Your skin is the hardest working organ in your entire body. It never rests; even when you do. All day long your skin protects everything inside of you from elements of the outside world. Things like pollution, allergens, harmful UV rays from the sun, and much more don’t do the damage they could to your internal structure because of your underappreciated skin.
Maybe it’s time for you to give your skin the attention it deserves. A little pampering with essential oils is the best way to say thank you.
What’s Your Skin Type?
Before the pampering begins, it’s important to remember that your skin is as individual as you are. No two people have skin exactly alike. However, there are a few basic groups for categorizing most types. Keep reading to find out where yours falls.
Oily Skin
Your skin often looks “dewy,” or “glowing” friends may say, but you call it shiny. It feels greasy almost constantly. Blackheads, clogged pores, and breakouts are part of your daily life. If this sounds familiar, you most likely have oily skin.
Caused by an excess of androgen hormones, oily skin is particularly common in adolescents and young adults. These androgens are responsible for sebum (skin oil) production; when these hormones are in overdrive, skin feels and looks slick and oily.
Dry Skin
You struggle with keeping your skin moisturized. It often feels tight and may crack if stretched too far. Rough, scaly patches form in places and stubbornly remain even with moisturization. If this is your skin, it falls into the dry category.
Dry skin may be caused by a variety of medical conditions, or by certain types of weather. But most frequently it is hereditary. If you have dry skin, you probably had a parent or grandparent who did as well.
Combination or Normal Skin
Most skin falls into this category. If some of your skin is oily, while other parts are dry, you have combination skin. This type is also called normal skin because the symptoms that accompany strictly oily or dry skin are not always present.
Sensitive Skin
You must be careful about what comes into contact with your skin. Certain chemicals and even some natural ingredients may cause painful rashes to break out or itchy hives to erupt. You even experience reactions in your skin when eating particular foods. Fabrics can also be problematic for your skin, and any sun exposure may be too much.
If this resonates with you, sensitive skin is the cause.
Mature Skin
You’ve experienced life, and so has your skin. You may be seeing the first signs of sun-damage from a youth spent cultivating perfectly bronzed skin, or you may already have advanced wrinkles and sagging. Your skin is best classified as mature.
As you get older collagen in your skin breaks down, and skin cell regeneration happens at a significantly reduced rate. As a result, your skin starts to show its age with passing years.
The Best Essential Oils That Love The Skin You’re In
If you are committed to caring for your skin, essential oils are the perfect solution. All natural and proven beneficial, you are sure to find a solution for any skin type. Before you try any essential oil routine on your skin, remember to dilute with your favorite carrier oil. Using essential oils neat (undiluted) on exposed skin is not recommended.
A brief warning, even if you are unaware of any skin sensitivities – it is best to test an essential oil on a small patch of skin before extensive use. Discontinue application if adverse effects are observed.
Top 5 Essential Oils For Oily Skin
1. Bergamot Oil
Bergamot is naturally antimicrobial, so it makes the perfect facial cleanser for oily skin. It is also known to cut through oil and unclog blocked pores while balancing androgen levels to regulate sebum production. Bergamot essential oil acts as a natural toner, so be prepared to see your skin tone even out with daily application.
2. Lemon Oil
Lemon essential oil is one of nature’s most potent astringents. It cuts through greasy buildup often associated with oily skin and breaks down any sebum blocking pores in your skin. Lemon oil is also antiseptic and clears away any bacteria on or in the skin that could otherwise cause painful chronic breakouts.
3. Fennel Oil
This essential oil is potently clarifying for oily skin as it has components that are highly antiseptic. More than this, however, fennel essential oil is a multipurpose skin treatment. In oily skin, it cleanses and tones, but it also has highly estrogenic properties. Because of these properties, fennel is an outstanding wrinkle preventer and reduces existing lines, particularly in mature women.
4. Cedarwood Oil
Cedarwood essential oil is easily identified by its distinct fragrance. Its astringent properties naturally eliminate oil from skin, opening pores and removing blockages. As an aside, cedarwood is also an excellent remedy for eczema sufferers, as it has active antiseborrheic properties.
5. Frankincense Oil
A favorite essential oil with numerous benefits for the body, frankincense is also an ideal addition to your skincare regimen for oily skin. Perhaps the most powerful astringent properties in essential oils are in frankincense, eliminating excessive oil on the skin. Frankincense essential oil is also highly antiseptic and cleanses the skin from acne-causing bacteria with ease.
Top 5 Essential Oils For Dry Skin
1. German Chamomile Oil
German chamomile is widely known to soothe and improve dry skin, so much so that it is used commonly as an ingredient in many mainstream cosmetic and skincare products. German chamomile has anti-inflammatory and moisturizing properties that balance the most uncomfortably dry skin.
2. Lavender Oil
One benefit unique of lavender essential oil is that it can be applied neat to the skin (remember always do a skin test patch if you go down that path). However, when used to treat dry or inflamed skin, dilute in your favorite carrier oil to ensure your already delicate skin is not aggravated further. Lavender essential oil works to decrease inflammation and increase balance in your dry skin, promoting moisturization from the inside out.
3. Ylang-Ylang Oil
Ylang-ylang essential oil is predominantly antiseborrheic, and quickly soothes dry, flaky patches on the skin. It is also an effective toner. Ylang-ylang regulates the production of sebum in the skin, increasing natural moisturization without clogging pores. Additionally, if your dry skin causes discomfort, irritation, or stress, this essential oil is calming, bringing peace to frayed nerves and improving your skin’s balance at the same time.
