You may already use essential oils to help you fall asleep, de-stress after a long day, boost your mood, or get rid of a migraine. But did you know that some essential oils can help you achieve a healthy glow, too? The best essential oils for healthy skin combine anti-aging, anti-inflammatory, and other skin-healing properties. Just remember: don’t apply any essential oils directly to the skin. Always use a carrier oil like jojoba, coconut, or almond.
Lavender oil
If you’re anything like us, you can’t sleep without lavender essential oil. Lavender is known for its calming effect, making it popular in nighttime routines worldwide. But it also has anti-inflammatory properties that can reduce redness while keeping skin moisturized. Lavender’s anti-fungal, antimicrobial, and detoxifying benefits work with its anti-inflammatory properties to reduce redness, soothe and calm the skin, and heal minor cuts, burns, scrapes, and rashes—an oil of all trades!
Lavender’s antibacterial properties also make it a natural-born killer... of acne. A little lavender oil diluted in jojoba oil can help unclog pores, reduce inflammation, and clear up blemishes.
Tea tree oil
You’ve likely come across a tea tree oil cleanser or two while browsing skincare products. That’s because tea tree oil is the essential oil of choice for acne and oily skin. Tea tree oil’s anti-fungal and antibacterial properties decrease bacteria, fungi, and viruses on the skin’s surface, leading to skin that’s clean—and clear—as a whistle. This process also helps improve oily skin. In fact, one study found that participants who used sunscreen with tea tree oil in it for one month saw less oiliness.
Frankincense oil
Extracted from Ethiopia’s Boswellia carterii tree, frankincense oil is most commonly used as a fragrance ingredient. However, it's also an all-natural fountain of youth. It’s said that frankincense played a leading role in Cleopatra’s beauty routine, and if it’s good enough for the Queen of the Nile, it’s good enough for us!
Frankincense has natural astringent properties that balance oil production while tightening the skin and improving elasticity.
Make your own DIY frankincense eye treatment by adding about 10 drops of frankincense essential oil to your current eye cream.
Geranium oil
Geranium oil is a natural antioxidant and anti-inflammatory oil that boosts the skin’s glow and overall health.
You have geranium’s alkaline properties to thank for skin-boosting effects that balance natural oils and reduce shine. By tightening the skin, geranium oil offers the double-whammy effect of minimizing the appearance of wrinkles and slowing the effects of aging.
Sandalwood oil
Santalol, an organic compound in sandalwood, gives it its beautifying effects. When you apply sandalwood oil to your skin, it helps minimize the appearance of blemishes, scars, fine lines, and other skin imperfections. If you’re looking for a bright and healthy-looking complexion, reach for sandalwood oil. You can add a few drops of this oil to your foundation or moisturizer, mix it with a carrier oil, and put it directly on the skin.
Cedarwood oil
If you’re prone to pesky and painful cystic zits, you need cedarwood essential oil in your medicine cabinet. Add a few drops to a carrier oil, and voilà—an acne treatment that will head to battle with even the most stubborn zits.
Rosehip oil
Rosehip oil is another essential oil featured in a more recent royal skincare routine—this one is Kate Middleton’s staple. She’s said to use it daily for its abundant vitamin C, which has anti-aging properties and makes the skin glow. Rosehip oil also contains fatty acids that help keep the skin hydrated.
This essential oil boosts the skin’s elasticity and firmness thanks to vitamin A, which assists in collagen production.
Pomegranate seed oil
Research shows that pomegranate seed oil offers robust protection from sun damage while inhibiting UVB-induced skin damage. Add pomegranate seed oil to your daily moisturizer or sunscreen to reap its skin-protecting benefits and ensure you keep your youthful glow.
Helichrysum oil
Helichrysum essential oil renews the skin. For that reason, it’s a popular natural ingredient in powders, foundations, and anti-aging products. Helichrysum oil promotes healthy skin and reduces the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and other skin imperfections.
The neryl acetate in helichrysum was found to be effective at reducing skin irritation. It also contains acetophenones and phloroglucinols, two substances that support healthy-looking skin.
Has razor burn got you down? Mix a few drops of lavender and helichrysum oils with a carrier oil for an instant and all-natural razor burn reliever.
Ylang-ylang oil
Ylang-ylang oil is one of the most effective essential oils for fighting hyperpigmented skin and uneven skin tone. It works to lighten acne scars and dark spots.
This essential oil is further known to help the skin retain moisture, stay hydrated, and regenerate cells. Ylang-ylang also has antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties—two important characteristics of a good skincare routine!
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