Healthy, Glowing Skin in the Dry Mountain Air

The air in the Montana mountains moves through the pines, crisp and clear, carrying the scent of earth and wild sage. It’s refreshing, but the dryness is unmistakable. As the seasons shift—whether it’s winter settling in or summer stretching on without rain—I notice it in my skin. A slight tightness, a need for extra moisture, a reminder that nature always sets the rhythm. 

My skin is at its best when treated with care—protected, nourished, and restored with the help of natural ingredients. Carrier oils, essential oils, botanical hydrosols, aloe vera, and rich butters all play a role, offering hydration and balance in the gentlest way. 

In this post, I’ll share some of my favorite skincare ingredients, and recipes I use to cleanse, replenish, moisturize, and nourish my skin. 

We’ll discuss:

• The role of essential oils in skincare

• Cleansing without stripping skin’s moisture

• Using toners and mists

• Making a botanical serum

• Moisturizing with natural lotion

• Crafting your own face oil, and more.

Commercial skincare relies on flashy marketing efforts to sell an endless collection of skincare products and services, promising quick fixes with synthetic formulas. But when you filter through the hype, you may find that big brand item is packed with fillers, preservatives, and fragrances that do little to truly nourish your body. 

Holistic skincare takes a different approach. Rather than chasing trends, it focuses on simple, effective actions that work with your skin’s natural processes. Instead of paying for branding and packaging, you’re investing in pure, potent ingredients that actually restore balance. And as a bonus, choosing natural skincare can also save you money in the long run—no more wasting cash on products designed to keep you coming back to shop for the next miracle product.

Let’s explore aromatherapy’s most potent skincare treasures—so you can experience a complexion that truly glows.

Using Essential Oils in Skin Care: Restoration & Deep Hydration

Essential oils have so much to offer our skin. Some are known to reduce inflammation and redness. Others support skin cell turnover and collagen production. And, of course, many oils offer antimicrobial benefits that help reduce acne breakouts.

However, at Aromahead Institute our approach is to use essential oils sparingly on the face. The face tends to be a very sensitive area. In all the recipes I share in this post, I either skip essential oils entirely or use them in very low amounts. This is to avoid the concern of unwanted skin reactions. And it's especially important to keep in mind if you're layering your products. 

I also want to note that most essential oils don’t actually hydrate the skin in the way that a water-based moisturizer will. They can, however, help your skin absorb hydration more easily by calming inflammation, protecting your skin barrier, and encouraging healthy cell turnover and circulation.

Here are a few essential oils I like to use in facial care blends:

• Rose Otto Oil (Rosa × damascena): Often regarded as the gold standard in skin-nourishing essential oils, rose otto is rich and luxurious. It helps soothe dry, mature skin and restore a healthy, radiant glow. Packed with antioxidants, it also helps reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines, while supporting the skin’s natural regeneration processes.

• Sandalwood Oil (Santalum album): If you’re dealing with inflammation or dry patches, sandalwood is your ally. This gentle yet potent essential oil calms inflammation and helps to soften skin. Its soothing properties also help repair damaged skin, leaving your complexion calm and balanced.

• Carrot Seed Oil (Daucus carota): A true skin rejuvenator, carrot seed oil is known for its ability to support elasticity and protect skin from environmental stressors. It helps to restore skin and even out skin tone, while also promoting the healing of damaged skin.

• Roman Chamomile Oil (Chamaemelum nobile): Gentle yet powerful, Roman chamomile (not to be confused with German chamomile) is a go-to for calming sensitive, irritated skin. Its soothing anti-inflammatory properties make it especially beneficial for dry, reactive, or redness-prone complexions. Roman chamomile also supports the skin’s repair response.

• Geranium Oil (Pelargonium graveolens var roseum): Known for its balancing and revitalizing effects, geranium oil helps regulate oil production while deeply nourishing dry or mature skin. It enhances skin elasticity, softens fine lines, and promotes a healthy, dewy glow. With its natural astringent properties, geranium also supports circulation, giving skin a refreshed and lifted appearance.

Gentle Cleansing for Dry Skin

Think of cleansing as a ritual, a moment of self care where you sweep away dirt, makeup, and impurities while leaving your skin’s natural moisture barrier intact. 

Yet in trying to cleanse, we often strip away what our skin needs most. Many commercial cleansers contain sulfates, alcohols, and synthetic fragrances that rob the skin of its protective oils, leaving it drier than before. Even water itself—especially if it’s hard or too hot—can disrupt the skin’s delicate balance. 

Learn more about how cleansers work—and choosing the right product for your skin—in this in-depth post by our instructors Michelle and Marissa. 

The good news is, we have many natural options for cleansing that nourish skin while purifying it. Here are a few ingredients and recipes I love. 

Castile Soap: The Purest Clean Slate

A true classic, Castile soap is gentle enough for sensitive skin yet effective at washing away makeup and daily grime. Unlike harsh foaming products, this plant-based soap cleanses without over-drying—especially when blended with hydrating ingredients like aloe vera or aromatic hydrosols. 

