As skin gets older, it can gradually lose some of its natural softness, bounce and smooth appearance. Dryness can also make fine lines look deeper and leave the complexion looking tired or dull. While no homemade treatment can literally reverse skin aging, a rich moisturizing gel can help keep the skin hydrated, supple and visibly smoother.
This Vaseline Clove Lemon Anti-Aging Gel combines the moisture-locking power of petroleum jelly with nourishing oils and antioxidant-rich ingredients. Vaseline forms an occlusive layer over the skin, helping reduce moisture loss, while sweet almond oil and vitamin E provide additional conditioning. Aloe vera adds a soothing, lightweight element.
Clove oil is the star ingredient in this recipe, but it is extremely concentrated, so only a tiny amount should be used. Lemon also needs extra care. Fresh lemon juice can sting and irritate facial skin, particularly when combined with sunlight. For this recipe, use steam-distilled, non-phototoxic lemon essential oil rather than fresh lemon juice, and keep the quantity very low.
Used correctly as an occasional nighttime moisturizer, this DIY can leave dry, mature-looking skin feeling soft, plump and beautifully conditioned.
Important: Do not increase the amount of clove oil. Essential oils can irritate or burn the skin when used too strongly. Avoid using cold-pressed lemon essential oil before sun exposure because some citrus oils can increase sensitivity to sunlight.
Start with a completely clean and dry glass bowl, spoon and storage container.
Add 2 Tbsp Vaseline to the bowl. If the Vaseline is very firm, place the bowl in a larger bowl containing slightly warm water for a minute or two. The idea is only to soften the petroleum jelly—do not make it hot.
Add 1 tsp sweet almond oil and 1/2 tsp rosehip seed oil. Mix continuously until the oils become evenly incorporated into the Vaseline.
Pierce 2 vitamin E capsules and squeeze their contents into the mixture. Vitamin E works particularly well in an oil-rich formula and also makes the gel feel richer and more conditioning.
Next, mix in 1/2 tsp vegetable glycerin followed by 1 tsp aloe vera gel. Whisk vigorously until you get a smooth, creamy consistency. Because aloe vera contains water while Vaseline is oil-based, a homemade mixture like this may separate slightly over time. This is normal; simply mix it again before use.
Finally, add only 1 drop of clove essential oil and 1 drop of steam-distilled non-phototoxic lemon essential oil. Mix thoroughly so that the essential oils are dispersed throughout the entire batch rather than concentrated in one area.
Transfer the finished gel into a clean, dry, airtight container.
Because this homemade recipe contains aloe vera and does not contain a cosmetic preservative, prepare only a small quantity. Keep it refrigerated and discard it if its smell, color or texture changes.
Always perform a patch test before using this gel on your face. Apply a tiny amount to a small area of skin and observe the area for at least 24 hours. Do not use the recipe if you experience persistent burning, redness, itching or swelling.
For facial use, apply the gel at night after cleansing. Take only a pea-sized amount and warm it between your fingertips.
Gently press a very thin layer over areas that tend to become dry or show fine lines, such as the cheeks, forehead and around the jawline. Avoid the eyelids, under-eye area, lips, nostrils and any broken or irritated skin.
You do not need a thick coating. Vaseline is highly occlusive, so a small quantity is usually enough.
Start by using the gel 1–2 nights per week. If your skin tolerates it comfortably, you can gradually use it more often.
Wash your face normally the following morning and use a broad-spectrum sunscreen during the daytime.
People with very sensitive skin, eczema, active acne irritation or known sensitivity to fragrance or essential oils should skip the clove and lemon oils and use the moisturizing base alone.
Think of this recipe primarily as an overnight moisturizing and conditioning gel rather than a treatment that can reverse aging. Moisture can make the skin look plumper, smoother and more radiant, but wrinkles, pigmentation and collagen loss require more than a DIY topical mixture.
Also avoid the common social-media practice of adding large amounts of fresh lemon juice or clove oil directly to the face. More is not better with these ingredients—the gentler version above is much kinder to the skin.
As we age, the skin naturally produces less collagen and becomes more prone to dryness,…
A good nighttime skincare routine does not always have to involve an expensive collection of…
Dryness, rough texture and loss of softness can make the skin look dull and make…
Dryness, dullness and a rough skin texture can make the face look older than it…
Dryness is one of the quickest ways to make fine lines, rough texture, and dull-looking…
Healthy, strong hair does not depend only on the oils, masks and serums that you…