Why Essential Oils Are Important For Skin Care: Benefits Of Essential Oils
What makes essential oils “essential?” Do you know that according to a study, of the 98 essential oils that are recommended for topical use, 88 can heal skin infections (1)? Amazing, right? Let’s check out some more benefits:
1. Effective In Treating Acne
A clinical trial showed that tea tree essential oil helped in reducing inflammation caused by acne and had fewer side effects compared to benzoyl peroxide, the most common topical medicine for acne (2). Even Plai oil demonstrated antimicrobial activity against a wide range of bacteria, including P. acnes (3).
2. They Are Antifungal
A study published in Microbios confirmed that essential oils, such as geranium, orange, patchouli, lemongrass, palmarosa, and Aegle marmelos, are active against 12 strains of fungi and can inhibit their growth (4).
3. They Contain Antioxidants
And that’s why the topical application of several essential oils can protect your skin from the damaging effects of the harmful free radicals. A study shows that oregano, thyme, and basil essential oils keep your skin healthy by destroying the free radicals (5).
4. They Reduce Inflammation
A 2014 study shows that rosemary essential oil contains antioxidants and reduces skin inflammation and boosts circulation. And this is because of the natural oxidative defenses of the essential oil (6).
5. Have Anti-aging Benefits
As per a study, lemon essential oil helps reduce the signs of aging. It protects your skin from sun damage (that causes signs of aging) and reduces oxidative stress on your skin surface (7). Now, the question is, how can you use essential oils? How can you integrate them into your skin care routine? We have discussed that right below.
How To Use Essential Oils For Skin Care
There are two things that you can do:
Use The Essential Oil As A Face Oil: Simply mix it with any carrier oil and use it on your face or dilute it with water and then apply. Add It To Your Face Mask: Add a few drops to your regular face mask and then use it.
There are hundreds of essential oils available in this world. And practically speaking, it’s not possible for any of us to use all of them. What we can do is choose a few essential oils according to our skin type and use them. Check out this list of essential oils you can include in your skin care routine. [ Read: Essential Oils: The Best Way To Treat Hemorrhoids ]
What Are The Best Essential Oils For Skin Care?
1. Tea Tree Oil: For Preventing Breakouts
Tea tree oil is very useful in controlling acne. It exhibits antimicrobial activity against P. acnes, the acne-causing bacteria, and helps in keeping the skin clear and preventing further breakouts (8).
How To Use Tea Tree Oil For Skin Care
5-6 drops of tea tree oil 1 tablespoon honey
Once daily.
2. Neroli Oil: For Antifungal Benefits
Neroli oil is extracted from the flowers of the orange fruit (bitter orange) and has an enchanting citrus and floral aroma. Researchers found that this oil had a robust antifungal activity as compared to antibiotics (17). In fact, bitter orange can also rebuild the elasticity of your skin (18).
How To Use Neroli Oil For Skin Care
1 cup rosewater (you can boil rose petals and extract the water) 1 tablespoon freshly scooped aloe vera 10 drops of neroli oil (use 3 drops per 10mL liquid)
Every day as needed.
3. Rosemary Oil: For Thorough Cleansing
According to a 2014 study, rosemary oil is enriched with oxidative defenses that help in preventing harmful free radicals from damaging your skin. It also boosts circulation and reduces inflammation (13).
How To Use Rosemary Oil For Skin Care
1 tablespoon aloe vera gel 6 drops of rosemary oil
Once daily.
4. Lavender Oil: For Bright Skin
As per a study, lavender oil has anti-inflammatory properties (9). This means it can reduce skin irritation, redness, and skin discoloration, restore your natural skin tone, and make it bright.
How To Use Lavender Oil For Skin Care
2-3 drops of lavender oil 5 tablespoons aloe vera gel
Once daily.
5. Rosehip Oil: For Wrinkles
Rosehip oil contains antioxidants and essential fatty acids that help in cell regeneration, making those fine lines and crow’s feet disappear (10).
How To Use Rosehip Oil For Skin Care
1 teaspoon rosehip oil 3 teaspoons aloe vera gel 5 drops of lavender oil 5 drops of lemon oil
Every day.