For an ultra-gentle recipe, try this DIY blend. It calls for a 50 ml foamer bottle, which is just over 1.5 oz. The aloe vera in this blend soothes irritation, and helps reduce the risk of acne breakouts. (This recipe is also great for a DIY body wash!)

Aloe & Rose Geranium Castile Soap Cleanser

Ingredients

• ⅔ fl oz (20 ml) Liquid Castile Soap

• ⅓ oz (about 9 gm) Aloe Vera Gel (Aloe barbadensis)

• Splash of Rose Geranium Hydrosol (Pelargonium spp)

Directions

1. Combine the Castile soap and aloe vera gel in a 50 ml foamer bottle.

2. Top it off with rose geranium hydrosol.

3. Shake gently before each use to blend thoroughly.

4. Massage onto damp skin and rinse with lukewarm water.

This is a water-based recipe without preservatives. The Aromahead Approach® is to make small batches frequently to keep our products fresh. Make sure to store your cleanser in a cool place, and make a fresh bottle every 1–2 weeks.

Oil Cleansing: Nourishment at the Start of Your Skincare Routine

For skin that feels tight, flaky, or irritated, an oil cleanser can be a game-changer. The natural carrier oils bind to dirt and impurities while delivering essential fatty acids that replenish the skin. They’re wonderful for gently wiping away oil-based makeup and products, yet they're not known to clog pores or contribute to acne. 

Here are a few great oils for oil cleansing:

• Argan Oil (Argania spinosa) – silky and nourishing, rich in vitamin E and antioxidants

• Rosehip Seed Oil (Rosa canina) – lightweight yet deeply restorative

• Baobab Oil (Adansonia digitata) – packed with vitamins to nourish mature skin

To cleanse, apply a few drops to dry skin, massage in slow, upward circles, and remove with a warm, damp cloth. 

This recipe from The Aromahead Blog combines argan oil with aloe vera for a gentle, soap-free face wash.

Deep Hydration & Locking in Moisture

Cleansing prepares the skin, but hydration is where the real magic happens. A single lightweight moisturizer may not be enough—you need layers, a thoughtful ritual of applying hydrating and nourishing oils, serums, and products that quench your skin from the inside out. In this section, I’ll share recipes and ingredients that give my skin a deep “drink” of nourishing moisture. 

Each step is listed in the order you might apply it in your routine, but that doesn’t mean you need to use them all. Skincare is personal—what works for one person may not be necessary for another. Take a look at the options, consider your skin’s needs and your own preferences, and choose the skincare routine that feels right for you.

Hydrating Mists & Toners: The First Layer of Moisture

Start with a base layer of hydration. A hydrating mist works as a toner, helping to replenish moisture, and making everything you apply afterward absorb more effectively.

Some of the best natural hydrating toners include:

• Rose Geranium Hydrosol (Pelargonium spp) – balances oil production and softens skin

• Lavender Hydrosol (Lavandula angustifolia) – calms irritated, sensitive skin

• Myrrh Hydrosol (Commiphora myrrha) – deeply nourishing for dry, mature skin

Directions

1. Spritz onto clean skin, or apply with a cotton pad after cleansing. Let it sink in before applying your next skincare step.

Sometimes, your skin just needs a quick pick-me-up throughout the day. You can use hydrosol for this, too! Carry a small spray bottle of your favorite hydrosol with you, and mist your skin as needed. You can find more hydrosol skin mist suggestions in this post on our blog.

Botanical Serums: Feeding the Skin

Serums are typically water-based or gel-like, making them ideal for delivering moisture to the skin’s deeper layers. A good skincare serum is hydrating, restorative, and packed with bioavailable ingredients that absorb deeply. 

A serum infused with humectants (for example, vegetable glycerin) can be especially effective. A humectant is an ingredient that attracts moisture to the skin and prevents it from evaporating. 

This aloe-based serum quenches while delivering potent plant nutrients. Make it in a 1 oz (30 ml) bottle. 

Aloe & Lavender Hydration Boost Serum

Ingredients

• ½ oz (14 gm) Aloe Vera Gel (Aloe barbadensis)

• ⅓ oz (10 ml) Vegetable Glycerin

• 1 tsp (5 ml) Lavender Hydrosol (Lavandula angustifolia)

• 1 drop Rose Otto Oil (Rosa × damascena)

• 1 drop Sandalwood Oil (Santalum album)

• 8 drops Solubol dispersant

Directions

1. Combine the aloe vera gel, glycerin, and lavender hydrosol in your 1 oz (30 ml) bottle.

2. Add the essential oils and Solubol. Shake gently to mix.

3. Apply a few drops to clean skin before moisturizing, morning and night.

This serum acts as the first hydration layer, helping subsequent products absorb more effectively. If you prefer different essential oils, feel free to swap in your favorites from the list I shared above.

Lotion & Cream Moisturizers: Infusing Skin with Hydration

A moisturizer serves as a protective shield, preventing moisture loss while feeding your skin with nutrients. Rather than relying on store-bought lotion or cream that may contain synthetic additives, I prefer to use a natural moisturizer, adding essential oils that support hydration and skin barrier function.

