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The skincare world is constantly coming up with new trendy products for us to try and use. However, some good old products will always continue to be popular and this includes essential oils. What are essential oils, you ask? Well, these are highly concentrated extracts that are derived from plants and thus, capture the essence of those plants. The term ‘essential’ refers to the presence of essential amino acids that help maintain skin’s hydration, resilience and texture. Yay. Oh and they smell ah-mazing!
With their natural properties, essential oils offer a range of benefits for different skin types and concerns. Essential oils offer a slew of benefits that align with your skincare (and hair care) goals but each of these therapeutic liquids has its own thing going on. While some help hydrate the skin, others heal and have anti-inflammatory properties. Whether you are fighting dehydrated skin, acne, pigmentation, breakouts, or irritation, essential oils are here to help you combat your skin woes.
However, as two oils are exactly alike – with each oil unpacking different perks – it can be a task to decide which one you must use. That’s where we come in. Here’s your absolute go-to guide on essential oil uses, how they can target various skin issues, the best essential oils for skin, and precautions you must take.
Essential Oils And Uses For Various Skin Issues
Commonly known for their therapeutic properties, essential oils for the face are known to harness the natural potency of plant extracts to nourish and protect the skin. Here’s a breakdown of essential oils used for various skin types.
1. Acne
Acne breakouts can be triggered by excess sebum production, clogged pores, or even bacteria growth lead. To combat these factors, you need essential oils with antibacterial and oil-regulating properties. Here’s what we recommend:
1. Tea Tree: With strong antibacterial properties, tea tree oil helps reduce acne-causing bacteria and soothes inflamed skin. It is one of the most popular essential oils used for combating acne.
2. Lavender: Lavender essential oil has a calming effect which reduces redness and swelling caused by acne It also has antibacterial properties to minimise breakouts.
3. Clary Sage: The most effective way to fight acne is to regulate oil production in the skin and it can be done effectively with clary sage oil. It also balances hormones and fights bacteria to reduce acne.
2. Inflammation Or Irritation
Inflammation, irritation, and swelling can result from various factors like skin sensitivity, allergies, or conditions like eczema. Soothing essential oils can be used in such cases to reduce redness and discomfort. Here’s what we recommend:
1. Chamomile: Excellent for calming irritated skin, chamomile essential oil uses its anti-inflammatory properties and soothing effect. It’s also recommended to soothe skin with eczema or dermatitis.
2. Helichrysum: Also known as immortelle, Helichrysum has regenerative properties that make it ideal to reduce irritation and inflammation. It also heals damaged skin.
3. Calendula: With its antifungal, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial properties, calendula oil is often used for healing wounds and treating rashes.
3. Pigmentation And Dark Spots
Hyperpigmentation and dark spots are commonly caused by sun damage or acne scars. Hormonal changes and genetics can also be the cause of skin pigmentation. To reduce the appearance of dark spots and even out the skin tone, opt for essential oils that promote cell turnover and reduce melanin production. Here’s what we recommend:
1. Lemon: The brightening properties of lemon essential oil make it perfect for reducing the appearance of hyperpigmentation. Rich in Vitamin C, it promotes seven complexions and brightens the skin from within. However, ensure you use lemon oil at night and never step into direct sunlight while it is applied to your skin.
2. Carrot Seed: If you want to rejuvenate your skin, carrot seed oil is the ultimate antioxidant you need. It promotes cell regeneration, helps fade dark spots, and make your skin glow.
3. Rosehip: Enriched with vitamins A and C, rosehip seed oil is known to brighten the skin and face dark spots. Not just that, it also boosts collagen production and improves skin texture.
4. Dryness
HEnvironmental factors like sun exposure, humidity, or pollutants often dry the skin. Ageing and dehydration can also lead to dry, flaky skin. To revive dry skin, consider using essential oils rich in fatty acids and packed with moisturising elements to restore and maintain skin hydration. Here’s what we recommend:
1. Geranium: Balancing the skin moisture and hydrating the skin by regulating sebum production are the top benefits of using geranium essential oil. It’s rich in antioxidants, making it the perfect thing to protect your skin from environmental damage.
2. Rose: With incredible moisturising and soothing benefits, rose essential oil will soothe dry skin while minimising irritation. It also has anti-inflammatory properties, making it the top choice for treating skin conditions like psoriasis.
