The use of essential oils has been going on for centuries—and it’s not without good reason. Essential oils, which come in hundreds of varieties, may be able to treat everything from wrinkles to acne scars. Aside from this, they are said to have aromatherapy benefits that promote relaxation.
A few drops of essential oils mixed into your go-to serum or moisturizer, diluted with a carrier oil, and applied topically, could provide significant dermatological benefits. But before you go ahead and start applying them on, it’s critical to understand how to use these potent products correctly.
Essential oils in a nutshell
Essential oils (EOs) are potent plant extracts derived from resins and tree barks, seeds, nuts, fruits, flowers, stems, leaves, and roots. They possess the essence and healing properties of the plant with them through the multiple active compounds found in just a single drop. Essential oils are widely used in whole-body treatments, but it turns out that you can also use them on your skin to treat certain dermatological ailments. (1)
It can get pretty tricky to incorporate essential oils for beauty and skincare into your routine. It all comes down to knowing which ones will address your particular skin issues and how to use them appropriately to minimize potential irritation.
Essential oils as part of your beauty regimen
Essential oils have grown in popularity as a way to enhance skincare routines. More than just making your home smell wonderful, essential oils are said to heal acne and keep your skin glowing and healthy. Whether you just want to pamper yourself at home for a spa day or you want to be a little “extra” with your skincare, you can use these tips below for adding essential oils to your beauty regimen:
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Consider your skin type
There are numerous essential oils to choose from, so it’s best to do your research first to identify the ones that will address your particular skin type and concerns. The trick is to figure out which ones work best for you, because different kinds of essential oils serve various purposes, like most skin products.
For instance, ylang ylang essential oil has potent antibacterial properties and can help reduce too much facial oil production, making it suitable for oily skin. The most powerful essential oil derived from the ylang ylang flower is “Ylang-ylang extra”. This oil is frequently used as a top note in perfumes, whereas the less potent essential oils are used as middle-to-base notes in perfume and the manufacture of products such as soap, food flavouring, lotion, and cologne. (2)
If you have oily skin, consider using essential oils with linoleic acid, an omega-6 fatty acid that tends to be lighter in weight, providing “quick-absorbing” hydration without the greasy or oily feeling. Examples of oils with this acid are evening primrose oil, rosehip oil, and grapeseed oil.
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Always dilute your essential oils
When applying essential oils to your skin, the general rule of thumb is always to dilute them with a carrier oil. Because essential oils are so concentrated, less is always more. If you apply essential oils directly to your skin, you risk burning it. Adding your preferred EO to a carrier oil that won’t clog your pores, such as jojoba or almond oil, will make it safer for topical application. (3)
Essential oils can be irritating to the skin. Use essential oils with caution near sensitive areas such as your mouth, ears, and eyes. They shouldn’t be used on irritated, inflamed, or broken skin.
Before using any carrier or essential oil, perform a patch test to check for potential skin allergies. Apply a small amount of the mixture to your inner arm to perform a patch test. Wait for a day to see whether or not there will be any irritation. (3)
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Make your own facial cleanser
It’s simple to make a few essential oil recipes and incorporate them into your natural beauty routine. When creating skincare recipes at home, keep in mind that a small amount of essential oil can go a long way. Because you only need a few drops per batch, these DIYs (do-it-yourself) are very inexpensive and easy to make.
One recipe you can try is the honey-lavender facial cleanser that’s gentle enough to leave your face feeling soft and hydrated. Lavender essential oil promotes blood circulation and soothes irritated skin. Because honey is anti-inflammatory, it can also help to calm acne and irritated skin. (4)
The recipe is easy to make on your own. On your palm, combine a drop of lavender essential oil and a penny-sized volume of raw honey. Gently apply over the face and leave it on for 5-10 minutes. Rinse thoroughly and pat dry with a clean cloth or towel. (4)
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Add essential oils to your masks
Oil-based masks are excellent for providing much-needed moisture to the skin, especially in the winter. Use them twice or thrice a week to keep your skin glowing and looking radiant even in the middle of the cold season.
You can add your favourite EO to a mud mask that you can use for your face, hair, and body. Mix dry clay with water, then add your essential oil of choice. Rhassoul or bentonite clay are among the popular dry clays to choose from, which can help tighten your pores and eliminate toxins from your skin. Throw in a few drops of frankincense, lavender, bergamot, palmarosa, or chamomile for a rejuvenating finish. (4)
For a DIY hair mask, you can combine five to six drops of rosemary oil, jojoba oil, and 1/4 cup avocado and jojoba oil. Apply them to your hair for at least 20 minutes. Rosemary essential oil is said to promote blood flow to the scalp, enhancing hair growth. (5)
The bottom line
Being a little extra on skincare is okay, especially when you know you’re doing it appropriately and with extra caution. Essential oils are one of those “extra” elements you can add to your beauty regimen that may likely give you your desired results. Combining these active compounds with the best skincare ingredients can surely help you better take care of your skin.
Of course, you first need to identify and consider your skin type. Remember to always dilute your essential oils before using them. You can make your own facial cleanser and add oils to your face and hair masks to make the most out of these excellent compounds. As you can see, there are various ways you can take advantage of if you’re really serious about adding essential oils to your beauty routine.
References:
- “Upgrade Your Beauty Routine With The Best Essential Oils For Any Skincare Need”, Source: https://motherhoodcommunity.com/essential-oils-for-skin-care/
- “About Ylang Ylang Essential Oil”, Source: https://www.healthline.com/health/ylang-ylang
- “How to Use Essential Oils”, Source: https://www.healthline.com/health/how-to-use-essential-oils
- “A SIMPLE GUIDE TO USING ESSENTIAL OILS IN YOUR BEAUTY ROUTINE”, Source: https://richlyrooted.com/2017/06/essential-oils-beauty-routine.html
- “20+ Essential Oils to Promote Healthy, Glowing Skin”, Source: https://www.townandcountrymag.com/style/beauty-products/g26011830/best-essential-oils-for-skin/
