Health & Wellness
15 Best Essential Oils for Healthier Skin
Breakouts and skin irritations are never fun. When they happen, we look for a quick fix. Essential oils can help. With their anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antioxidant properties, these oils have the power to help restore the skin to its natural glory when applied topically, and when breathed in, essential oil blends like Zen may help reduce stress and even hormones.
Essential oils are a great way to improve the vitality and appearance of the skin. Many essential oils have natural properties that benefit skin health, provide hydration, and help clear bumps or blemishes. Some essential oils even help with more significant skin problems like aging, eczema, psoriasis, and acne.
As essential oils become more popular, it seems that the range of essential oils to choose from is almost overwhelming. To make the search for essential oils for boosting skin health simpler, the top 15 essential oils for healthier skin are highlighted below.
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Rosehip seed oil contains a range of compounds that benefit skin health, including vitamins A, C, and E. It also contains essential fatty acids and antioxidants that help in cell regeneration, reducing the appearance of crow’s feet and fine lines.1
Pomegranate seed oil helps to stimulate cells in the skin’s outer layer, known as keratinocytes. This helps revive the skin, reverse skin damage, and promote more youthful-looking skin. It also contains polyphenols, which are potent anti-inflammatory agents and antioxidants that help minimize the effects of photoaging.3
Ylang-ylang is referred to as a skin-preserver for a variety of reasons. Researchers have found that ylang-ylang oil contains antioxidants that promote skin rejuvenation by repairing the proteins and lipids in the skin.
Additionally, the antioxidants in the oil have free radical-scavenging capacities that help prevent signs of aging.5
Roman chamomile is the go-to oil for serious skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis. It is also great for remedying diaper rashes and poison ivy.6
Sandalwood essential oil is one of the best essential oils for dry skin. In fact, it has been used for centuries because of its calming and spiritual properties and moisturizing effects on the skin.
It also heals dry skin accompanied by inflammation and redness. A-santalol and B-santalol are the active ingredients in sandalwood essential oil and have been found to have impressive anti-inflammatory functions. Additionally, a key benefit of this essential oil is that it can be used on all types of skin.8
Geranium essential oil contains enzymes that help regulate the production of skin oils, which makes it versatile for all types of skin, particularly dry skin. Additionally, it helps balance the production of sebum in the skin, making it ideal for both oily and dry skin.
It is a non-irritating, non-sensitizing, and non-toxic, which is why it can be used for nearly all skin types. It also helps treat a variety of skin problems including eczema and dermatitis.9
Ashy and dull-looking skin can benefit from lemon essential oil because it has skin-lightening properties that help brighten up the lifeless-looking skin. A 1999 study discovered that lemon essential oil can help reduce the effects of oxidative stress on the skin. When lemon essential oil was applied topically, it inhibited the reactions of free radicals responsible for the signs of aging.
Remember, if you plan to use lemon oil as a moisturizer, ensure that you only use it at night. The reason for this is that it is photosensitive and should never be worn when heading out into the sun.11
Cinnamon oil is commonly used in skin care products. It contains anti-inflammatory properties and is known for treating skin conditions such as dermatitis, eczema, itching, and rashes. Furthermore, it said to improve the appearance of fine lines by plumping the skin, which means that using it may stimulate blood flow to the face.12
Stretch marks, surgery scars, and other marks left by wounds or acne can make the skin look dull. Fortunately, frankincense essential oil promotes new cell growth and offers antibacterial properties. According to studies involving frankincense oil, it has a steroid-like structure that helps soothe irritated skin and promote an evener skin tone.14
Anti-Aging Essential Oils and Carrier Oils
Essential oils can be used to help fight the signs of aging, such as dry skin or wrinkles. Just a few drops of the best anti-aging essential oils added to a regular lotion or a carrier oil can provide the skin with the nutrients it needs to keep it looking great. The oils in this category also help with skin damage from sunburn.
Rosehip Seed Carrier Oil
Rosehip seed oil contains a range of compounds that benefit skin health, including vitamins A, C, and E. It also contains essential fatty acids and antioxidants that help in cell regeneration, reducing the appearance of crow’s feet and fine lines.1
Carrot Seed Essential Oil
It is a great oil for brightening and lightening skin and is particularly beneficial for spotty and dull skin. Consider adding some carrot seed oil to a daily face moisturizer to reduce hyperpigmentation or age spots.2
Pomegranate Seed Oil
Pomegranate seed oil helps to stimulate cells in the skin’s outer layer, known as keratinocytes. This helps revive the skin, reverse skin damage, and promote more youthful-looking skin. It also contains polyphenols, which are potent anti-inflammatory agents and antioxidants that help minimize the effects of photoaging.3
Neroli Essential Oil
Neroli essential oil is extracted from the flowers of the bitter orange fruit and has an enchanting floral and citrus aroma. The rejuvenating effects of neroli essential oil are great for aging, oily, and sensitive skin. It is also great for reducing the appearance of stretch marks.4
Ylang-Ylang Essential Oil
Ylang-ylang is referred to as a skin-preserver for a variety of reasons. Researchers have found that ylang-ylang oil contains antioxidants that promote skin rejuvenation by repairing the proteins and lipids in the skin.
