According to historians, cultures around the world have used massage techniques to promote healing for thousands of years. Different massages have helped improve circulation, promote lymphatic drainage, and encourage detoxification. When considering those benefits, it makes sense that these healing modalities have stood the test of time. Additionally, if full-body massage techniques benefit the body, facial massages also do wonders for your face, right? 

In each culture, the rules and tools vary between facial massages. In Ayurveda, for example, there is a specific facial massage, Abhyanga, that involves gentle scrapes along the jawline. Below, we will detail how to do this massage, which may help lift, de-puff, and detoxify your facial skin.

Get The Right Tools For The Job

You don’t have to go out and get a jade roller or anything like that, but a great carrier oil is necessary. Oil helps your fingers glide easily across your face without tugging or pulling on the skin. If you are too aggressive and use dry fingers on your face, you may either create or worsen wrinkles or fine lines. When you select a carrier oil, try to use a tri-doshic oil because that works for all skin types. Sesame oil tends to be a safe bet for all doshas, which are health types. Saffron oil is also great, especially because it exhibits potent anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. 

For the Abhyanga facial massage, you can use your own two hands or opt for a tool. If you decide to use a tool, make sure to use one with pure kansa, which helps detoxify the skin. In Ayurveda, the Kansa Wand is the most sacred facial tool, and it is a mixture of copper and tin, both of which have purifying and anti-inflammatory properties. 

How To Do The Abhyanga Massage

Once you have your carrier oil ready, please follow the instructions. Keep in mind that you do not have to apply firm pressure; rather, slight pressure will be effective and yield optimal results. 

• Apply several drops of the carrier oil to your facial skin. 
• Hold your fingers, or the Kansa Wand, at the center of your chin. Massage in circular motions to warm the oil and then follow one side of your jawline until you end at the bottom of your ear. Repeat this process four to five times and then switch sides. 
• Hold the wand or your fingertips at one corner of your mouth and massage in circular motions, moving outwards up your cheekbone. Stop once you reach the center of your ear, repeating four or five times before switching sides. 
• To end the massage, make gentle figure-eight motions around your temples, forehead, and just above the eyebrows.

Rinse The Residue

As you perform the massage, especially if you use the Kansa Wand, you may notice a gray residue appear on the skin. That’s a good thing, according to Ayurveda practitioners. The metals in the wand actually draw out inflammation and interact with the skin’s natural oils, resulting in that light gray residue. The Kansa Wand oxidizes the oils on the skin as it purifies it, but you do have to rinse that residue after the massage. It washes off easily with a gentle cleanser and cloth. As always, follow up your face wash with a nourishing face cream or moisturizer to lock in hydration. 

Regular facial massages can help promote tighter, firmer, and more lifted skin. If you follow this Ayurvedic facial massage technique, you’ll also promote facial skin detoxification, which promotes a brighter complexion. Even if you don’t have the Kansa wand, the massage is still effective if you only use your fingertips.

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Getting older is one unfortunate aspect of life. With age comes wisdom, but it also comes with gray hairs and wrinkles. In fact, statistics show that fine lines, wrinkles, and pigmentation start to appear around age 30-35. At the age you are, though, you may not feel like those wrinkles need to be there. Well, it’s possible to keep the skin looking young and healthy by using the homemade cream in this article. The best part is that you won’t need to empty your pockets to pay for expensive, anti-aging serums. 

Most anti-aging products tend to be expensive or filled with chemical ingredients. This does not have to be a reality because it’s possible to create a homemade wrinkle cream with cost-effective ingredients. Don’t waste your money on products that don’t work when you can purchase natural ingredients that have proven to fight wrinkles. Research studies indicate that the following ingredients work to fight wrinkles and other effects of aging.

