Body toning oil may reduce the appearance of cellulite and sagging areas of skin on the face and body. Several manufacturers have firming oils and treatments on the market and the costs for these products vary. According to Valerie Ann Worwood, author of "The Complete Book of Aromatherapy," several essential oils have skin-firming properties. Additionally, per Greta Breedlove, author of "The Herbal Home Spa," you can easily make your own toning oils with only a few ingredients.
Choosing the Base Oils
Choose the correct oil for your skin type. If your skin is dry, consider olive or coconut oil. Use lighter oils such as grape seed for oily skin. Additionally, if you have a nut allergy, avoid nut-based oils such as peanut or almond. Scent also plays a large role in oil choice. For example, extra virgin olive oil has a strong, earthy smell that may overpower some fragrances. Avoid mineral- and petroleum-based oils, which can clog the pores. Mineral oils, such as baby oil, may also contain additives and fragrances that can irritate the skin or conflict with the toning essential oils.
The Add-Ins
Several essential oils may firm and tone skin, including carrot, rose and clary sage. Worwood also recommends chamomile and neroli in addition to lavender and patchouli. Use the essential oils individually, or mix them together in what is called a synergistic blend. You can make a large batch of the oil, or you can mix up a small batch as needed. When making a large batch, use significantly more oil than with on-demand batches. For example, a 16-ounce bottle of base oil would need at least 50 drops of essential oil, either alone or as part of a blend, for therapeutic effect. Conversely, a 2-tablespoon on-demand portion would use as few as five drops. Consider adding other elements, such as vitamin E oil or glycerin, for extra moisturizing.
Application
Apply the oil in the evening, before bed, and let it sit overnight. Applying it at night serves two purposes. First, the bedding warms the body and helps the oils penetrate better. Second, the body repairs during sleep and will get the most benefit from therapeutic treatments. Apply the oil to clean skin and, if necessary, wash the area beforehand with a mild exfoliating scrub. Apply the oil in a circular motion. If you have oily skin, remove any excess with a clean cotton swab. For body-firming oils, wear comfortable but breathable pajamas.