e3’s DIY Recipes: Best Essential Oils for Skin Care

By Joni Keim

As a licensed aesthetician, when I had a skin care practice in Sonoma County, CA, I took a holistic, natural approach to skin care. The very best natural products and techniques were used to not only nurture and rejuvenate the complexion but also to uplift and transform the spirit. The use of essential oils was integral from start to finish. So I wanted to share with you some of my favorite essential oils for skin care recipes so you can be kind to your skin.

Below you will find DIY skincare recipes for a foot bath and a body oil. But I want to focus primarily on facial compresses, which were one of the things my clients enjoyed the most. Why are they so wonderful? Simply put, they are good for you—physically and psychologically. Your skin benefits from being hydrated, cleansed, and treated with the properties of the essential oils. The warmth of the water stimulates circulation and supports glandular function. (All of these actions help to keep your skin vital and youthful.) Your psyche is transported, comforted, and renewed. The experience is rejuvenating on all levels and will have you feeling good. Feeling good is good. We like that. We need that.

Follow these steps in the evening. Compresses made with these recommended essential oils for skin care can stand alone as a skin care treatment, or they can be used as pre-cleanse steps in your bedtime skincare routine.

Aromatherapy Facial Compresses

1. Thoroughly rinse a clean washcloth to remove any detergent residue.

2. Fill the basin with cool, tepid, or warm water depending on your skin type. Avoid using water that is too cold or too hot. (Normal: tepid to warm. Oily: tepid. Dry: warm. Combination: warm. Sensitive: tepid to warm. Blemished: cool to tepid. Mature: warm.)

3. Choose essential oils for skin care that suit your skin type. The following are suggestions. This is not a comprehensive list and there are others that can be used as long as they are skin-compatible. Put one or two drops in the basin of warm water and agitate the water to mix well.

Normal: Lavender, Geranium, Ylang Ylang, Orange
Oily: Lavender, Geranium, Orange
Dry: Sandalwood, Geranium, Rose, Ylang Ylang
Combination: Lavender, Geranium, Ylang Ylang, Orange
Sensitive: German Chamomile, Rose
Blemished: Lavender, Geranium, Tea Tree, German Chamomile (esp. if inflamed)
Mature: Neroli, Lavender, Frankincense, Rose, Sandalwood

4. Lean over the basin, dip the washcloth in the water, wring slightly, and hold the washcloth to your face for a few moments. Keep your eyes closed. Breathe in the aroma.

5. Repeat the dipping and applying process for at least five times. Of course, you can do as many as you like.

6. At this point, you can continue with the rest of your skincare routine. For many, simply patting dry and applying a moisturizer completes the process.

Aromatherapy Foot Baths to Soothe and Soften Dry Skin

Fill up a tub with warm water and add about three or four tablespoons of instant oatmeal.

Add a few drops of essential oils for skin care such as Lavender or Rose for conditioning benefits.

Place the tub in a comfortable area and soak your feet for about 30 minutes.

Pat your feet dry and gently massage your feet with an all-natural moisturizer, paying special attention to your heels.

Treat your feet to a foot bath about twice a week for best results.

Aromatherapy Body Oil

A body oil is designed to nurture your skin by protecting, rejuvenating, and conditioning. Your combination may vary, but here is my basic formula for combining essential oils for skin care and carrier oils:

½ cup of fractionated coconut oil (FCO)
2 tablespoons of jojoba
1 tablespoon of avocado oil
12 drops of essential oil (Such as Lavender, Geranium, Rose, Neroli or German Chamomile.)

If you’re looking for additional ways to use essential oils for skin care, plus more natural skin care recipes, you can order a copy of my book, “Natural Skin Care: Alternative & Traditional Techniques.” And visit us on Facebook to let us know which skincare essential oils are your favorites, we love hearing from you!