Vitamin E Oil

Everyone focuses on vitamin C in regards to being the ultimate skin nutrient. There’s no denying that vitamin C helps to stimulate collagen production and reduce the signs of aging. Vitamin E, however, is equally as important in skin care products. It’s a potent antioxidant that exists naturally in foods like sweet potatoes, avocados, olive oil, and almonds. Vitamin E oil, on the other hand, is great for topical application. In fact, studies found that vitamin E oil helps to reduce fine lines and wrinkles. It helps to maintain a youthful glow by replenishing lipids and blocking free radical damage on the skin. For optimal results, it’s best to combine vitamin E oil with other skin care ingredients, like the ones in this article. 

Shea Butter

Shea butter’s makeup is similar to that of the skin’s fatty acid profile. Because of this, shea butter is able to easily penetrate the skin and promote optimal hydration. It also does this without making the skin look greasy. The buttery consistency is optimal for dry skin, and it works to create a barrier that helps seal in moisture. This same barrier also works to protect the skin from pollutants, which can increase the risk of wrinkles. Shea butter helps to encourage collagen production, which ultimately decreases the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines in existing areas. Various studies found shea butter to be very effective and safe for sensitive and non-sensitive areas on the body. That means it’s safe to use on your arms or under the eyes. 

Rosehip Oil

According to several studies, rosehip oil is safe for all skin types, including sensitive skin. When used on a regular basis, rosehip oil may help promote a natural, youthful glow and softer, hydrated skin. Similar to shea butter, rosehip oil can easily penetrate the skin to supply it with skin-enhancing nutrients. Rosehip oil contains both vitamins C & E, which work to boost collagen production and decrease discoloration. It’s rich in linolenic (omega 3) and linleic (omega 6) essential fatty acids, and research confirms that these fatty acids help promote new skin cell growth, which helps fight against wrinkles. 

Homemade Anti-Wrinkle Cream

Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup shea butter
• 2 tablespoons organic coconut oil
• 2 teaspoons rosehip oil
• 1 teaspoon vitamin E oil
• 10 drop lavender essential oil
• 5 drops frankincence essential oil
• 5 drops sandalwood essential oil

Instructions:

• Place the shea butter and coconut oil in the top of a double boiler over medium heat. Stir occasionally until they melt. 
• Remove from heat and pour into a heat-safe glass jar. Place this jar in the fridge for 5-10 minutes so it can cool completely.
• Remove from the fridge and stir in the rosehip oil, vitamin E oil, and the lavender, frankincense, and sandalwood essential oils. Mix well to combine.
• Cover the jar and place the mixture back in the fridge so it can harden. It will soften at room temperature and harden in cold temperatures, so store it in a cool, dry place.

How To Use:

• After you wash your face in the evening, pat it dry and then apply a light coat to your entire face and neck. You can also use it on your chest. 

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Puffiness, dark circles, and fine lines are three of the most complaints people have about under eye skin. These common symptoms are the direct result of insufficient collagen production, which naturally occurs over time. As we get older, the body needs help making more collagen. Tack on stress and lack of sleep to this and you can experience severe dark circles and puffiness under the eyes. 

There are fancy creams that promise miraculous results, but these can cost an arm and a leg. We often find that it’s better to get back to basics, using simple ingredients that help to nourish the skin. Homemade face creams or under eye creams harness the power of antioxidants, essential fatty acids, and anti-inflammatory properties. Together, the ingredients in this under eye cream can help reduce fine lines, dark circles, and puffiness. It’s like a natural anti-aging cream and under eye cream in one!

Coconut Oil

If the skin under your eyes has betrayed you and you need to cover your eyes with huge bug eye sunglasses to hide from the world, you need coconut oil in your life. Coconut oil is known for its moisturizing properties, and may even assist with lightening the skin. According to research, dark circles are a common symptom of dehydration, but they also result from lack of sleep, puffiness, or allergies. Coconut oil helps to thicken skin around the eyes, making the skin look more prominent. It does this by increasing cell turnover and reducing inflammation. Coconut oil acts as a temporary solution and addressing the real problem is necessary to completely get rid of dark circles. 