How to Enhance a Natural Moisturizer

• Start with an unscented, natural lotion or cream as your base (look for a product rich in vegetable oils, butters, or aloe).

• Add 2-3 drops of essential oil per 1 oz (28 gm) of lotion to keep dilution safe for facial use.

A blend I like is:

• 1 drop Sandalwood Oil (Santalum album)

• 1 drop Geranium Oil (Pelargonium graveolens var roseum)

Apply your lotion morning and night after your serum for long-lasting hydration. (In the morning, your moisturizer is usually applied before your makeup primer.) You can also use this as an all-over body moisturizer.

Facial Oils: Deep Restoration & Protection

Facial oils are the finishing touch—the step that locks in hydration and strengthens your skin barrier. Facial oils are rich in essential fatty acids and antioxidants that deeply condition the skin, lock in hydration, and prevent moisture loss. Depending on the oils used, a facial oil can target concerns like dryness, irritation, fine lines, or dullness, making it a versatile addition to any skincare routine. Even those with an oily skin type may find that a light, nourishing oil helps balance their skin. 

Here are some of my favorite plant-based oils for deep hydration and skincare:

• Rosehip Seed Oil (Rosa canina) – lightweight yet packed with vitamin C to brighten and nourish

• Pomegranate Seed Oil (Punica granatum) – rich in antioxidants, great for fine lines and dark spots

• Baobab Oil (Adansonia digitata) – deeply hydrating for mature skin

Rosehip & Pomegranate Glow Facial Oil

Ingredients

• ½ fl oz (15 ml) Rosehip Seed Oil (Rosa canina)

• ½ fl oz (15 ml) Pomegranate Seed Oil (Punica granatum)

• 3 drops Carrot Seed Essential Oil (Daucus carota) – not to be confused with the carrier oil, which also has the Latin name Daucus carota

• 2 drops Roman Chamomile Oil (Chamaemelum nobile)

Directions

1. Combine all of the ingredients in a 1 oz (30 ml) bottle.

2. Shake gently to combine the ingredients.

3. Apply a few drops after moisturizing, pressing the oil gently into your skin for maximum absorption.

Sunscreen: The Final Layer

No matter how nourishing your skin care is, UV exposure can undo your efforts. A mineral-based sunscreen with zinc oxide is the best defense against dark spots, wrinkles, and premature aging—but not every formula is created equal. Some ingredients can do more harm than good, irritating the skin or disrupting its natural balance. Look for a sunscreen that’s fragrance-free, and doesn’t contain harsh chemicals like oxybenzone, octinoxate, and synthetic ingredients. Your skin deserves protection without compromise.

A Deep, Restorative Treatment

Sometimes, your skin needs more than a daily routine—it needs a deep moisture treatment. Once a week or so, if my skin feels particularly stressed (such as after a snowshoe hike in the cold mountain air), I like to pamper it with an intensive nourishing treatment using exfoliation, masks, or balms—like this Cocoa Butter Face Balm.

Your 7-Day Aromatherapy Skin Care Routine Awaits!

The journey to glowing skin doesn’t end here—there’s so much more to explore!

If you’re ready to take your skin care to the next level, I’ve created a special gift for you. My free PDF guide, "Glowing Skin Naturally: Your 7-Day Aromatherapy Skin Care Routine," is packed with easy-to-follow steps, recipes, and essential oils designed to give your skin the love it deserves.

In this guide, you’ll find:

• A weekly skin care routine tailored to nourish your skin day and night.

• The perfect aromatherapy solutions for deep hydration, skin restoration, and radiant glow.

• Simple DIY recipes that you can make at home with natural ingredients, including some of the same butters and oils you’ve learned about today.

• Natural carrier oils I rely on for gentle sunscreen protection.

Download your complimentary 7-day aromatherapy skin care guide here! 👈

Let’s make your skin care a holistic ritual that not only nourishes your skin but also soothes your spirit. The journey to glowing skin starts now.

Glowing Skin Naturally

Your 7-Day Aromatherapy Skincare Routine

GET YOUR GUIDE!

My Takeaway

The beauty of natural skin care is its simplicity—it works in harmony with your skin, supporting its health without the need for a cabinet full of complicated products. Nature has already given us everything we need to nourish, protect, and restore our skin’s natural glow.

Occasional visits to a spa for a facial can be a lovely treat, but true skin health happens in your small, daily habits—cleansing, hydrating, and protecting with gentle, natural ingredients. Whether you’re adding one step or embracing a full routine, the key is to listen to your skin and adjust as needed.

A skincare routine is an evolving practice—a conversation between you and your skin that shifts with the seasons, your lifestyle, and even the rhythms of your day. It goes beyond a routine. I’s a ritual of tuning in, nourishing, and adapting. Some days, your skin may need deep hydration. Other days, a light touch. What matters most is consistency, kindness, and ingredients that truly support your skin’s health. Let it be a ritual that feels good, a moment of self-care that’s as intuitive as it is effective.