Essential Oils for the Skin

If you haven’t used essential oils for skin, you may not be getting all the natural benefits your skin craves. There are several essential oils that can cleanse, soften, and soothe your skin while purifying your skin cells. If you’re not sure which oils are best for you, getting some advice from skincare experts and holistic healing specialists can let you know which natural oils are beneficial for you.

Here are some essential oils good for skin you can add to your skincare regimen today.

Argan Oil

Argan oil is filled with vitamins and antioxidants and is ideal for nourishing and moisturizing the skin. This is a great oil to include in your daily skincare routine if you have wrinkles or dry skin. Argan oil has a combination of fatty acids and vitamin E that absorbs into the skin easily so you’ll see the positive effects of the oil right away.

Cedarwood Oil

If you’ve ever had a pimple that just won’t go away, you may want to try cedar wood oil. Just a few drops of this oil will help you fight acne without clogging your pores. This essential oil works even for stubborn acne.

Vetiver

Vetiver oil is one of the best ingredients to add to your skincare routine if you live in an area where pollution is high. This oil can prevent signs of premature aging and just a few drops thoroughly hydrates your skin. If you have hyperpigmentation or stretch marks, apply vetiver oil to improve the overall appearance of your skin.

Neroli

Neroli oil has anti-fungal and antimicrobial properties and is high in antioxidants. This essential oil works great for soothing acne-prone skin and getting rid of irritation and breakouts. Neroli oil also has a pleasant floral citrusy scent that will leave your skin refreshed.

Geranium

This essential oil is wonderful if you have dry skin. Geranium oil removes dead skin cells and leaves your face taut and soft. This oil is beneficial if you have acne and makes the skin more radiant. You’ll love the minty and floral aroma as well. Geranium oil is also ideal for settling the stomach and reducing nausea.

Marula

Marula oil has omega fatty acids and proteins that nourish dry skin. The oil is lightweight and will thoroughly moisturize your skin without making your complexion feel too oily.

Thieves Oil

Thieves Oil is actually a blend of cinnamon bark, eucalyptus, clove, rosemary, and lemon. There are several benefits that come with using this oil blend, including removing bacteria from the skin. You can also put thieves oil in your diffuser to breathe it in if you’re suffering from a cold or the flu.

Grapefruit

Grapefruit oil has a fresh citrusy fragrance that helps to elevate your mood. You can use grapefruit oil in your beauty routine to regulate your skin’s oil production and heal blackheads and whiteheads. If you have oily hair, you can add a few drops of grapefruit oil to your shampoo and conditioner to cleanse your scalp and give your hair a pleasant scent.

Peppermint

This oil is potent and refreshing can be used as a natural treatment for joint and muscle pain. A 2016 study asserts that peppermint oil can treat pruritus, a chronic condition that causes itchy skin and calm overall skin irritation. Women’s Health also shares that peppermint oil is essential for reducing fatigue and stress.

Sweet Orange

Sweet orange is ideal for reducing inflammation and for its antiseptic properties. You can also give your skin a boost of vitamin C when you use sweet orange oil. Add a couple of drops to your body scrub or moisturizer to give your skin a radiant glow.

Lavender

Lavender is a great essential oil since it serves several purposes and can be used topically and as a diffuser scent. Lavender is known for having calming qualities that can reduce feelings of depression and anxiety. You can also use lavender on your skin because it nourishes the skin cells to provide a youthful glow and get rid of blemishes. Mix lavender with a carrier oil and apply it to your skin to reduce sunburn and soothe the redness and irritation that comes from insect bites.

Rosehip

Many people heard about rose hip oil when Kate Middleton made it popular. The Duchess reportedly uses this essential oil every day to pamper her skin. Rose hip oil is rich in vitamin C and helps slow the aging process. The oil also contains fatty acids that will keep your complexion hydrated throughout the day. Rose hip oil contains retinoids as well, which fights breakouts and brightens your skin. You can experience the benefits of this oil by adding a few drops to your skin each day.