Chamomile Essential Oil

Chamomile essential oil contains antioxidants and powerful anti-inflammatory properties. The antioxidants may help to increase cell and tissue regeneration, minimizing pores in the process. Additionally, chamomile may help reduce puffiness and early signs of aging. Many researchers found that chamomile essential oil exhibits anti-aging properties, helping the skin appear more youthful. Chamomile essential oil also encourages healthier circulation to tissues, which may reduce dark circles and help restore even complexion.

Vitamin E Oil

This is an excellent ingredient for anyone who wants to improve their skin care routine. While many people use it to nourish hair, it also works to soothe the skin, especially around the eyes. Studies show that vitamin E oil helps to reduce under eye puffiness and enhance overall complexion. This contributes to a healthier glow, which reduces any darkness around or under the eyes. The antioxidant properties help to improve skin texture around the eyes. If you want to reduce puffiness, it works best if you massage it gently under the eyes.

DIY Under Eye Cream

Ingredients:

• 1/8 cup unrefined coconut oil
• 10 drops vitamin E oil
• 10 drops chamomile essential oil

Instructions:

• Add all of the ingredients to a small mixing bowl and mix together to thoroughly combine. 
• Spoon the mixture into an airtight container and store in a cool, dry place. 
• When ready to use, dab your fingertips in the mixture and gently pat under the eyes. Massage gently and leave on overnight. 

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Nobody wants to walk by a mirror and see a flaky face that looks as dry as the arid Utah salt flats. Sadly, dry skin is par for the course during the colder fall and winter months. So what can you do to provide your skin with the moisture it needs during these times? Some people resort to special oils and high-end skin care products, but it’s much easier to use simple ingredients that nourish the skin.

That’s why we’re in love with the DIY frankincense whipped face cream in this article. There are several steps involved, but the ingredient list isn’t out of this world. You don’t need to seek out rare clay from the hinterlands of Nepal or saffron from the mountains of Brazil. Get your hands on some quality ingredients and your skin will love you forever. In fact, you’ll probably love yourself even more when you look at hydrated skin that looks like it could be in a beauty commercial. Let’s take a look at some of the standout ingredients in this cream. 

Ylang Ylang Essential Oil

Ylang ylang has antiseptic, antispasmodic, sedative, and antidepressant properties, and it’s a popular oil in aromatherapy. The oil is extracted from the flower of the ylang ylang tree, which is popularly grown throughout Asia. When you apply the essential oil on the skin, it helps to slow the signs of aging and combat skin irritations. A few preliminary studies found that the terpenoids in ylang ylang may be viable treatment options for numerous skin disorders. Several tests on cancerous melanoma skin cells found that the terpenoid compounds inhibited growth. In a nutshell, the antioxidants in ylang ylang essential oil help protect skin cells from damage. 

Aloe Vera Gel

According to dermatologists, the gel from the aloe vera succulent has healing and medicinal properties. The inherent antioxidants, amino acids, and vitamins have been known to benefit skin conditions like psoriasis, cold sores, and even burns and frostbite. When it comes to dry skin, aloe vera should be one of your go-to ingredients. The high water content (aloe vera is 98% water) helps to hydrate, moisturize, and soothe dry skin. Additionally, the skin easily absorbs aloe vera gel, helping to accelerate the production and release of collagen.

Frankincense Essential Oil

Distilled from the resin of the frankincense tree, frankincense essential oil has a woody aroma that has a hint of spice. Aromatherapists typically incorporate it into calming blends because it has sedative properties that combat stress. When used topically, frankincense helps to reduce the appearance of wrinkles and discoloration. The astringent properties aid these processes and the nutritional content promotes the growth of new skin cells. Frankincense also works to disinfect and tighten pores, which helps to reduce inflamed skin. 