3. Sandalwood: Commonly used in Indian ayurvedic practices, sandalwood’s hydrating benefits make it ideal for dry skin. It rejuvenates the skin and prevents moisture loss to ensure yoru skin is smooth.
How To Use Essential Oil For Skin
Since essential oils are concentrated essences, it’s advisable to first do a patch test prior to using it on your face. You can rub a small amount of the diluted essential oil on the inside of your wrist and check if irritation occurs after a few hours. If your skin still appears normal, congratulations, the tiny bottle is officially yours for keeps!
Steps On How To Use Essential Oils On Face
- Step 1:In a cup, add 15 drops of the essential oil and 6 tablespoons of any carrier oil (Olive Oil, Coconut Oil, Jojoba Oil, or Sweet Almond Oil). This ratio will deliver 2.5% dilution.
- Step 2: For direct application, dip a cotton swab in the solution and gently rub it in circular motions on your face. For indirect application, add drops of this solution to your serum, or toner and then apply.
- Step 3: Blot with tissue paper to absorb residual oil, if any.
P.S. If you are down to space out in a spa-like indulgence then load up your bath with a few drops of these aromatic oils, grab your favourite read and relax. Your skin will thank you for that.
Best Essential Oils For Skin
Below, are the best essential oils for skin to be infused in your self-care routine hereafter.
For Glowing Skin
If fixing dullness is one of your skin goals, then this one is the ONE. Saturated with the potent benefits of Lemon, the Vaadi Herbals Lemongrass 100% Pure Essential Oil delivers antiseptic, antibacterial, and carminative properties. It fades pigment and restores your skin’s glow. Oh and the zesty, citrusy aroma offers an instant mood boost.
Need a pick-me-up? The Khadi Natural Rose Essential Oil serves as a rapid treatment to bring life back to your skin. The anti-inflammatory and anti-ageing elements in the liquid heal and protect the skin. It also helps diminish scars and marks with regular use.
Nykaa recommends:
For Dry Skin
When it comes to making the very most of your essential oil, you would want to look for a hydrating essence. The Deve Herbes Pure Carrot Seed Essential Oil stimulates the growth of new tissues thereby, promoting a clearer and evenly toned complexion. All of this without stripping away the natural oils and keeping your skin protected from sun damage. Courtesy? SPF-infused Carrot Seed Oil.
Parched skin? You'll appreciate the Indulgeo Essentials 100% Cold Pressed Organic Argan Oil which is brimming with moisturising Vitamin E, and healing Vitamin F. This pure oil derived from the seeds of Argan fruits found in Morocco, protects skin from damage and alleviates scars. And it’s not laced with any of the sketchy ingredients – silicones, alcohol and fragrance – so, you can rest assured while adding it to your skincare ritual.
Nykaa recommends:
For Oily Skin
Be prepared to be swooned by this precious lilliput here. The Deve Herbes Pure Rosemary Essential Oil works as a gradual treatment for eczema, dermatitis, oily skin, and acne thanks to its antimicrobial and antiseptic qualities. P.S. On days when you are down with one of those hangover headaches, a a quick massage with this saviour will get you back on your feet in no time.
The right pick of essential oils can be a bit tricky to figure out if you’ve got oily skin. That’s not to say these oils are barred for you, though: You just need to go for the one that controls sebum production like the Nature Glow Herbal Ylang Essential Oil.
Nykaa recommends:
Anti-Ageing
Extracted using a steam distillation process from the Geranium plant, this therapeutic oil works as a holistic treatment to improve your physical, mental and emotional health. It minimizes the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines – the tell-tale signs of ageing – while its distinctive floral aroma calms your senses. On a broader scale, the way we look at it, staying loyal to this tiny guy can release stress and slow down ageing.
The MCaffeine Green Tea & Squalane Face Oil isn’t your average essential oil. Smooth out fine lines and wrinkles? Check. Fades dark spots? Check. Hydrates and plumps skin? Check. Additionally, it’s enriched with antioxidants and minerals that boost collagen and promote healing.
Nykaa recommends:
Precautions To Take When Using Essential Oils
You must take several precautions when using essential oils. Here’s what you need to keep in mind:
1. Diluting
You should avoid the application of essential oils on the skin directly. The highly concentrated oils can cause irritation and in worst cases, burns or allergic reactions on the skin. To avoid severe reactions, consider using carrier oils along with your choice of essentials. These include jojoba, almond, coconut, and olive oils. The concentrations of your mixture will depend on the skin type and sensitivity levels. Discontinue usage if you feel any discomfort.
