As I am approaching my 30th birthday, I am beginning to notice some signs of aging.   My metabolism is slowing a bit, I am finding a few grey hairs, and I am finding small lines around my eyes.  I know that aging is a natural part of life, but that doesn’t mean I can’t try to keep my skin looking youthful.

My daily skincare regimen consists of washing my face, using the Oil Cleansing Method, exfoliating once a week, and applying a homemade facial mask once a week.  To read more about the benefits of exfoliating check out this great post from Positive Health Wellness. I use olive oil or coconut oil as a moisturizer, due to my habitually dry skin.  I also take a multivitamin, which has helped regulate my hormones and reduce breakouts.

One aspect of care that I have been a bit negligent about is using an eye cream.  Because of this, I decided to find a natural homemade eye cream recipe to help brighten, tighten, and rejuvenate the skin around my eyes. Here is the recipe:

Natural Homemade Eye Cream Recipe

Ingredients: 

• 2 tbsp coconut oil – read about the benefits here!
• 1 tsp vitamin e oil
• 1 tbsp primrose oil
• 3-5 drops essential oils (optional)*

Add 2″ of water to a small saucepan over high heat.  In a small glass bowl or mason jar, add coconut oil, vitamin e oil and primrose oil, and warm in water until melted and mixed. Remove from heat and add in essential oils of choice. Pour into small glass or container to store.  The oil will stay at a liquid state until it has cooled below 76 degrees, but you can speed along the process by placing it in the refrigerator.

Apply around the eye, being careful to avoid getting the homemade eye cream into the eye.

*For wrinkles, I recommend frankincense, lavender, lemon or ylang ylang essential oils.

Note that the main ingredient is coconut oil, and if you have ever used coconut oil, you know it has a relatively low melting temperature.  If you live a warm climate, you can keep your homemade eye cream in the refrigerator to keep it solid.  Otherwise, refrigeration is not necessary.

Natural Homemade Eye Cream – Why does it work?

Coconut oil is all natural and provides rich moisture to the skin, while strengthening underlying tissue. It also helps remove dead skin.  Vitamin E oil is packed with antioxidants that help to protect and repair skin.  Those same antioxidants help neutralize free radicals that can damage your skin as well as cause fine lines and dryness. Primrose oil has long been known for its anti-aging qualities – it helps even out skin tone and aids in restoring skin at the cellular level.

Before using essential oils, make sure you understand proper handling of each, and note that most essential oils should not be used on skin undiluted. Pregnant or nursing? Be sure to check out our guide to essential oils in pregnancy.

If the DIY route isn’t for you, check out some of the gentle eye creams featured in past Ecocentric Mom boxes. We love Visha Skincare, which also features a “mommy” line for pregnant and nursing women. The Bright Eye Booster was a hit with moms-to-be in our July Pregnancy Box!

Have you tried a homemade eye cream recipe? Let us know what you think!

Ecocentric Mom Blogger Team Member, Andrea Vaughan is a New Mexico native where she works in business and education.  After getting married and having a baby girl, she became conscientious about the toxins and chemicals that are present in so many foods, cleaners and beauty products.  She strives to keep these toxins out of her house to keep her family healthy. Her other hobbies include photography, reading, organizing, budgeting and spending time with her family.  She blogs at Homemade for Elle, where she shares real-food recipes, homemade beauty products, and tips on frugality and green living.    You can connect with her on Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest.