Glowing skin. We all want it, don’t know much about how to really get it, and spend a butt load on expensive face serums, treatments, or worse, prescription medication to address acne (public enemy #1) and wrinkles (public enemy #2), as well as other skin “problems”.
What causes our skin to break out?
The main culprits include of breakouts include:
1. Diet
2. Hormones
3. Stress
4. Gut issues
5. Your beauty routine (makeup, facial creams, etc.)
My story
As clean as I eat, keeping my skin consistently clear has been a challenge. My biggest culprit: hormones. After going off of the pill many moons ago in the hopes of getting pregnant, my cycle has consistently been irregular, which I attributed early on to thyroid issues, over-exercise, and even being a tad underweight. It took just a few pounds in the right places to regulate my body enough to stimulate ovulation and conceive naturally for both my girls.
Of course, the irregularity played out on my face like a bad episode of Sabrina the Teenage Witch, with random breakouts whenever the wind blew.
Pregnancy #1 brought me the gift of amazing skin. I was literally glowing and blemishes were non-existent. Minus the incessant peeing, I wanted to be pregnant forever. It was glorious.
Pregnancy #2 however, was a different story.
Granted, I was living in a vastly different climate (Massachusetts vs. Sin City) and was pregnant in the cold and dry winter months, but I developed a horrific bout of eczema coupled with random breakouts around my mouth. It was like a goatee of misery. Of all places, right? I literally didn’t want to leave the house, and when I did, wearing a paper bag or one of these was so tempting.
I tried everything, and I mean everything. I did an elimination diet and detoxed with my Superwomen (with 100% real food – I’m not a total cray cray), and tried every cream and natural facial remedy under the sun, including my beloved coconut oil, and nada. I was a hot mess.
Then I did something radically different. I started lubing up my face with oil. Sounds counter-intuitive, right? Here’s the thing: it’s not.
Common Myths About Using Oil On Your Face
Myth #1: Oil will clog your pores and cause acne.
Nope. Oil, or “sebum” is naturally occurring in the skin, and the more stripping we do (to “prevent” acne) via chemicals and astringents, the more oil is produced, creating a vicious cycle of oily skin. Acne is caused when hair follicles become clogged with those oils and dead skin cells. However, (natural) oils applied to the face do not make it worse. In fact, this practice can help balance and improve acne-prone skin.
Myth #2: Oil will make your skin feel and look greasy.
Negative. Facial oils are light-weight and fast-absorbing. A little goes a long way (a few drops for your entire face).
Myth #3: Expensive creams are the best way to combat wrinkles and age spots.
Au contraire. Natural oils are rich in antioxidants vitamin C and E which fight free radicals and help reverse sun damage. As we age, our body’s natural oil production decreases. This can make wrinkles appear deeper and more defined. But topical oils help replenish what we’ve lost. Many also contain natural SPF of 4-6 (some even higher), making them a brilliant alternative to “day creams”. Can I get an amen?
I took it upon myself to concoct an oil blend that would combat my flaky, red eczema, my random breakouts, and give me a bit of anti-aging mojo. This was it.
The players and why they are so very awesome:
1. Grapeseed Oil
- Easily absorbed
- Hypoallergenic
- Rich in linoleic acid which helps to strengthen cell membranes and improve skin health
- Rich in antioxidants, which helps to combat clogged pores
- Natural astringent, which helps with skin tone and tightening
- Helps to combat dark circles under eyes
2. Borage Seed Oil
- Suppresses inflammation
- Restores moisture and smoothness on skin that is either chronically dry or has been environmentally damaged
3. Hazelnut Oil
- Easily absorbed
- Contains antibacterial properties that prevent the excessive secretion of skin oil that results in acne
- Rich in essential fatty acids which serve to rehydrate skin
- Natural astringent
- Rich source of Vitamin E, to combat free radical and signs of aging
- Natural sunscreen (approximately SPF 15)
4. Hemp Seed Oil
- Suppresses inflammation
- Rich in antioxidants
- Detoxifies and evens out skin tone
- Increases circulation
5. Frankincense Essential Oil
- Promotes regeneration of healthy cells and keeps the existing cells and tissues healthy
- Soothes fine lines around the eyes and cheeks
- Tones and tightens skin all over your body, while simultaneously replacing old or dying cells with new, healthy ones (yeah, pretty awesome stuff!)
