Most people think that essential oils are for adding to a diffuser, dabbing on wrists as a natural perfume or even using in homemade cleaning products. This is all true but essential oils can also be used on your skin and face. They hold many unique natural properties that can clear acne, moisturize dry skin, diminish fine lines and calm irritation.
Below are our top favorite essential oils to use on the skin and each one indicates the skin type that best suits each oil. Remember that essential oils are highly concentrated and if you have never used a product before you should always test it out first to make sure it suits your skin. Also, you only need a couple of drops and it’s always best to mix them with other products such as carrier oils, serums, or moisturizers.
Blue Tansy
Skin Types: eczema, sensitive, irritated, normal
You might be surprised to know that the Moroccan native blue tansy flower is actually yellow. To extract the oils, the flower is steam distilled which draws out a natural component of the flower called chamazulene and turns it into a beautiful blue color. It has a sweet floral scent that can not only be added to the skin but also diffused or used in a bath, added to shampoo or conditioner of even in a spray bottle for misting.
Blue Tansy oil offers the skin hydration, reduces blemishes, soothes fatigued muscles, and cleanses the skin. It contains antibacterial, antihistamine, and anti-inflammatory properties. It also contains high amounts of antioxidants which are ideal for not only aging skin but anyone who spends a lot of time in the sun or desires to slow down the process of skin aging.
This oil is gentle enough to apply directly to the skin but testing it out on a small area first is always safest.
Lavender
Skin Types: acne, eczema, normal, sensitive
Lavender oil is great for the skin because it balances the skin’s natural oil production. This means that it helps treat acne by reducing the overproduction of sebum and allows the skin to maintain hydrated.
Another reason many people love this essential oil is because of the calming effects it has on irritated and red skin. The anti-inflammatory properties allow the skin to relax and feel relieved. Lavender also contains antioxidants with fight off free radicals and keep the skin clear of age spots, fine lines, and uneven skin tone.
Some people do have allergic reactions to lavender so test it out on a small patch of skin prior to using it. It is a gentle essential oil so you can apply it directly but adding it to a moisturizer or facial serum is best.
Lemon Balm
Skin Types: acne, aging, eczema
The Ancient Greeks and Romans used lemon balm (melissa) to treat fevers and insect bites. As time went on the uses for lemon balm grew from treating wounds and digestive issues to regulating menstrual cycles and reduce headaches. Honey was once used as a form of currency and bees are highly attracted to lemon balm. For this, it was planted in Turkey to attract and encourage bees to make honey nearby.
Lemon balm has a light refreshing citrus scent and is antibacterial, antiviral and is also a source of antioxidants. It has been shown to not only tighten the skin but also calm it and promote healing. Antioxidants keep skin plump and youthful-looking by fighting off free radicals and supporting the production of collagen. As we age, the skin naturally decreases collagen production and antioxidants so it’s best to support the skin by supplementing antioxidants and collagen-boosting ingredients. Other than being great for the skin, this essential oil helps relieve stress, anxiety, digestive issues, insomnia, cold sores nausea, and menstrual cramps.
It is gentle enough to apply directly to the skin but test it out on a small area first. Alternatively add a few drops into your favorite moisturizer, facial serum or oil.
Rosemary
Skin Types: acne, aging, combination. oily
Rosemary can be traced back to Ancient Egyptians who used it in burial rituals. It was later linked to the Ancient Romans and Greeks who used it for cooking as well as medicinal purposes. Along with being very beneficial for the skin rosemary helps grow hair, regulates blood sugar levels, boosts memory, and improves digestion.
Rosemary contains antiseptic and antibacterial elements that help rid the skin of unwanted bacteria. It helps to reduce the overproduction of oil (sebum) so anyone with oily, combination or acne-prone skin will benefit from using it. Rosemary also improves circulation, is an anti-inflammatory, reduces puffiness and is a strong source of antioxidants. The increased circulation works to reduce fluid buildup and flush it out.
Geranium
Skin Types: acne, aging, combination, oily
The Ancient Egyptians used geranium oil to improve the tone and texture of their skin as well as for reducing fatigue and anxiety. It’s a sweet floral scented oil that can be found in many beauty products along with perfumes.
Geranium oil is great for acne-prone skin as is removes dead skin cells, encourages skin cells to regenerate and is antibacterial. Removing dead skin cells helps to unclog pores and prevent future breakouts from occurring. Similarly, it also makes this oil ideal for aging skin since encouraging skin cells to regenerate keeps skin smooth, supple and looking fresh. Along with this geranium tightens the skin keeping it looking youthful.
Geranium essential oil has many other benefits beyond skincare including improved concentration, reduced fatigue and sadness, balances hormones, boosts immunity, enhances circulation, and reduces stress and anxiety.
Peppermint
Skin Types: acne, eczema, oily, combination
Ancient Egyptians used peppermint as a cure for indigestion and upset stomachs. It is still commonly used as a way to relieve stomach upsets along with sore throats, cramps, gas, dandruff, headaches, and it also increases hair growth.
Peppermint oil naturally cleanses the skin and contains antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. It will help to rid the skin of harmful bacteria while also balancing oil production and refreshing the skin. The increased circulation stimulates new cell growth as it soothes and calms irritation.
Peppermint oil contains high amounts of menthol which is what gives it that cooling sensation. However, this can also be overwhelming so start off using it every few days until your skin adjusts and you can determine if it is the right essential oil for you.
Rose
Skin Types: acne, aging, dry, normal, psoriasis, sensitive
It takes 10,000 rose blossoms to create 1 ounce of rose essential oil. It is highly concentrated and expensive because it requires so many blossoms to yield such a small amount of oil.
The anti-inflammatory, antifungal, antibacterial and antiseptic elements of rose oil make it great for skin conditions like eczema, acne or psoriasis. It soothes the skin, fights off harmful bacteria and evens complexion. It is also highly moisturizing which is beneficial for every skin type but especially those with dry or aging skin. It’s very common to find beauty products with rose as one of the main ingredients. Alternatively, having your own bottle of rose essential oil allows you to control the amount being used and also add it to the products you already have.
Rose essential oil is derived from rosebuds while rosehip oil is derived from small fruits located beneath the flower. Both oils have some similarities they are different oils and rosehip oil is not as concentrated.
Not all essential oils are safe for pregnant or breastfeeding women so check with your doctor first.