Additionally, the antioxidants in the oil have free radical-scavenging capacities that help prevent signs of aging.5
Anti-Inflammatory Essential Oils
Puffiness, redness, itchiness, and swelling can be a result of damaged skin, dry skin, or even conditions such as eczema and psoriasis. There are several essential oils with properties that can help relieve the discomfort or appearance of these conditions.
Roman Chamomile Essential Oil
Roman chamomile is the go-to oil for serious skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis. It is also great for remedying diaper rashes and poison ivy.6
Lavender Essential Oil
Lavender essential oil is a natural floral oil with an amazing fragrance. It is known for its calming benefits, in addition to soothing inflammation. This means this essential oil is effective for reducing skin discoloration, redness, irritation, and even restoring your skin tone. It has also been shown to regenerate skin cells, which makes it great for reducing sun spots and removing scarring. It works great for all types of skin, which is why it is used in so many different body lotions, creams, and soaps.7
Sandalwood Essential Oil
Sandalwood essential oil is one of the best essential oils for dry skin. In fact, it has been used for centuries because of its calming and spiritual properties and moisturizing effects on the skin.
It also heals dry skin accompanied by inflammation and redness. A-santalol and B-santalol are the active ingredients in sandalwood essential oil and have been found to have impressive anti-inflammatory functions. Additionally, a key benefit of this essential oil is that it can be used on all types of skin.8
Moisturizing Essential Oils
Dry skin often results in issues like flakiness, itchiness, and even coarseness of the skin. Add several drops of the essential oils below to mineral or distilled water for a moisturizing mist.
Geranium Essential Oil
Geranium essential oil contains enzymes that help regulate the production of skin oils, which makes it versatile for all types of skin, particularly dry skin. Additionally, it helps balance the production of sebum in the skin, making it ideal for both oily and dry skin.
It is a non-irritating, non-sensitizing, and non-toxic, which is why it can be used for nearly all skin types. It also helps treat a variety of skin problems including eczema and dermatitis.9
Myrrh Essential Oil
The moisturizing properties in myrrh essential oil work to heal dry and chapped skin. It also stimulates circulation and the generation of new cells, giving the skin a smooth and youthful look.10
Lemon Essential Oil
Ashy and dull-looking skin can benefit from lemon essential oil because it has skin-lightening properties that help brighten up the lifeless-looking skin. A 1999 study discovered that lemon essential oil can help reduce the effects of oxidative stress on the skin. When lemon essential oil was applied topically, it inhibited the reactions of free radicals responsible for the signs of aging.
Remember, if you plan to use lemon oil as a moisturizer, ensure that you only use it at night. The reason for this is that it is photosensitive and should never be worn when heading out into the sun.11
Essential Oils for Clearing Pores
Between acne, blackheads, and large pores, essential oils that help keep the pores clean and revitalize the skin. Such essential oils also help repair damaged skin.
Cinnamon Essential Oil
Cinnamon oil is commonly used in skin care products. It contains anti-inflammatory properties and is known for treating skin conditions such as dermatitis, eczema, itching, and rashes. Furthermore, it said to improve the appearance of fine lines by plumping the skin, which means that using it may stimulate blood flow to the face.12
Tea Tree Essential Oil
Tea tree oil is an incredibly versatile essential oil. First, it is useful when it comes to controlling acne breakouts since it helps clean the pores without over-saturating the skin. Additionally, its antimicrobial properties prevent the spread of acne-causing bacteria, P. acnes. The combination of these properties helps keep the skin clear and helps prevent further breakouts.13
Frankincense Essential Oil
Stretch marks, surgery scars, and other marks left by wounds or acne can make the skin look dull. Fortunately, frankincense essential oil promotes new cell growth and offers antibacterial properties. According to studies involving frankincense oil, it has a steroid-like structure that helps soothe irritated skin and promote an evener skin tone.14
Peppermint Essential Oil
Peppermint essential oil is both cooling and refreshing and stimulating and warming. It helps tone, soften, and calm the skin, in addition to providing antimicrobial and antiseptic properties. According to research published in the journal Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, peppermint oil is an effective remedy for dermatitis, ringworm, sunburn, inflammation, and oily skin.15How To Use Essential Oils to Promote Healthier Skin
It’s important to follow some critical guidelines when applying essential oils to the skin. First, essential oils should never be applied to the skin undiluted. Always dilute an essential oil with a carrier oil to a maximum dilution of 5 percent. The opinions of the most suitable dilution ratios vary with some people believing that a 5 percent dilution is too strong. Check with your essential oil vendor about the most suitable ratios. Always ensure you conduct a patch skin test before you start using a particular essential oil to ensure that the skin doesn’t have an adverse reaction. A great place to perform the test is the inner forearm because the skin there is delicate and similar to the skin on the face. Essential oils are great for just about anybody, but there are some that should be avoided by young children, infants, and pregnant or nursing women. Always ensure that you conduct proper research before using an essential oil and consult with a medical professional if needed.Conclusion
Essential oils can and should be a great part of your skincare routine. In fact, essential oils are probably already a part of some skin products, perhaps even the ones you own and have been known to protect and nourish the skin for centuries. As you take care of your skin every day, essential oils will ensure your skin maintains a healthy glow, while preventing breakouts or other skin problems. Now that you know more about the essential oils that you can use to promote skin health, it is up to you make the decision about which one will work best for your purposes. However, all the essential oils discussed above are excellent options for supporting skin health.top posts