Copaiba Oleoresin

Copaiba is an essential oil that you can add to your lotion or body oil to soothe your skin. The oil is high in beta-caryophyllene which can strengthen the skin and infuse the skin with moisture. Add a few drops to your lotion to see how healthy and nourished your skin looks after just a few uses.

Tea Tree

Tea tree oil is another essential oil used by royalty. Meghan Markle told Allure in 2014 that she uses this oil to cure a number of skin conditions, including breakouts and mosquito bites. Tea tree oil is antimicrobial and fights the bacteria that causes whiteheads and blackheads. You can also use tea tree oil to treat ringworm and other fungal infections, or add some to your shampoo or conditioner to get rid of dandruff. You can apply a drop or two to your skin to soothe infected areas or add the oil to your facial cleanser or toner to clear your skin. Tea tree oil and witch hazel work very well together as a natural acne treatment that is just as effective as some prescription and over-the-counter acne medications.

Ylang Ylang

Ylang Ylang gives your healthier skin by moisturizing your complexion. This oil is safe to use on your face but you can also use a mixture of Ylang Ylang and other essential oils to cleanse your scalp or as a hair mask.

Palmarosa

You can use this essential oil all over your body but you have to dilute it first. Palmarosa reduces inflammation and removes bacteria from the skin. Using the oil often can also delay the effects of aging and get rid of signs of aging on your skin. This oil is affordable and has a nice scent that you’ll love to smell throughout the day.

Lemongrass

Lemongrass is a natural toner and has anti-fungal and antibacterial properties. If you want to fight the effects of aging, you can use lemongrass oil to remove impurities from your skin and fight fine lines and age spots. This essential oil is also a natural remedy for anxiety and can help calm your body and mind. You can also use lemongrass to treat symptoms of ADD and improve your concentration.

Rosemary

Rosemary oil can work wonders for your complexion. This oil can also help prevent gray hair and improve the overall health of your strands. You can use rosemary oil to cleanse your skin and to stimulate blood flow in your scalp to promote healthy hair growth. Try making your own hair mask with rosemary oil by combination 1/4 cup of jojoba oil and avocado oil with about five drops of rosemary oil. Leave the mask on your hair for 15-20 minutes before rinsing thoroughly.

More Essential Oils for Skin

Frankincense: This natural ingredient is known as the King of Oils, and for good reason. Frankincense soothes your skin and has been used since ancient Egyptian times as a perfume and skin conditioner. The oil is also used to treat wrinkles and scars caused by acne, and can improve your overall complexion when you apply it daily. You can also use frankincense on your hands to restore your skin and prevent dryness after a long day of work.

Yarrow|Pom: This oil is a blend of pomegranate seed oil and yarrow oil. This essential oil provides kin benefits and prevent aging when you apply it topically. You can also take yarrow|pom internally to protect your skin and make your skin more elastic which stimulates collagen production. It’s also a good idea to add this ingredient to your massage oil collection. It’s also safe to use it as a face cleanser especially if you practice oil pulling, no matter what type of skin you have. Mix the oil with your favorite cleanser to clarify your skin. Use yarrow|pom as a morning and night treatment for your face, neck, chest, and hands.

Helichrysum: Helichrysum is a honey-sweet essential oil that renews your skin. Helichrysm is a skin-nourishing oil that is included in several anti-aging serums and moisturizers. Using the oil often leads to healthy, youthful skin and can reduce blemishes while protecting the skin against fine lines and wrinkles. The main ingredient in the oil is nearly acetate which has been used in research trails to reduce skin irritation. Neryl acetate also supports overall complexion health by giving the skin a youthful glow and getting rid of blemishes. Applying the oil topically provides the benefits of acetophenones and phloroglucinols which protect the skin from damage. You can mix the oil with lavender and coconut oil to soothe the skin from irritation and reduce acne. This mixture is also ideal for getting rid of razor bumps.