6. Lavender Essential Oil
- It’s commonly referred to as the “Swiss Army Knife” of essential oils because it can DO IT ALL – including supporting vibrant skin
- It’s calming and soothing to the skin and nerves (in other words, it chills you out)
- Promotes healing and moisturizing of dry skin during the winter months
Note: Not all essential oils are created equal. This is the brand of essential oils that I use in my home above all others because they are pure, unadulterated, and manufactured for therapeutic use not just for smell. Quality matters, folks!
- 2 tbsp. grapeseed oil {buy here}
- 1 tbsp. borage seed oil {buy here}
- 1 tbsp. hazelnut oil {buy here}
- 1 tbsp. hemp seed oil {buy here}
- 5 drops of therapeutic-grade Frankincense essential oil {buy here}
- 5 drops of therapeutic-grade Lavender essential oil {buy here}
- Combine all oils and store in a dark, glass bottle {like this one } and store in a cool, dry place.
- Apply to face morning and night after washing and await your new found radiance.
What are your best anti-breakout remedies? I’d LOVE to hear! Please leave a comment.
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I am intrigued with this remedy and maintenance for our skin. Never too late from Grandma to slow down the hands of time! Where can I get the oils? Amazon ?
You bet, Grandma! Amazon has the oils!
Hi would u make the skin glowing face serum how much
Thank you for the great recipe. I love to use coconut oil on my face when I’m particularly dry and needing some nurturing. It feels and smells wonderful!
I too, LOVE coconut oil on my face (and everywhere else!). So rich and nourishing! :) Thanks for the comment!
Do you apply this after you wash your face, before you put on your makeup? Would this serve as the moisturizer?
Hi there! Great question, and yes. I use it like a moisturizer – apply after washing. I have also, however, used it as a cleanser as well – and then just followed up as a moisturizer (2 in 1!), but beware if you do this – it totally ruins your facecloths and towels. Lesson learned! Good luck and thanks for your readership! :)
I love oil on my skin. I ditched Mary Kay and the rest of the popular skin care lines for a simple daily regimen of organic coconut oil! My skin looks younger than ever! Like a baby! I am going to try adding your suggested oils to my regimen. T
Can you recommend a cost-effective, quality source online?
Deborah, YES! Coconut oil is THE BOMB! I use it too – all over! :) The best source of oils that I’ve found (at my price point) are Amazon. All of the links are embedded in the blog post for easy access. Enjoy and here’s to EVEN YOUNGER skin! :) Thanks for the comment!
Where can I find the recipe for coconut oil for my face?
Great question, and coconut oil is a standalone oil, not a ‘recipe’ – you can buy it here: http://bit.ly/1jqFxxU. Thanks for the comment! :)
I have been wanting to start the oil cleansing method. Most recipes I see use Coconut oil and Castor oil. I think I like this recipe better! thanks. I use coconut oil for everything too, so can’t wait to start this.
Thanks Marcia – I use this blend as a moisturizer, rather than for oil cleansing BUT you can totally use it for oil cleansing if you so desire. :) Thanks for the comment, my fellow coconut oil lover! :)
Hi want to try this….Amazon or Vitacost which site has better oil prices ?
Great question – it all depends on WHEN you buy it – the prices go up and down and are very comparable. I use both and just price check at the moment that I’m buying. Thanks for the comment! :)
This looks good although I personally use coconut or jojoba oil on my face and all over the rest of my body. I also use the coconut oil as a cleanser, it takes makeup of easily, has no nasty chemicals in it and has SPF 4. I notice the Hazelnut oil has a SPF 15 making it a great choice for the summer. Remember our skin is the largest organ in our bodies so why would you want to poison it with the nasty chemicals in expensive commercial products, which incidentally are designed to dry your skin out so you buy more. Keep it natural and simple…
Could NOT agree more Vanessa – keep it natural and simple! We often forget how vulnerable our skin is out the daily abuse it takes from the environment and junk we pour on it. Thanks for the comment! :)
this looks great! but i have an allergy to tree nuts. can you suggest a substitution for the hazlenut oil?
GREAT question – in place of hazelnut oil, you could opt for castor oil, argan oil, or rosehip seed oil – all have extracting/astringent properties that can help combat breakouts. Thanks for the comment! :)
You have beautiful skin, Kristen! Can’t wait to try this. Thanks for posting.
