Essential oils are highly concentrated plant extracts commonly used in traditional and holistic healing techniques. The oils have high levels of active ingredients and typically have a much more pungent smell than the plants from which they were extracted. (2)
Essential oils have an extensive range of therapeutic and medicinal qualities. Some claim they are a valuable item in your medicine and skincare cabinet because of their antiviral, antibacterial, and antifungal capabilities. The compounds are said to promote good sleep, alleviate headaches, and relieve pain. Furthermore, essential oils are also said to improve skin conditions, aid in treating the common cold, and promote healthy digestion. (1)
One effective way to use essential oils is by applying them directly on the skin. Read on to learn more about how to maximize the benefits of using essential oils for skin.
disclosure: this is a partnered post
Essential oils for the skin
The benefits of essential oils for skin stem from their chemically complex composition, active ingredients, and synergy. These renowned benefits include the following:
- Minimizing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles;
- Promoting skin repair;
- Soothing irritation or inflammation;
- Assisting in skin moisture preservation;
- Antimicrobial and antioxidant properties; and
- Reducing or balancing skin oils.
Because essential oils are fat-soluble and have a low molecular weight, they can easily be absorbed by the skin. Some say that the beneficial effects of essential oils can be felt about 20 minutes after being applied.
It’s important to note that most essential oils have to be diluted before use. Also, oils suitable for your legs and arms may not be safe for your eyes, nose, mouth, or private parts. If you have sensitive skin, test the oil by applying it on the inside of your upper arm, if there’s no itching, burning, or signs of irritation after 24 hours, then it should be safe for regular use.
Essential oils for different skin types and conditions
To give you tips and ideas, here’s a comprehensive list that can help you in using and applying essential oils to your skin:
For acne
Acne frequently causes blemishes, blackheads, whiteheads, and pimples, with the primary cause being a ‘comedo‘. Because of this reason, acne skincare routines should include non-comedogenic skincare and makeup products that do not contribute to clogging. The same advice applies to the use of carrier oils. As such, Jojoba Oil is an excellent non-comedogenic option. (3)
Milder cases of acne can take advantage of essential oils as a natural treatment. Look for those that are antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and clarifying, such as AWO’s lemongrass essential oil, which has naturally-occurring astringent properties. To add, lemongrass oil is used as a spot therapy for mild acne because of its antibacterial and antioxidant characteristics. It can stop acne-causing bacteria from multiplying, eliminate irritation, and lessen outbreaks.
Bergamot essential oil is another spot treatment option for blackheads and cystic acne. However, make sure you don’t use it in the daytime since bergamot is known to increase the skin’s sensitivity to the sun. When addressing acne, don’t mix essential oils with comedogenic chemicals like coconut oil, as this might only clog your pores more. Also, avoid using scented carrier oils as they can aggravate inflammation. (3)
For oily skin
Oily skin occurs when your glands produce excessive sebum, resulting in a greasy and sweaty surface, acne, and clogged pores. This skin concern can be addressed with the help of clarifying and cleansing essential oils, which help purify the skin while also reducing skin oiliness. What’s more, oils with astringent properties can aid in the reduction of visible pores. (4)
Taking proper care of your oily skin can prevent the formation of acne, which occurs due to bacteria thriving in pores that are clogged with dirt and oil. To transform your oily skin, you can try using essential oils known to have antifungal, antimicrobial, and antibacterial properties. These include tea tree, neroli, lemon and bergamot, cypress, clary sage, geranium, and frankincense. (4) (5)
Fennel oil, on the other hand, can help balance out the natural oils produced by your skin without drying it out for skin that isn’t too greasy but on the oily side. It tones the skin, tightens pores, and improves circulation beneath the surface.
For sensitive skin
When you have sensitive skin, it can either be very oily or very dry, plus it can also be accompanied with eczema, allergies, and other skin issues. Sensitive skin often feels unpleasant and distressed, with accompanying symptoms such as rashes, flakiness, itching, and burning. Furthermore, people with this skin type are frequently unable to use conventional skin care products containing dyes or fragrances. (5)
Essential oils that have natural anti-inflammatory effects are the best for sensitive skin. Avoid highly acidic oils such as lemon and lemongrass. The safest options include options generally recommended for all skin types, including sandalwood, frankincense, and lavender. Chamomile may also help due to its calming properties to soothe inflamed and irritated skin. (5)
Start with mild dilutions, particularly for first-time essential oil users. After some time, you may increase the concentration of oil in smaller increments.
