Five Essential Oils for Skin Care
The skin on our body not only plays a part in our appearance, it also plays an important role in our overall health. It is one of our body’s first lines of defense against the elements as well as any foreign invaders such as viruses, bacteria, and fungi, all of which can cause damage or infections. That is why it is very important to properly take care of our skin.
Skin Care Products
There are many commercially available skin care products. Many of these products, although they appear to be natural, can contain synthetic chemicals that are unnatural. These ingredients can cause skin irritations, allergies, and side effects that could be harmful and more damaging to the skin. Since many of us are searching for natural ways to keep the skin healthy, finding the best skin care treatment does not need to be complicated.
One great thing about Mother Nature is that it provides us with natural skin care ingredients such as pure essential oils, which have proven to be very valuable in achieving healthy skin.
Pure Essential Oils
Pure essential oils are good for our skin and can become part of any skin care regimen. These pure natural oils come from herbs and plants and can be used on the skin, when properly diluted, as spot treatments. They can also be used as acne solutions, anti-wrinkle creams, facial toners, moisturizers, and softeners. They can also provide nourishing properties that can help to heal, protect, and even rejuvenate your skin.
Although many skin care products say they contain essential oils, you should be aware that many of these essential oils may not be pure essential oils; they may be altered to be used as more of a fragrance oil. These types of oils are not as effective as pure essential oils since they have lost some of their therapeutic properties. It is therefore much better to purchase your skin care products from someone who has done the research for you and has experience in this area, or learn how you can add the following essential oils to your current skin care treatments.
Essential Oils for Skin Care
Below are the essential oils I feel work great for skincare. This is not an inclusive list, but a great place to start. Many essential oils are being researched regarding skin care. You should know your skin care needs before you begin. Knowing this will help you choose where you might want to start. Several of the essential oils listed below are gentle enough for all skin types, but there are some oils that can be used for specific skin conditions. As a general rule, it is recommended to dilute all essential oils before applying them to your skin. It is also best to do a test patch on your arm before applying products that contain ingredients and pure essential oils new to you, to avoid any adverse reactions and irritation.
The following are some of the best essential oils when it comes to skin care:
Lavender
Lavender essential oil is one of the most widely used oils in aromatherapy. It is one of the safest and gentlest essential oils and works great for many things, including skin care. Lavender oil is great for all skin types and works especially well for maturing skin. It has therapeutic properties, giving it the ability to reduce the appearance of age spots, scars, and acne marks. Also helps the skin achieve an even tone while providing nourishment. It has anti-inflammatory, anti-fungal, antibacterial, as well as antiseptic properties. That is why Lavender helps with so many different skin concerns, from acne to burns to insect bites.
Clary Sage
Clary sage essential oil is also a valuable oil when it comes to skin rejuvenation. Its properties can naturally stimulate the growth of healthy skin cells, making it a great skin treatment for acne, wrinkles, and fine lines. To benefit from this oil, you can simply add a few drops of Clary Sage essential oil to your favorite moisturizer. You can add it to the bottle, or add a drop of oil with a dab of lotion.
Tea Tree
Tea Tree essential oil has the amazing ability to help your body properly regulate the production of natural oil on the skin. This oil will work wonders on oily and acne-prone skin. Tea tree essential oil can be diluted in a suitable carrier or unscented skin-care base and applied to blemish-prone areas. Tea Tree Essential Oil has soothing properties that help our skin relieve congestion. It also has antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties which is why it is so great for blemished and tired skin.
Geranium
Geranium essential oil works very well in keeping the skin looking young, which is especially beneficial for maturing skin. This essential oil has properties that promote skin firmness and elasticity, thus helping to prevent sagging skin. Geranium essential oil may also help in the treatment of broken capillaries and help to prevent varicose veins. It can also help to regulate normal skin oil or sebum production. It is great for sensitive, oily, and aging skin. You can simply add 2 drops of Geranium to every ounce of distilled water and make your own facial toner. When mixing essential oils with water, you need to use an emulsifier like Solubol.
Carrot Seed
Carrot seed essential oil is used to support moisture balance, soothe irritation, and promote a radiant complexion, helping the skin stay healthy. It can revitalize and tone the skin while providing hydration, which can reduce signs of skin aging. It is also helpful in promoting skin healing in certain skin conditions like dermatitis, psoriasis, rashes, and eczema. Carrot seed essential oil is one of my favorites, and for this reason I incorporated it in my facial lotion.
References:
“The Top 5 Essential Oils for Beautiful Glowing Skin” by Revitalise Your Health;
“My Top 5 Essential Oils for Skin by Leah Patterson;
“Essential Oils for Beautiful Skin” by Victoria Anisman-Reiner