6. Clary Sage Oil: For Wound Healing
Clary sage oil is antibacterial. A study found that it was very effective against Staphylococcus aureus – bacteria that cause pimples, boils, and carbuncles. Applying clary sage oil on the affected area helps in eliminating the bacteria (11).
How To Use Clary Sage For Skin Care
Carrier oil (argan, jojoba, almond, coconut, or olive oils) Clary sage oil
Note: Use 2 drops of clary sage oil per 10mL of carrier oil. Every day until the condition heals.
7. Geranium Oil: For Oily Skin
Geranium oil is non-irritant. It is non-toxic and non-sensitizing. And that is why it is suitable for almost all skin types. Moreover, it helps treat a diverse range of skin issues, such as eczema, clogged and congested skin, and dermatitis (12).
How To Use Geranium Oil For Skin Care
1 tablespoon coconut oil 3 drops of geranium oil
Once daily or every alternate day.
9. Lemon Oil: For Anti-aging Benefits
A study conducted in 1999 found that lemon oil could reduce the effects of oxidative and nitrosative stress on your skin. When applied topically, lemon oil inhibited the reactions of free radicals that cause signs of aging (14).
How To Use Lemon Oil For Skin Care
20 drops of lemon oil ½ cup safflower oil
Once daily.
10. Sandalwood Oil: For Treating Skin Infections
Sandalwood oil has been used for ages for treating skin conditions like rashes, acne, boils, and other infections. A study found that this oil could also be a chemopreventive agent for skin cancer, which means it can delay, inhibit, reverse or reduce the risk of skin cancer (15).
How To Use Sandalwood Oil For Skin Care
1 tablespoon sweet almond oil 3-4 drops of sandalwood oil 3-4 drops of lemon oil
Once daily.
11. Ylang Ylang Oil: For Promoting Skin Renewal
It is known as a skin preserver for multiple reasons. Researchers have found that ylang ylang oil has antioxidants that promote skin renewal by repairing the lipids and proteins in your skin. The antioxidants of this oil have free radical scavenging capacity that prevents signs of aging. And that’s why you will find ylang ylang oil in many anti-aging cosmetics (16).
How To Use Ylang Ylang Oil For Skin Care
1 teaspoon coconut or jojoba oil (unrefined) 2-3 drops of ylang-ylang oil
Once every day.
12. Pomegranate Oil: For Preventing Photoaging
Pomegranate oil contains polyphenols, which are potent antioxidants and anti-inflammatory. They help minimize the effects of photoaging (sunspots) and prevent the growth of skin cancer cells (19).
How To Use Pomegranate Oil For Skin Care
1 teaspoon pomegranate oil 1 tablespoon jojoba oil (or any other carrier oil) 1 teaspoon rosehip oil 5 drops of carrot seed oil 10 drops of lavender oil
Every day.
13. Frankincense Oil: For Even Skin Tone
Surgery scars, stretch marks, and other marks left by acne and wounds make your skin look dull. Frankincense oil was found to process tissue remodeling in the skin. Studies indicate that it has a steroid-like pentacyclic triterpene structure that soothes irritated skin and helps you get an even skin tone (20).
How To Use Frankincense Oil For Skin Care
1 tablespoon unrefined coconut oil 4 drops of frankincense oil
Twice a day.
14. Rose Oil: For Better Absorption Of Skin Nutrients
Rose oil has an exceptional ability to improve your skin permeability dramatically. According to a 2010 study, the lipophilic character of rose oil opens up your skin so that it can absorb all the essential nutrients and chemicals better. This means, when mixed with your beauty product, it can improve its efficacy (21).
How To Use Rose Oil For Skin Care
Your favorite moisturizer or skin cream Rose oil (3 drops per 10mL of the product)
Regularly.
15. Patchouli Oil: For Treating Infections
Cuts and wounds on the skin can easily get infected. Patchouli oil has antiseptic properties, which prevent the cuts and sores from getting infected. It can also prevent skin infections, such as athlete’s foot (22).
How To Use Patchouli Oil For Skin Care
1/2 cup olive oil ¼ cup coconut oil ¼ cup beeswax 15 drops of patchouli oil 10 drops of white fir oil
Every alternative day.
