DIY Cleansing Oil & Nourishing Facial Serum

My skin does not like the winter. Not that I can blame it, of course. The cold, dry air outside, and the forced heater air inside is enough to make anyone feel a little blah.

One particularly rough winter about 6 years ago, I had had enough, and decided to go for a drastic change. I stopped using face wash. Instead, I tried a combination of oils to gently cleanse and remove makeup. Then I put a bit more oil on my face to moisturize.

And my skin had never looked or felt better.

I’m not one of those lucky people blessed with perfect skin. Although I’ve never had major problems, there were always little issues with dry, scaly patches, little bumps, and a dull overall look. And then there were those underground volcanos that would show up at the most inopportune times. Plus, my skin is sensitive, and would get red or blotchy with certain products. But all that changed when I started cleansing and moisturizing with oil.

If you’ve never tried it, you may be a little skeptical. I definitely was. I thought I would turn into one big breakout. So I started learning about the Oil Cleanse Method. I read everything I could get my hands on. Researched the best types of oils for different skin types. And experimented a ton.

And I came up with an fantastic formula for a cleansing oil and a nourishing serum.

I have used this for six years. In hot and humid climates like Hawaii and also in the driest of the dry climates like the middle of winter in Austria. I have used it while pregnant and also while nursing. It works. And every time I have stopped using it for one reason or another, my skin looks dull and lifeless.

I love how this makes my skin look and feel. But the best part about these oils is that they are completely natural. No preservatives, no chemicals. And eliminating chemicals from your skin care routine is always a good thing.

To make your own Cleansing Oil

Ingredients:

• 1 part Castor Oil
• 1 part Avocado Oil*
• 2 parts Miracle Healing Oil

Directions:

1. Start with a 1 or 2 ounce amber glass bottle. Sterilize it by boiling it in water for 5 minutes, then let it dry completely. If any water remains, it will introduce bacteria to your oils and spoil them, so make sure the bottle is completely dry.
2. Fill the bottle halfway with Miracle Healing Oil, which is extra virgin olive oil infused with herbs and botanicals to give it extra healing and cleansing properties. If you prefer not to infuse the oil, plain extra virgin olive oil will work.
3. Add castor oil until the bottle is 3/4 full.
4. Fill the rest of the way with avocado oil. (Or another oil better suited to your skin type*)
5. Shake well to combine oils.

*You can personalize this any way you want, to work with your skin. Make very small batches at the beginning so that you can make tweaks and see what works best. While avocado oil is great for dry skin, sunflower oil or grapeseed oil would be a better choice for oilier skin. Also, if you find this formula too drying for your skin, decrease the amount of castor oil. Castor oil is a very deep cleansing and healing oil, but too much of it will make your skin feel dry.

To make your own Nourishing Facial Serum

Ingredients:

• 1 TBS Rose Hip Seed Oil
• 1 1/2 tsp Jojoba Oil
• 1 tsp Argan Oil
• 1/2 tsp Vitamin E Oil
• 5 drops Carrot Seed Oil
• 5 drops Neroli Oil
• 5 drops Frankincense Oil

Directions:

1. Start with a 1 ounce amber glass bottle with a dropper top. Sterilize it by boiling it in water for 5 minutes, then let it dry completely. If any water remains, it will introduce bacteria to your oils and spoil them, so make sure the bottle is completely dry.
2. Add all oils to the bottle.
3. Shake well to combine oils.

To use your Cleansing Oil and Nourishing Facial Serum

It is best to use the cleansing oil at night, before bed.

Start by applying a dime size amount of the cleansing oil to your face. Gently massage it into your face with your fingertips for about a minute.

The oil is an excellent makeup remover, so be sure to get it on your eye lids, lashes, and anywhere else you have applied makeup.

Run the tap until the water is very hot, then thoroughly wet the washcloth.

Place the hot washcloth on your face and relax for at least a minute, or until the washcloth cools off completely. The steam helps open your pores, allowing the oil to penetrate and cleanse deeply.

Wipe the oil off, rinse the washcloth, and wipe again, until no oil remains on your face. Splash your face with warm water and pat dry.

Finish with 3-4 drops of the Nourishing Serum, and gently rub into your face and neck.

Depending on how dry your skin is, you may find you need a little more or a little less of the serum. Your skin should feel moisturized but not oily. Finish with your regular moisturizer.

In the morning, splash your face with plain warm water and pat dry. Then apply 2-3 drops of the Nourishing Serum to your face. Finish with your regular moisturizer.