DIY Frankincense Whipped Face Cream

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup coconut oil
• 3 tablespoons jojoba oil
• 3/4 ounce beeswax pastilles
• 1 cup aloe vera gel
• 10 drops frankincense essential oil
• 10 drops ylang ylang essential oil

Instructions:

• Add the coconut oil, jojoba oil, and beeswax pastilles to the top of a double boiler. Fill the bottom part with a couple inches of water and place over low heat. 
• Gently stir the oil mixture until it is combined and sufficiently melted. 
• Pour this mixture into a food processor and allow it to cool and harden. 
• Once it has hardened, break up the mixture with a fork and mix in about one tablespoon of aloe vera gel. 
• Blend the mixture for 30 seconds and then add the rest of the aloe vera gel to the food processor through the top while blending. It will take a couple minutes to thoroughly combine. 
• Once the mixture looks like a thick, fluffy lotion, drop in the essential oils and mix for another 30 seconds. 
• Store the mixture in an airtight glass jar in a cool dry place. You can apply this cream on any area of the skin that needs moisture. It’s best to use it after washing your face and patting it dry. 

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Have you noticed that your face is drying out as a result of the colder months? If you answered “yes” to that question, you are not alone. Between all the showering, use of harsh soaps, aging, and lack of humidity, it’s easy to experience dry skin during the winter. The epidermis (outermost layer of skin) loses water as a result of the reduced moisture in the air. That means that you have to take action to lock in as much moisture as you can. 

How Do You Keep The Moisture In?

A combination of sun-damage, excessive skin cleansing and exfoliation, and underlying medical conditions make it difficult to maintain moisturized skin. On top of that, you have low humidity attacking the skin. Both the outdoor cold and indoor heat dry out the skin, contributing to flakiness, cracking, and itching. The way to lock in moisture is by supplying the epidermis with moisturizing ingredients. The problem is that regular moisturizers contain harmful chemicals that dry out the skin. That’s why you have to choose natural ingredients that seal in the moisture without clogging pores. Let’s explore some of those ingredients below.

Jojoba Oil

Jojoba oil is one of the best carrier oils to use on the skin, both the face and body. It feels light because the skin easily absorbs it, taking in the vitamins and minerals more easily than other oils. Several studies found that jojoba oil actually balances the skin’s oils. How does it do that? It sneakily tricks your skin into thinking that it produced enough oil to keep the skin moisturized. This prevents your skin from producing too much oil, which can contribute to blackheads. Additionally, jojoba oil has antibacterial properties from the high iodine content. This can decrease the risk of acne development, especially when used as a spot treatment at night.

Rose Petals

Rose petals are great for all skin types, but if you have dry skin, you just hit the jackpot. The moisturizing properties of rose petals work to combat itchiness and keep the skin hydrated by preventing moisture loss. By maintaining a strong barrier, your skin has a better chance at not drying out if the weather lacks humidity. Rose petals also strengthen the skin’s cells, helping to regenerate skin tissues. 

Green Tea

Green tea has powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which help reduce acne or oily skin. People with oily skin often suffer from acne because the excess sebum can clog pores. Epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) is potent polyphenol in green tea and it reduces sebum secretions, which in turn may reduce acne. When you apply green tea on the face, it helps to alleviate any inflammation or puffiness. Finally, green tea is a natural source of vitamin E, which is known for its ability to hydrate the skin. 