Awwwwww, Elizabeth – I could kiss you! ;) Thanks so much for the kind words and comment! <3
If you want beautiful acne free skin check out this skin regiment posted by Empowered Sustenance. I used to have horriblle breaks on my chin and I found this article and followed what it said to do and now my skin looks better then ever. I also started drinking 33 oz or more of water a day. http://empoweredsustenance.com/7-secrets-to-cure-acne-without-chemicals/
Hi Karen – great tips and yes, Lauren has a fantastic blog with amazing tips. I’m so glad you have found her remedy helpful – chin breakouts are the worst! That was my sweet spot too. Thanks for the comment! :)
I’ve been using raw honey for my AM and PM face wash…never going back to “normal” face wash!! I have organic Coconut Oil but I am still a bit leery about using it on my face.
Honey is a FANTASTIC cleanser! I’ve also been dying to try a DIY honey shampoo as well! So much cheaper than Clinique, huh!? Thanks for the tip and comment! :)
Hi Kristen, I use arganoil for my skin. It works wonders as well…..
YES! That’s another fantastic oil – there are really so many! :) Thanks for the comment!
Quick question for you….I use coconut oil on my face everyday. Would I use this along with my coconut oil or in place of? If using it with does it matter which one is applied first?
I am really excited to try this recipe :)
Hi Kathryn! I TOO, love coconut oil! :) I’d use it in place of or in combination with the coconut oil – perhaps rotate using each one (am use coco oil, pm use this blend). Play around with it and see what works best for your skin. Thanks for the comment! :)
Hello Kristen,
Will this oil combination help exema? Or do you have any other iol combination that help bring it under control? Would love to know.
Great question, and I founds this blend to be extremely helpful with my pregnancy/hormone-induced eczema. The hemp seed and borage seed oils are anti-inflammatory. But, if you haven’t already, I’d also suggest digging deeper into your diet – many times eczema is triggered by diet – certain things that your body is sensitive to, and figuring those things out and eliminating them makes a world of difference. Good luck to you and thanks for the comment! :)
I’m going to have to try this recipe. I currently use extra virgin olive oil, sweet almond, a tiny bit of castor oil, and lavender essential oil. I LOVE IT!!
That sounds like a great recipe as well, Tammy! Thanks for the comment! :)
Kristen
Do you have any training/education
To back this up? I too have been playing
Different oil blends in the past year, but I
Have no education (just from what I have read
On the internet & trial & error)
I love coconut oil. But this year, for the first
Time, my hands are VERY DRY. & I don’t
Know why?!? Even using coconut oil
& lavendar essential oil is NOT working…
I am baffled (& a little concerned)
Hi Tara – this is based on my personal experience and research – I’m not a skin care expert, but an RN, health & wellness coach, and certified fitness nutrition professional. I find that coconut oil is not the best moisturizer in the winter months – and my hands become like sand paper as well, now especially with all the washing/diaper changing (drives me nuts!). You might consider something that incorporates a thicker consistency – something that uses shea butter as a base for your hands. Also, being adequately hydrated and incorporating plenty of healthy fats in your diet. There are LOTS of DIY body butter recipes out there. Here’s a good one from my fellow mama Kelley over at The Darling Bakers: http://healthylivinghowto.com/1/post/2013/11/how-to-make-healthy-body-butter.html. Thanks for the comment and best of luck! :)
Spearmint tea is good for adult acne, and suppresses the male hormone androgen in women who are prone to have too much hair on the face and acne around the jaw line and chin. Women around the age of 40 tend to get out of balance. Three cups a day for 5 days is the remedy suggested at earth clinic.
I use to buy the little oil capsules from Elizabeth Arden, paying a pretty hefty fee even back in the 80s (I’m 63). The capsules turned out to be grape seed oil! The instruction were to break the capsule with a pin to squeeze the oil out over a clean face. I thought it was the most amazing oil at the time, and I still use it. I put a little grape seed oil in most of my soap products. At 63 I really don’t have any wrinkles.
Great tip to use spearmint oil, Patricia – thank you! And amazing – grapeseed oil – it’s truly an anti-aging secret! Clearly Elizabeth Arden is in on it! ;) Thanks for the comment!
Can I buy this anywhere pre mixed and ready to use?
