We are all stuck at home (except those of us who are deemed essential workers - to whom I would like to say THANK YOU!) and this is the perfect time for some much needed self care. Here are some of my favorite DIY recipes for an at-home facial!

CLEANSERS:

The first step to any facial is cleansing away dirt, makeup and oils. These recipes are suited for dry or oily skin. If your skin is well balanced you can use the scrub recipe (minus cornmeal) for a soothing, gently exfoliating cleanser.

Dry Skin

8 drops Sandalwood

4 drops rosemary

2 oz aloe vera

1 tsp glycerin

1 tsp jojoba oil

Blend ingredients and cleanse! Shake well before each use.

Oily Skin

1 tsp vinegar

1 tsp glycerin 15 drops Lemon (steam distilled)

2 drops cypress

2 drops grapefruit (optional)

2 oz witch hazel

Blend ingredients and cleanse! Shake well before each use.

FACIAL SCRUB:

Gently buff away dead skin and clear pores with this gentle facial scrub.

4 tbsp oatmeal

1 tbsp cornmeal (optional for a little more scrubbing action)

Water

1 drop essential oil of your choice (see list below)

Grind oats and cornmeal in a coffee grinder or blender. Store powder in a sealed container, when ready to use combine with enough water to make a paste and 1 drop essential oil of your choice apply to damp face. Gently scrub and rinse off with warm water.

Facial Steam:

Steaming your face opens up the pores, moisturizes your skin and increases circulation leaving you looking youthful and vibrant.

3 drops Lavender

2 drops Rosemary

3 drops Geranium

5 cups water

Bring water to a boil, remove from heat and add essential oils. Hold your face over approx. one foot above the pan, and place a towel over the back of your head, tucking in the sides to make a mini sauna for your face. Keep your eyes closed so they do not get irritated and take breaks from the steam as needed. Steam for 5-10 mins at most, less if you have sensitive skin.

Face mask:

Another type of exfoliation, face masks remove dead skin from the skins surface while moisturizing and remineralizing.

1 tbsp ground oats or clay powder

1 tsp honey, warmed slightly

2-3 tsp aloe vera juice

1 drop Lavender

Mix oats or clay with honey and aloe to form a thin paste (slowly add aloe as needed for correct consistency). Apply to face in an even layer, avoid the sensitive area around the eyes and the mouth. Leave on up to 30 mins or as long as comfortable (don’t allow to fully dry or pull to where it becomes irritating.) Wash the mask off with warm water and pat your face dry.

Facial Toner:

Toners help to balance and add moisture for both oily and dry skin. For dry skin aloe can help heal damaged skin cells and boost moisture, for oily skin a toner can help balance oil production and balance pH.

Dry Skin

6 drops Geranium

4 drops Sandalwood

1 drop Chamomile

1 drop Jasmine (optional)

2 drops vitamin E oil

2 oz. Aloe vera gel

2 oz. Neroli water

1 tsp Vinegar

Combine ingredients, shake well before each use.

Oily Skin

5 drops Cedarwood

2 drops Lemon (steam distilled)

1 drop Ylang-ylang (optional- it has a very sweet smell)

1 tbsp aloe vera

2 oz witch hazel

Combine ingredients, shake well before each use.

Essential oils for all skin types: Cedarwood, Jasmine, Chamomile, Rose, Geranium, Lavender

Essential oils for oily skin: Basil, Lemongrass, Sage, Ylang-Ylang, Myrtle, Tea tree

Essential oils for dry skin: Carrot Seed, Frankincense, Vetiver, Lemon Verbena

Essential oils for problem skin: Carrot, Eucalyptus, Juniper, Lemon, Rosemary, Tea Tree, Neroli