DIY Green Tea And Rose Facial Cream

Ingredients:

• 1 cup jojoba oil
• 30 grams green tea leaves
• 10 grams dried rose petals
• 1 gram alkanet root
• 20 grams beeswax
• 25 grams coconut oil
• 20 grams shea butter
• 1/3 cup rose hydrofoil
• 1/3 cup aloe vera gel
• 1 teaspoon rosemary extract
• 15 drops geranium essential oil
• 10 drops grapefruit essential oil
• 8 drops clary sage essential oil

Instructions:

• First off, you have to infuse the herbs into the jojoba oil. So pour one to two inches of water in the bottom of a double boiler over medium heat. 
• Add the jojoba oil, green tea leaves, dried rose petals, and alkanet root to the top of the double boiler. Stir the oil occasionally until it reaches 100º F. Once it does, turn off the heat for a couple minutes. Repeat this process three to five times. 
• Once you completed the infusion process, strain off the herbs and reserve the oil in a heat-safe glass jar. 
• Add the beeswax, coconut oil, and shea butter to the top of the double boiler and stir until melted. Remove from heat once the mixture is liquified. 
• Pour that mixture and the infused jojoba oil into a food processor and let the mixture harden. 
• Add the rose hydrofoil, aloe vera gel, rosemary extract, and the essential oils to the food processor and then pulse to combine. You may need to scrape down the sides to ensure that everything is thoroughly blended. 
• Spoon this cream into small containers and store either in the fridge or in a cool, dry place. 
• To use, massage a small amount into the face and neck after you wash your face. Leave on overnight. 

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When basil isn’t being blended into pesto or adding herbaceous flavor to homemade marinara sauces, it can be used to improve the health of your skin. Basil is commonly added to skin care products because it is rich in antioxidants that give you a more youthful appearance. Whether you’re dealing with dry skin or need to tighten pores, basil is the right herb for the job.

Why Is Basil So Good For Your Skin?

As you may or may not know, vitamin K is necessary for blood clotting, cell growth, and bone mineralization. Two tablespoons of basil fulfill about one-third of the recommended daily intake (RDI) of vitamins A & K, magnesium, and manganese. Basil is also an excellent cleanser, working to unclog pores by removing bacteria and other built-up oils. Applying wet basil leaves under the eyes has been known to reduce puffiness and the appearance of dark circles, providing a soothing and cooling sensation. The antioxidants work to protect the skin from free radical damage, reducing premature signs of aging, such as fine lines or wrinkles.

What’s Up With Witch Hazel?

Commonly used on the scalp and hair, witch hazel has potent anti-inflammatory properties that can reduce itchiness or inflamed skin. The gallic acid, tannins, and antioxidants help prevent widespread inflammation by neutralizing free radicals. When it comes to the skin, witch hazel can be topically applied to reduce redness or rash. Several small studies found that topical preparations that contained at least 10% witch hazel were effective at relieving irritated facial skin.

Before You Get Started

This recipe uses emulsifying wax pastilles. Some people have their concerns about this wax, since it is commonly processed, but you shouldn’t use beeswax as a substitute; it doesn’t work the same way. When you buy emulsifying wax, make sure to purchase a variety that is not petroleum-based and free of additives. READ BEFORE YOU BUY! Vegetable derived emulsifying wax can be purchased from Mountain Rose Herbs.

Anti-Aging Basil Face Cream

Ingredients:

• 1/3 cup fresh basil leaves
• 1/3 cup witch hazel
• filtered water
• 1 teaspoon sweet almond oil
• 2 teaspoons organic Shea butter
• 5 teaspoons emulsifying wax pastilles
• 7-10 drops rosehip oil

Instructions:

• Add the basil and witch hazel to a high-speed blender or food processor and blend until well combined.
• Pour this mixture through a fine mesh strainer into a measuring glass. You should have about ¼ cup of basil liquid. Add a little filtered water to reach the ¼ cup line if you don’t have enough basil liquid.
• Add the sweet almond oil, Shea butter, and emulsifying wax to a double boiler and heat until the ingredients are melted.
• Stir for a few minutes and then pour in the basil mixture. Slowly stir until well combined. Remove from heat and allow the mixture to thicken.
• Once it has thickened, stir in the rosehip oil and then pour into a half pint-sized jar. Seal it and store in a cool dry place. Use it all within three months of making it. You can always preserve it longer by storing it in the fridge. Use as necessary.

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