The global skincare market is worth an estimated 134 million dollars. You can’t even turn on the TV or read a magazine without seeing ads for the latest and greatest in skincare products “guaranteed” to make you look years younger … overnight! But what if we told you some of the best skincare ingredients are not new, but thousands of years old?
Ancient and indigenous people have been using essential oils (EO) for centuries to treat common skincare issues and maintain radiant, flawless skin. Recently beauty experts have stated to get in on the EO trend. Pure essential oils have been distilled down to their raw essence and are very potent.
In other words, you don’t want to put these directly on your skin, but dilute them in a carrier oil. Jojoba oil is the best oil to use on your face as it mimics the sebum your skin produces naturally and won’t cause you to break out.
If you’ve ever shopped for natural and organic … well … anything, you know that building a collection of quality ingredients can get pretty expensive. Before you go broke ordering every oil you find online (yours truly once impulse-bought a dram of jasmine sambac oil for twenty dollars, not realizing I was only getting a few drops!), start with this list of essential oils for skin benefits.
12 Must-Have Essential Oils For Gorgeous Skin
Lavender
Lavender is amazing for skin because it is antibacterial and anti-inflammatory, making it ideal for cystic acne sufferers. Despite its beautiful fragrance, lavender is actually part of the mint family. It has some of the same soothing and cooling benefits as peppermint but is a lot gentler on your skin. To reap the benefits, add 15-20 drops of lavender to one ounce of witch hazel and use daily as a toner.
Tea Tree, Aka Melaleuca
Tea Tree is another member of the mint family and has many of the same benefits as lavender for acne-prone skin. An added benefit of Tea Tree is how it reduces the appearance of scars. According to Healthline, Tea Tree oil has been proven more effective than zinc oxide and clobetasone butyrate creams for relief of eczema symptoms. Add two or three drops of melaleuca oil to a quarter-size amount of lotion and apply directly to the irritated area.
Frankincense
Frankincense has been used in skincare treatments since before the birth of Christ and was one of the ingredients used to make Esther pretty enough to catch a king. That’s because it has incredible rejuvenating and anti-aging properties that make this one of the best essential oils for skin. When used correctly, Frankincense can transform your skin.
It can alleviate acne, reduce the appearance of your pores, reduce the visibility of fine lines and wrinkles, tighten skin, lighten dark spots, reduce the visibility of stretch marks, and balance oil production. To use, add a few drops of Frankincense EO to all your beauty products. It’s great for all hair types too!
Geranium
Geranium contains a chemical compound called geraniol that has been proven highly effective in treating contact dermatitis and other forms of skin infections, including yeast infections.
Lemongrass
Lemongrass is naturally astringent, making it excellent for returning balance to oily skin.
Vanilla
Vanilla is a type of orchid. Although it is expensive and can be difficult to find, pure vanilla has excellent antioxidant and anti-carcinogenic properties. It also has therapeutic properties and is great for people who struggle with depression or anxiety. Add a few drops of pure vanilla to your face wash to reap the benefits of this fragrant flower.
Black Cumin Seed
Cumin is prominent in middle-eastern and south-Asian cooking because of its ability to dissolve fat deposits when ingested. This makes it one of the best oils to use for treating stretch marks and unwanted cellulite. Since this oil is actually made by pressing cumin seeds, you don’t have to worry about burning yourself; go nuts with it! Take a half-and-half mix of black cumin and Jojoba oil and massage into the afflicted area daily.
Helichrysum
Helichrysum is naturally antimicrobial, antifungal, and antibiotic. It is great for treating rashes, scars, wrinkles, and acne. Add ten to twenty drops per ounce to your facial moisturizer, and the results will wow you!
Fennel
Fennel is packed with vitamins and minerals our skin needs, including potassium, copper, zinc, and iron. It also has properties that make it especially useful for menopausal and postmenopausal women. Add 15 drops to your tub to bathe with. You can substitute 1/4 cup of fennel seeds if you have trouble finding the oil.
Ginger
This humble root has over forty antioxidants and is one of the best anti-aging plants in the world. Make a mask of honey, yogurt, and five drops of ginger oil. Apply to skin for twenty minutes and rinse away with warm water.
Patchouli
Patchouli is effective at treating eczema, psoriasis, and contact dermatitis. Add a few drops to your lotion for a cooling sensation.
Rose
Long hailed as a beauty enhancer, the humble rose has anti-inflammatory properties and is a natural cleanser. This makes it perfect for acne sufferers and aging skin alike. Add 10 drops per ounce to your face wash to reap the benefits.
Final Thoughts
These oils are easy to find and even easier to use. With a little time and practice, you can incorporate these oils into your beauty routine and reveal naturally beautiful, radiant skin!