I hear ya! I’m an easy button person too! ;) Unfortunately, it’s my personal concoction, BUT the oil listed in the post are linked to where to buy each oil – and making it is super easy. I just made another batch yesterday in 3 minutes flat. Thanks for your readership and the comment! :)
I have skin that has been problem skin for some time. I discovered it was due to “gut issues”, laid off the gluten, started eating better and it has made a HUGE difference! It’s still an ongoing battle but I think I’m winning! I am obsessed with Retin A and use it every night. In the morning I was my face using the Oil Cleansing Method. I use a mix of Castor Oil, Sweet Almond oil, Argan Oil, Tamanu Oil and Tea Tree Oil. I have found that the secret to this method is to use it on a semi dry face. I will wash my face with hot water to get the Retin A off, wash the sleep off and open my pores and then pat dry before washing with oil. About 3-4 times a week, and always in the morning before my OCM wash, I apply a face mask using half organic clay, half activated charcoal mixed, a couple drops of tea tree oil all mixed with aloe vera juice OR rose hydrosol.
It’s a lot, but very successful in my opinion. My skin stepped back in time!
Gut issues – totally! The gut is truly ground zero for our entire system. So glad you figured out the root of the issue. And great tip regarding OCM – using a semi dry face. I’ve tried it in the past too – with great success, except my face clothes get trashed – lol! :) Thanks for the comment and tips! :)
Anti-breakout remedy? Young Living essential oil frankincense, and Thieves. Fabulous. Took care of breakout overnight! That was a surprise, but a wonderful one. Diluted with grapeseed oil.
Ooooh! I like that combo! I’m a big fan of Thieves – hadn’t thought to use it for breakouts – totally giving it a try! Thanks for the comment! :)
Are you using the coconut spread?
So happy to have found this – I have recently decided to make my own face cleansing products! So I am ordering the oils and can’t wait for them to come in….I’m 37 and still suffer from occasional acne! UGH! Do you have a face wash recipe? I read in the comments about honey….how does that work? Wet your face and apply the honey? Is it hard to get off? As I’m getting away from commercial products do you suggest a toner and do you have a recipe? Thanks a million! Love reading all the comments!
Hi Erin! So glad to hear it! You can also use the oil blend as a facial cleanser, using the oil cleansing method – it’s very versatile. Just go a quick Google search for ‘how to oil cleanse’ and you’ll get a full tutorial! :) As far as other products, I’m a BIG fan of DIY beauty products – made with all natural ingredients. So much cheaper and way more effective. A fellow blogger friend of mine, who’s also an herbalist, has written an e-book on this very topic (and it’s CHOCK FULL of amazing tips and recipes for facial cleansers, masks, nutrition, and everything in between). It’s a fantastic resource and I’ve found the recipes so easy to make and effective!
Check it out here: http://bit.ly/1bjFcFH.
I hope you find it useful! Thanks for the comment! :)
I haven’t used any of the oils in your recipe but it sounds like it would be worth a shot to add it to mine and make some for my teen daughter who has a huge problem with black heads and breakouts. I switched to a mix of half coconut oil, half olive oil and a bit of vitamin E oil about a year ago and it works awesome! I also use it all over after I get out of the shower. It absorbs very well right after a shower. On my face I use it right after laying a hot towel on my face to open the pores.
Great tip, Tammy! Thank you! :)
i have slowly been making the switch since my triplets were born to the all natural approach to healthy living. i dove right in with using coconut oil as a moisturizer at night. my only question is when i used it right before my powdered base make up it seemed to grease up my brushes and cause the make up to look flakey or clumpy. im excited to try this recipe!! any advice??
AWESOME! Hope you love it as much as I do! :) As far as your question – I’d apply the oil and let it absorb for a bit before applying anything (makeup, etc.). That should help! :) Thanks for the comment!
This formula sounds great! Would this formula still be effective for dry sensitive skin as well?
Yes, absolutely! Enjoy and thanks for the comment! :)
Just found this site…. SCORE! I used to have horrible skin, somewhat akin to what you describe as a bad episode of Sabrina the teenage witch. I tried everything, Mary kay…(made it worse) Store bought cleansers, even used the clarisonic brush, nothing helped. I started using African black soap, a Korean exfoliation mit, and a homemade facial cream made from castor oil, coconut oil, argan oil, olive oil, a couple times a week a mask of honey and lemon juice and daily positive affirmations of self love and respect (learned that from Louise Hay). In the last 30 days my skin has improved 95%, I can tell when I am mad at myself or not loving myself, as my skin breaks out immediately, but when I realize it and allow myself to love myself it gets better immediately as well. So that is my skin care secret.
