaiba Oleoresin
• Tea Tree
• Roman Chamomile
• Ylang Ylang
• Organic Palmarosa
• Lemongrass

Morning and Night

I use my GYG Organic Facial Serum in the morning, after I splash my face with cold water, then I apply sunscreen on top. At night, after I cleanse, I apply another small dose of the same serum, always incorporating facial acupressure for best results.

Let’s Have a Conversation:

Do you use facial serums? Have you created your own formula, or do you purchase a ready-made one? Which essential oils work best on your skin? Which ones do not agree with you? Please share your observations and experiences below.