16. Roman Chamomile: For Treating Rashes
Roman chamomile is excellent for treating skin rashes caused by eczema and other rashes, including chicken pox, wounds, poison ivy, and diaper rashes, and skin conditions such as cracked nipples. The flavonoids and terpenoids in Roman chamomile give it its healing properties (23).
How To Use Roman Chamomile For Skin Care
16 tablespoons baking soda 8 tablespoons citric acid 8 tablespoons cornstarch 8 tablespoons Epsom salt ¾ teaspoon water 2 teaspoons Roman chamomile oil 2 teaspoons lavender oil 2 ½ teaspoons almond oil 1 soap mold
Twice or thrice a week.
17. Bergamot Oil: For Inhibiting Bacterial Growth
This mood enhancing oil has been an integral part of traditional Chinese medicine. Bergamot oil is widely used in soaps as it can inhibit the growth of bacteria and fungi that cause skin issues. It also has a notable effect on Candida infections (yeast infections) (24). It helps to get rid of skin irritation and is a potent disinfectant (25), (26).
How To Use Bergamot Oil For Skin Care
20 drops of bergamot oil Thrice a week.
18. Cinnamon Oil: For Skin Inflammation
Cinnamon oil is widely used in skin care products. It contains cinnamaldehyde that has anti-inflammatory properties and can treat inflammatory skin conditions such as rashes, itching, eczema, dermatitis, etc. (27).
How To Use Cinnamon Oil For Skin Care
3 tablespoons honey 10 drops of cinnamon oil
Once a day.
19. Cypress Oil: For Antiseptic Benefits
Want to heal cuts, bruises, and wounds faster? If yes, go for cypress oil. This oil can inhibit bacterial growth (28). And because of its bacteria-killing property, it is commonly used for making medicated soaps.
How To Use Cypress Oil For Skin Care
1 tablespoon avocado oil 3-4 drops of cypress oil
Daily, until the condition is healed.
20. Carrot Seed Oil: A Natural Sunscreen
This oil is often used in aromatherapy for its sun-protecting properties. It supplies vitamin A to your skin, which reduces your skin’s sensitivity to sun rays and prevents tanning (29).
How To Use Carrot Seed Oil For Skin Care
1 tablespoon shea butter 2 drops of carrot seed oil 2 drops of lemon oil 2 drops of frankincense oil
Regularly.
21. Peppermint Oil: For Dandruff Treatment
Peppermint oil contains menthol, which is very useful for treating dandruff and stimulating the scalp (30). Another study found that peppermint oil boosted hair growth (31).
2 tablespoons organic coconut oil 4 tablespoons castor oil 10 drops of peppermint oil
Twice or thrice a week. These are some of the best essential oils that you can use on your skin. But before you include any of these amazing essential oils in your skin care regimen, let us take you through the buying guide to pick the correct essential oil for your needs.
Things To Consider While Buying Essential Oils For Skin Care
Skin Type
Essentials oils are wonderful products to add as a booster to your regular moisturizer or serum. But, make sure you use the right oil according to your skin type. As essential oils are quite concentrated and potent, they can cause more harm than good if the wrong oil is applied. Some great essential oils for dry skin are sandalwood oil and lavender oil. They work wonderfully on sensitive skin as well. Rosemary and frankincense oils are beneficial for oily skin.
Skin Concern
Tea tree oil and lemongrass oil are known to work well on acne-prone skin. There are many skin-related issues that can be fought with the right combination of essential oils. They also work quite quickly as they are potent. Therefore, it is better to consult an expert before you mix different essential oils.
Application
Take proper precautions while using these oils. These essential oils are concentrated extracts of herbs and fruits. So before buying them, we suggest that you educate yourself on the correct way of application. Essential oils are usually not meant to be ingested. If you need to treat a specific condition like acne, spot application is recommended. For any other topical use, you can mix it with your regular cream or lotion for added benefits. Another popular way to use essential oils is to add them to bathwater. This is especially useful if you are trying to apply them to a hard-to-reach region like your back. Adding about ten drops to running bath water creates a calming spa-like effect. When using essential oils, there are specific factors that you should keep in mind.
Precautions To Take When Using Essential Oils For Skin
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