2. Patch Testing
As it is true to most skincare products, it is crucial to patch-test essential oils before use. To conduct an effective test, apply a small amount of the diluted oil to a small area. You need to wait a day or two to check for irritation and allergic reactions before concluding that it's safe to use on the skin. A patch test is also important if you have asthma or any other respiratory issues. Use essential oils in well-ventilated areas if you have a sensitive respiratory system.
3. Avoid Sensitive Areas
Sensitive areas on the face like your eyes, ears, or areas inside the nose and mouth are easily irritated. Additionally, the skin around and inside your genitalia is also prone to sensitivity and should be avoided while applying essential oils. If oils accidentally touch these areas, apply more carrier oil to soothe the area and contact a medical professional.
4. No Direct Sunlight
Certain essential oils can make your skin more sensitive to the sun, causing dark spots and burns. It is recommended to avoid direct sunlight for 12 to 24 hours after applying them to the skin. This mainly pertains to citrus oils such as lemon, lime, orange, or bergamot. Similarly, you must store essential oils in dark, glass bottles and stock them in a place with shade to prevent oxidation. If stored incorrectly, essential oils can lose their potency or degrade.
5. Ingestion
Essential oils are highly concentrated and should not be ingested. They can be toxic for the human body, especially if ingested in larger quantities. Unless your doctor or certified medical professional has recommended it, ensure you don’t ingest it. Similarly, keep it away from children and pets to avoid accidental ingestion.
6. Don’t Overuse
Essential oils are great for the skin and hair but must be used in moderation. Overuse of any essential oil can lead to increased sensitisation, which means the skin will become more prone to allergic reactions or irritation.
Conclusion
Essential oils are highly concentrated plant extracts that contain amino acids to maintain the skin's hydration, resilience, and texture. These oils offer a range of benefits for different skin types and concerns. From acne and irritation to hyperpigmentation, you can use essential oils to treat various skin concerns and protect the skin from environmental stressors. However, essential oils should be used in moderation to avoid irritation, burns, and allergic reactions. It is crucial to dilute the essential oils with carrier oils, such as jojoba, almond, coconut, or olive oils to minimise irritation.
FAQs On Essential Oils For Skin
1. Suggest the best essential oils for skin tightening.
- The Beauty Co. Rosemary Essential Oil
- Nat Habit Pure Lemongrass Essential Oil
- Nykaa Naturals Citronella Essential Oil
2. What are the benefits of different essential oils for the face? Please suggest some.
- Lavender essential oil uses for the skin include reducing acne, treating blemishes, and reducing wrinkles. Nykaa Recommends: Organic Harvest Lavender Essential Oil.
- Rosemary oil benefits for the skin include controlling oil production, preventing acne and flushing out toxins. Nykaa Recommends: Khadi Natural Rosemary Essential Oil.
- Lemon essential oil benefits for the skin include brightening complexion, shrinking large pores and tightening skin. Nykaa Recommends: Indus Valley Bio Organic Lemon Essential Oil, Nykaa Naturals Lemon Essential Oil
- Orange essential oil benefits for the skin include treating acne, and improving clarity and texture. Nykaa Recommends: Organic Harvest Orange Essential Oil, Kama Ayurveda Orange Pure Essential Oil
- Rose essential oil benefits for the skin include reducing signs of aging, clearing acne, minimizing scars and hydrating skin. Nykaa Recommends: Royalry Essentials Rose Gold Oil, Khadi Natural Rose Essential Oil
3. What are tea tree oil uses for skin. Recommend a few.
Tea tree essential oil treats acne, prevents infections, heals wounds, alleviates psoriasis and relieves dryness. Nykaa Recommends: Organic Harvest Tea Tree Essential Oil and Indus Valley Bio Organic Tea Tree Essential Oil.
4. Recommend carrier oils that can be used to dilute essentials oils for skin.
- Wishcare 100% Pure Unrefined Cold Pressed Hair & Skin Oil with Olive
- Indus Valley Organic Sunflower Oils
- Kama Ayurveda Extra Virgin Organic Coconut Hair Oil
- Indus Valley Wheatgerm Carrier Oil
5. Are 100% essential oils safe?
While essential oils are natural and plant-derived they can be potent and should be rubbed directly on the skin. You should always mix ia few drops with carrier oils and patch test to see how your skin reacts.
