The right essential oil can help your skin feel healthy and luminous. The oils can be diluted with carrier oils and used directly on the skin or added to a moisturizer for extra nourishment.
A good essential oil should contain antioxidants that protect the skin against harmful free radicals. It also has anti-inflammatory properties, which can help heal wounds and prevent rashes and infections from developing.
It can also be beneficial for aging skin, as it can reduce sun damage, age spots and dark circles. It can also be helpful for acne and eczema.
In addition, some essential oils are astringent, which can help reduce excess sebum (oil) production that can lead to breakouts. They can also improve the appearance of scars.
Before using any essential oil on the skin, you should first do a patch test to see how your body reacts. During this test, apply a few drops of the essential oil to a small area of your skin and watch for any reactions over 24 hours.
If you are allergic to an essential oil, it is best to avoid applying it to the skin or ingesting it. The same goes for if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
The most important thing to remember when using an essential oil on the skin is that you must dilute it with a carrier oil before putting it on the skin. Carrier oils are vegetable-based oils, such as coconut oil, which are the safest way to apply essential oils on the skin.
Some essential oils are very potent and can have an adverse reaction if they are applied to the skin without dilution. This can be dangerous to young children and pets, as well as to adults who may have allergies or other underlying conditions.
Essential oils must be diluted in a carrier oil before they can be applied to the skin, says dermatologist Joshua Zeichner. Depending on the oil, you might need to add up to 15% of the oil into the carrier oil.
A patch test should also be done before a larger area of your skin is covered with the essential oil, says dermatologist Paul Tisserand. The most common dilution ratio is 15 drops of essential oil for every 6 teaspoons of carrier oil. If you’re unsure how much to use, you can consult an online dilution chart that will show you the recommended ratios for each type of essential oil.
If you have acne-prone skin, consider blending a few drops of tea tree oil into a natural face wash or using it as an acne spot treatment. The essential oil can also be used in a homemade facial mask to fight off bacteria and help heal acne.
Adding lavender, chamomile or peppermint essential oil to your bathwater can help relieve dry, itchy skin. The oils also have anti-inflammatory and calming properties that can be useful for stress and anxiety.
Helichrysum, which is available in many skincare products, can also be effective at healing scabs and wounds. It has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties that can soothe irritated skin, says the Complete Book of Essential Oils and Aromatherapy.
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