Bergamot: This essential oil has been used for hundreds of years in southern Italy. The essential oil has a pleasant orange-like smell and is a natural way to restore your complexion. Bergamot has an uplifting quality that can be used to awaken the senses and can thoroughly cleanse the skin which is why it is often used for skincare. If you use the oil topically, make sure you stay out of the sun for up to 12 hours after application. To use this oil as a topical treatment, you can combine bergamot oil with coconut oil as a cleanser for your face and body. You can also use bergamot oil in the shower by applying it directly to the skin and inhaling it while you enjoy the steam of the shower to cleanse your pores and clarify all the skin on your body.

Jasmine: If you love the floral aroma of jasmine, you can use the oil to experience a sense of euphoria. This oil is also known for sparking feelings of joy and romance which is why it’s used often in perfumes and scented lotions. Jasmine oil can also significant benefit the skin. Using jasmine oil will give you a healthy glow and get rid of dark marks and blemishes while making your complexion more radiant. Jasmine is also an ideal ingredient for hair health so you can add it to your hair mask or conditioner to make your hair shinier and thoroughly cleanse your scalp. If you want to use this oil to improve your skin, it’s best to apply the oil directly to any imperfections twice a day.

Sandalwood: Sandalwood essential oil contains santalol which helps to beautify the skin. When you apply the oil topically, it can minimize blemishes and make your skin smoother. Use sandalwood when you want to keep your skin looking its best and breathe in the amber-like scent that promotes a sense of well-being. Add a couple of drops to your night cream or moisturizer to make your skin glow. Sandalwood can also be used as a steam treatment by filling a bowl with steaming water and then apply about two drops to your face before covering your head with a towel and placing your face above the water.

Rose: This oil has a captivating fragrance that helps to spark romance and give you a relaxed feeling. Rose is often associated with beauty which is why you should add this essential oil to your skincare routine. Rose oil will keep your skin’s oil levels balanced and can be used as a natural tone to reduce the appearance of large pores and cleansing the skin of impurities. Use the rose oil on blemishes morning and night to make your skin look more youthful and healthy.

Roman Chamomile: Applying this oil topically can soothe the skin and nourish the complexion and body after spending a day in harsh weather. Roman chamomile has a lovely scent and is often used in perfumes and lotions, as well as face creams and hair dyes. When you use the oil on your skin, you’ll smell the floral scent for several hours. To use Roman chamomile as a skin treatment, add some drops to your favorite facial moisturizer or add it to unscented lotion and apply it on your feet before going to bed to help lull your body to sleep.

Diluting Essential Oils for Skin

One of the most important parts of using essential oils as skin treatments it to dilute the oils with a moisturizer or carrier oil. You could cause dry patches or irritation on your skin if you apply the essential oils to your skin directly. Essential oils don’t contain lipids so you should mix these oils with another oil that will slow down the skin absorption process. This keeps the oil on the skin longer and offers maximum benefits.

It is also best to add a couple of drops of the essential oil of your choice to your lotion or moisturizer at a time. Give your skin a chance to adjusts to the oil, especially if your skin is sensitive. Be sure to stick to specific essential oil to moisturizer ratios for your face and body. To use essential oils for your body, use 1.5 to 3% essential oil with the moisturizer of your choice. For your face, use 0.5% to 1.5% of the essential oil with your carrier oil. Recommended carrier oils include coconut, almond, Argan, or jojoba.

Essential oils have been used for centuries and will have a lasting positive impact on your skin if you use them correctly. There are hundreds of essential oils you can use to custom your routine and make you feel better mentally and physically. Be sure you understand the benefits of each essential oil before using them so you can treat specific skin conditions and effectively reach your health goals. Pay attention to how your skin reacts to the essential oils you need in case you’re sensitive to certain plant or flower extract. Adjust your natural skin treatments accordingly so you can have glowing skin using natural ingredients.

FAQ

For more skin care supplementing stories on SEEMA, check out Best Skin Care Routine for Asians