For centuries, people have used essential oils to nourish their skin. They are derived from various parts of plants. Essential oils can moisturize your skin and keep it soft and smooth. When your skin has a healthy glow, you will feel better about yourself. Not only are they completely natural, but their heavenly scents boost your spirits. Here are some ways that you can get the most out of essential oils for your skin:
Mother Nature’s Moisturizers
There are a plethora of essential oils with different properties to address your particular skin type. They will clean your skin and rouse your lymphatic stem. You can use your chosen essential oils every day to address any skin problems you may have.
When you use most store-bought moisturizers, they just stay on your skin’s surface. Essential oils sink into the inner layers of the skin. Unlike heavy commercial moisturizers, these oils will not clog your pores and cause blemishes.
For a wonderful moisturizer, mix a couple drops of your favorite essential oil with a carrier oil, such as olive, jojoba, or sweet almond. Rub it into your face each night before sleep.
The Right Essential Oils For The Right Type Of Skin
Not everyone has the same type of skin. You may find that your skin changes from dry and flaky in the winter to more oily in the summer. Your menstrual cycle also affects your skin. There may be subtle changes between puberty, child-bearing years, and menopause. Just change the essential oils you use for your skin for what is needed.
When You Have Sensitive Or Dry Skin
Sometimes, soaps and cosmetics can have a drying effect on your skin. You may notice red patches of dry skin that flake, itch, and burn. Sensitive skin may suffer if you use things on your face that are too harsh. Try some of these essential oils to soothe and rehydrate your skin:
- Lavender
- Geranium
- Neroli
- Ylang-ylang
- Rose
- Sandalwood
- Hyssop
- Chamomile
When You Have Oily Skin
When the oil glands in your face go into overdrive, you will have oily skin. It probably was worse in your teen years and during your periods. Pimples are caused when oil and bacteria clog your pores. You need an essential oil with astringent properties to dry up the extra oil. Use some of these essential oils in your beauty regiment:
- Fennel
- Bergamot
- Cedarwood
- Sage
- Cypress
- Juniper
- Frankincense
- Lemon
When You Have Combination Skin
Many women fall into this skin category. While your skin may be dry or normal in most areas, you may have problems with oil on your T-zone (forehead-nose-chin). For combination skin, you require a combination of essential oils:
- Sandalwood (dry, normal)
- Patchouli (dry, normal)
- Rose (dry, normal)
- Lavender (for all types)
- Chamomile(dry, normal)
- Fennel (oily)
- Lemon(oily)
- Geranium (for all types)
Different Ways You Can Use Essential Oils
Instead of buying all those expensive skin products at the department store, try some of these effective DIY beauty treatments:
- Cleansers: You can wash your face every morning and evening with an essential oil for your type of skin. Mix a couple drops of the essential oil with a tablespoon of your favorite carrier oil. Add this mixture to a cup of mild Castile liquid soap. Wash your face with warm (not hot) water and rinse with cool. Gently dry your face with a clean towel.
- Toners: You can tone and refresh your skin with your favorite essential oil and water-based carrier. Try using carriers of witch hazel for oily skin or rose water if your skin is dry or sensitive. Pour the carrier in a small spray bottle and add a couple drops of oil. Give your face a little mist for gentle toning.
- Masks: Facial masks clean your face and tighten your pores. After you mix a couple drops of essential oil in a tablespoon of carrier oil, add it to a cup of oatmeal. Mix in enough warm water to make a paste. For a bright complexion, add a tablespoon of Greek yogurt. Apply the mask to your face and let it dry for about 15-30 minutes. Wash the mask off your face gently with cool water.
- Steam: You can use steam to open your pores and completely clean your skin. If you do not have a facial steamer, just use a small pan of water. Bring it to boil and put it on a heat-resistant pad on your table. Add about 4-5 drops of your favorite essential oil. Drape you head in a towel and hold your face above the pan. The soothing steam will quickly revitalize your skin.
How To Treat Blemishes With Essential Oils
- Pimples: Just when you thought your teen problems were behind you, a pimple shows up on your nose. To treat and prevent acne flare-ups, use the cleanser formulated for oily skin. You can also add a couple drops of tea tree oil to your moisturizer, since it is antibacterial and stops inflammation. For a surprise pimple, put a couple drops of essential oil on a cotton swab and apply it directly to the blemish.
- Facial Spider Veins: As you get older, your skin gets thinner and more delicate. You may be prone to broken capillaries on your cheeks or around your nose. Acne and rosacea are also culprits for broken veins. Although essential oils will not take away the ones you already have, they may prevent you from getting more. Keeping your skin hydrated and well-moisturized is the key to clearer skin. Use the essential oil moisturizer on your skin. You may want to try lavender or rosemary in the moisturizer.
- Cold sores: Why is it that you do not get a cold sore until an important meeting or when you need pictures? They are little blisters around the lips that cause burning and itching. Often times, they burst open and leave ugly scabs. Tea tree oil can be applied directly to a cold sore. Reapply daily until the sore disappears.
Many beauty spas now use essential oils to treat their clients. These formulas do not have all of the artificial chemicals that are used in commercial products. If you take good care of your skin, it will reward you with long-lasting beauty.
