Reverse Skin Aging With Cloves & Baby Oil
Cloves are packed with eugenol, a phenolic compound shown to stimulate collagen and guard against UV-triggered breakdown of skin fibres. Their high antioxidant load also neutralises the free radicals that accelerate photo-ageing.
Baby oil, meanwhile, is essentially pure cosmetic-grade mineral oil—an inert, hypoallergenic occlusive that forms a feather-light seal over the epidermis, preventing transepidermal water loss and cushioning skin from harsh environmental irritants.
By fusing the antioxidant punch of cloves with the moisture-locking power of baby oil—and then amplifying the blend with soothing aloe, free-radical-scavenging green tea, collagen-friendly vitamin E, brightening turmeric, antibacterial honey, and pH-balancing rose water—you obtain a multitasking serum-oil suitable for all skin types.
Ingredients Required
(Yields ≈ 120 mL; adjust quantities proportionally)
2 tbsp whole cloves – primary antioxidant and collagen-support agent
100 mL baby oil (mineral-oil base) – forms an occlusive barrier to trap hydration
1 tbsp aloe-vera gel – boosts elasticity and soothes irritation
1 soft-gel vitamin E capsule (400 IU) – delivers tocopherol for extra photoprotection
1 tsp raw honey – natural humectant plus antibacterial wound-healing aid
½ tsp turmeric powder – curcumin reduces oxidative stress and evens pigmentation
1 tbsp strong green-tea brew (cooled) – catechins defend against UV-induced ageing
1 tbsp rose water – mild astringent that calms skin and adds a delicate aroma
(Optional: a few drops of lavender essential oil purely for scent; patch-test first.)
Procedure
Clove Infusion (Overnight)
Lightly crush the cloves with the back of a spoon to expose more surface.
Tip them into a sterile glass jar and pour in the baby oil. Stir gently.
Seal the jar and place it in a warm, dark cupboard for 12–24 hours; gentle warmth accelerates diffusion of eugenol into the oil.
Filtration & Enrichment
Strain out the soaked cloves through a fine mesh or coffee filter.
While the oil is still lukewarm, puncture the vitamin E capsule and squeeze its contents into the jar; swirl to combine.
Whisk in aloe-vera gel, honey, rose water, cooled green-tea concentrate, and turmeric powder until the mixture looks uniformly golden-beige.
Stabilisation
Let the blend rest about 30 minutes; fine turmeric particles will settle slightly, giving a luxe two-phase look.
Pour into a dark, airtight 120 mL dropper bottle. Shake before each use to redistribute botanicals.
Instructions
Patch Test First – Apply a drop on the inner wrist and monitor for 24 hours for redness or stinging.
Nightly Application – After cleansing, dispense 4–5 drops into the palm and press onto damp face, neck, and the backs of hands.
Massage – Use upward circular strokes for two minutes; gentle massage boosts circulation and absorption.
Layer Smartly – Because the baby-oil occlusion can block actives beneath, apply water-based serums (niacinamide, peptides, etc.) before this formula.
Sun Care – Turmeric and clove can make skin more photosensitive; apply SPF 30+ the next morning.
Frequency – Start with three nights a week; increase to nightly as tolerated.
Benefits of the DIY
Boosts Collagen & Elasticity – Eugenol and aloe support collagen synthesis and soften fine lines.
Deep-Seals Moisture – Baby oil traps water in the skin, giving an immediate plump, dewy finish.
Neutralises Free Radicals – Clove, vitamin E, green-tea catechins, and turmeric together quench wrinkle-forming oxidative species.
Soothes Inflammation – Curcumin, aloe polysaccharides, and honey enzymes calm redness and sensitivity.
Evens Skin Tone – Turmeric and green tea help fade dark spots and post-inflammatory pigmentation.
Strengthens Barrier – Occlusive mineral oil plus humectant honey reinforce the skin’s lipid layer, reducing future dryness and irritation.
Affordable & Customisable – All seven ingredients are common kitchen or pharmacy staples, making the blend accessible and easy to tweak for personal scent or texture preferences.
With consistent nightly use for four weeks, most people notice smoother, brighter, and more resilient skin—a practical, science-inspired way to “age in reverse” without pricey lab serums.