Woot! Welcome, Megan! Thanks for your readership and comment! Wow, what an epiphany about how your skin reacts to emotions – that’s CRAZY but totally dead on and what a great tip! And best of all, FREE! No purchase required. :) Love that! Happy New Year to you!
I found this website via a pin on pinterest. I’m always interested in new skin care regimes. My skin since I have been little has been extremely dry. My legs look like alligator skin, cracked and dry and no amount of moisturizer even touches it. My face and arms are not that bad but almost nothing seems to moisturize them still. I have used coconut oil and its just not as miraculous for me as it seems to be for other people. I want to give this oil a try though. I have recently been getting some eczema on my face now and would like to keep that at bay. And you would think as dry as my skin is I wouldn’t have acne, but I do. If you have any other moisturizers that are more of a creamy base can you pass that along?
Hi Tiffany! Thanks for your comment and that super dry skin must be very uncomfortable for you – I’m so very sorry to hear that! Besides the oil (I find this blend is very moisturizing – way more than coconut oil is for me), you might consider shea butter? It’s super heavy and can be a tad greasy, but if nothing else touches your dryness, it might be good for your skin type. Thanks again for the comment – all the best! :)
Hi Kristen,
Can we use this oil as face cream in the morning before wearing make up?
Thank you,
Maya
Hi Maya! Yes, in fact – that’s how I use it, in place of cream. I just apply it after washing my face and carry on my merry way. I’d wait a little bit (maybe 3-5 min) to allow the oil to absorb to avoid icking up your makeup brushes. Thanks for the comment! :)
Very tempted to try to out this moisturizer. I already use the oil cleansing method to wash my face (jojoba/castor/tea tree, and as a long-time acne sufferer, it’s thankfully balanced my skin, but I still get break outs) and coconut oil to moisturize. How much different is this blend compared to coconut oil as a moisturizer?
Hi Allison – thanks for the comment and your readership! :) I actually use BOTH this and coconut oil (not at the same time), but rotate the two. I find this is a great blend in the winter months when it’s super dry – it’s very moisturizing, and I find that the coconut oil absorbs faster (better in the summer). Hope you enjoy it as much as I do! :)
Could I use avocado oil instead of hemp seed oil?
Does it include around the eye area & the neck area? Will it caused milea seeds to form?
Hey Jenni, I really loved this entry! I’m definitely making this together with my squalene supplement so that my skin is nourished inside out. More DIY please ?
Hi Kristen Boucher,
The moisturize of your skin can be remove ,If you can use hemp oil after the concerning of a skin care doctor to solve this kind of skin problem and understand the procedure of applying oil on the body , you must also remember all the tips and tricks which is helpful to eliminate the germs of moisturize on the skin ,don’t move in the light of sun because the rays of sun damaged the layers of a skin and also the heat of sun increase the germs of moisturize on your skin ,So avoid to working in the light of sun and take care care of skin .
Thanks .
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Thank you so much for this article. Actually, this article is so attractive for all. Face moisturizer are most important for face skin softer, smoother and hydrate everybody. I think this article is better than another article.
Hi Kristen,
I have been using this blend for about 2 months and I absolutely love it!! I do have a question…This recipe has been great until the last couple weeks. I am assuming because of the cold weather here in michigan. My face has become extremely dry. Is there anything I can add to or change in this recipe to give it a little more moisturizing power?
Thank you,
Lisa
Hi Lisa! Thanks for your comment and so glad you’re loving the blend as much as I am! :) I’m surprised that you’re experiencing drying with this – I find it to be very moisturizing (I’m in the Northeast – brrrr!). You might try a ‘layer’ of coconut oil first, give it a few min (let that absorb) and then try the blend on top of that? I find that coconut oil is not the best in the super cold and dry months ALONE but combined, it’s great. Hope that helps and let the countdown to spring begin! Let’s hope that Groundhog doesn’t see his shadow! :) Thanks again for your comment and readership!