For dry skin
Getting dry skin is typical in desert-like climates and at different times of the year. It may develop naturally as a result of aging or decreased activity in your pores’ sebaceous glands. Aside from using hydrating moisturizers and creams to address this skin issue, you can also consider using essential oils that may help boost skin hydration. (5)
Enrich and comfort your dry skin with frankincense essential oil that’s highly acclaimed for rejuvenating mature and dry skin types. Other essential oils for dry skin that you can include in your list are chamomile, lavender, and sandalwood. (5)
You can mix your preferred carrier oils and essential oils to create an all-natural and personalized skincare solution. For dry skin, some of the best carrier oils to consider include hemp seed oil, coconut oil, avocado oil, and sweet almond oil. Those with oily skin can try grapeseed, macadamia nut, apricot kernel, and jojoba oils for their carrier oils. (6)
For normal skin
Although most essential oils are safe to use for your normal skin, you might want to look for ones that have balancing actions to help maintain your skin’s moisture levels and natural harmony. For example, lavender is known for its relaxing effect. The relaxing and calming aroma of lavender essential oil isn’t the only advantage, since it’s a multifunctional oil with numerous cosmetic and therapeutic applications.
Essential oils can aid in the unclogging of inner pores and the cleansing of your skin. This oil does an excellent job of maintaining the skin’s oil balance. It regulates the moisture barrier, keeping your skin from becoming too oily or too dry. It also contains a lot of antioxidants, which may help prevent wrinkles and slow down the skin’s aging process.
You can also look into ylang-ylang, geranium, neroli, jasmine, and fennel essential oils that can all help in balancing surface oils in the skin.
Essential oils as part of your skincare regimen
Diluting essential oils in carrier oil is one of the simplest ways to incorporate them into a skincare regimen. Carrier oils are fixed oils derived from botanical sources such as fruit pulp, nuts, seeds, and kernels that provide skin-beautifying advantages while ensuring that highly concentrated essential oils will be simpler and safer to use for topical administration. (6)
You can make a rollerball blend using a recipe or your instinct to have your preferred mixture on hand. However, avoid applying essential oils on damaged skin. This is because inflamed or injured skin ingests more oil and could lead to more unwanted skin reactions.
Another way you can use essential oils for the skin is by making your own facial mask. Simply mix one tsp of carrier oil, 30 g of cosmetic clay, enough water, and 2-3 drops of your favorite essential oil, depending on your skin type, to make the paste. Use a face brush to apply and keep on for 5-10 minutes before rinsing with lukewarm water.
More skincare benefits of essential oils
Some oils are suitable for other skin care purposes due to certain antioxidant properties that help relieve acne. Some essential oils can help tone down the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines while also preventing the formation of new ones. Oils with antioxidant properties, which can help block free radical damage due to air pollution and sun exposure, are the most effective for this purpose.
Thyme, rosemary, oregano, and clary sage oils all have antioxidant properties and can help reduce the appearance and formation of wrinkles and fine lines. Pomegranate, lavender, lemon essential oils are all antioxidant-rich oils.
Some oils can help lessen the visibility of hyperpigmentation. Evening primrose and sandalwood oils both affect the function of tyrosinase, a melanin-producing enzyme. This has a skin-lightening effect and can help reduce dark spots over time.
Final words
You can take advantage of the benefits of essential oils for skin for a variety of skincare concerns due to their soothing, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory properties. No matter your skin type, you can continuously tap into the incredible powers of essential oils to address any skin issues.
It’s critical to reap the benefits of essential oils while using them appropriately and safely. This includes diluting them first before using, doing a skin patch test before application, and buying them from an ethical and excellent brand known for purity and quality.
this is a contributed article
References:
- “How to Use Essential Oils”, Source: https://www.healthline.com/health/how-to-use-essential-oils
- “What Are Essential Oils, and Do They Work?”, Source: https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/what-are-essential-oils
- “What Are the Best Essential Oils for Acne?”, Source: https://www.healthline.com/health/beauty-skin-care/essentials-oils-for-acne#1
- “The 10 best oils to fight oily skin and breakouts (yes, really)”, Source: https://www.cosmopolitan.com/uk/beauty-hair/news/a36363/best-oils-to-fight-oily-skin-and-breakouts-yes-really/
- “The Best Essential Oils for Your Skin”, Source: https://www.healthline.com/health/essential-oils-for-skin
- “The best carrier oils for essential oils”, Source: https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/321639
