
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