4. Palmarosa Oil
Palmarosa essential oil is celebrated for its ability to moisturize even the driest skin and, much like German chamomile, is used in the cosmetic industry as a natural emollient. While soothing dry, cracked skin palmarosa also balances sebum production promoting the skin’s innate hydrating ability. It also has a light floral aroma, for stress relief and lifted spirits.
5. Sandalwood Oil
Because the sandalwood tree is now nearly extinct, its harvest is well controlled. While still used to extract essential oil, the product is quite expensive. However, sandalwood is appreciated as one of the most hydrating essential oils available. This essential oil is so effective it is often recommended for treating extreme cases of eczema. Sandalwood also acts as an excellent toner, balancing skin as it moisturizes.
Top 3 Essential Oils For Normal/Combination Skin
1. Rose Oil
Recommended for general use, rose essential oil is a solid all around choice for normal or combination skin. It gives skin a moderate level of moisture, without over hydrating, and stimulates blood flow to the skin. Rose oil is also quite antiseptic, cleansing the skin without stripping away healthy natural oils.
2. Patchouli Oil
For those with normal skin looking to prevent premature signs of aging, or to enhance their skincare regimen, patchouli essential oil is an excellent choice. It is highly regenerative and contains properties that promote new skin cell formation. Patchouli oil also cleanses skin thoroughly, washing away unwanted bacteria from pores and protecting skin from infection.
3. Geranium Oil
A pleasantly scented addition that adds a touch of aromatherapy to your skincare, geranium essential oil is as beneficial as it is lovely. It is perfect for normal and combination skin because it balances sebum production in the skin while acting as a natural emollient. It is also cicatrizant, stimulating cell regeneration and blood flow for an all-over glow.
Top 3 Essential Oils For Sensitive Skin
While the essential oils listed are widely regarded as most gentle and safe for topical use, take care. It is of particular importance for those with sensitive or allergy prone skin to test a small amount of diluted oil on a patch of skin and watch for a reaction. Some essential oils can cause adverse effects when used topically on sensitive skin, so be sure to use with caution.
1. Lavender Oil
As mentioned above, lavender is often safe and gentle enough to be used neat on the skin. However, for those with skin sensitivities or allergies, lavender essential oil should be diluted in a carrier oil prior to use. Lavender calms common topical ailments such as hives, psoriasis, and bug bites.
2. German Chamomile Oil
While both Roman chamomile and German chamomile have soothing applications, the German variety is touted for its ability to soothe sensitive skin. Both anti-allergenic and anti-inflammatory, this essential oil is a superb choice for those who suffer from topical allergic reactions or easily aggravated skin.
3. Tea Tree (Melaleuca) Oil
If your skin is currently affected by a bacterial infection, fungal infection, or virus, turn to tea tree oil. It is often used to treat bites from insects and animals, boils, and more. Also, in infants and young children, diaper rash is quickly calmed by using tea tree oil in combination with a carrier oil or cream.
Top 5 Essential Oils For Mature Skin
1. Frankincense
Frankincense’s anti-aging properties take effect whether administered by compress, in cream, or in a bath. It is incredibly rejuvenating for mature skin, encouraging elasticity retention and stimulating new cell growth. Frankincense also tightens and lifts skin as it is highly astringent, without the adverse side effect of drying skin out.
2. Myrrh
Myrrh shares astringent properties with frankincense, and helps skin muscles contract, lifting and firming mature skin. This action significantly reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles while tightening up sagging skin. Further, myrrh increases blood flow anywhere it is applied, helping aging skin regenerate and a healthy glow.
3. Carrot Seed Oil
Touted a miracle essential oil, carrot seed is especially beneficial to those looking to improve their mature skin. It is extremely high in antioxidants and yields excellent results in those looking to dramatically reduce sunspots and other damage caused by too much exposure to UV rays. Research has shown that it also contains elevated levels of vitamin E for moisturization and vitamin C for enhanced protection.
4. Hyssop Oil
Hyssop contains stimulant properties that promote healthy circulation when applied topically to the skin. That in cooperation with its natural cicatrizant abilities establishes healthy skin renewal activity in mature skin. Hyssop can also prevent or improve skin problems common to aging, like fine lines, wrinkles, and sagging.
5. Neroli Oil
A pricier option, but also one of the most effective anti-aging essential oils for mature skin, neroli oil offers superior results. Extremely effective, neroli encourages skin cell regeneration giving skin a rejuvenated more youthful appearance. It also helps tighten and lift mature skin, reducing the appearance of fine lines and creating a more toned look.
Best Carrier Oils By Skin Type For Skin Care Success
While some essential oils work well on their own, diluted in a carrier oil or cream, most benefit from combining with other complimentary essential oils. Consider trying these recipes for your skin and enjoy the results.
Similar to essential oils, not all carrier oils work well with each skin type. Before you start on any recipes, be sure to check out the list below for the best carrier oil for your skin.
Best Carrier Oils For Oily Skin
These carrier oils will dilute other essential oils without unwanted greasiness:
- Argan Oil
- Grapeseed Oil
- Jojoba Oil
Best Carrier Oils For Dry Skin
Try any of these carrier oils if your skin is dry and cracked:
- Rosehip seed oil
- Sunflower oil
- Avocado oil
- Sweet almond oil
Best Carrier Oils For Normal Or Combination Skin
These carrier oils are recommended for topical use on your normal or combination skin:
- Apricot kernel oil
- Jojoba oil
- Grapeseed oil
Best Carrier Oils For Sensitive Skin
Extra care is advisable when selecting a carrier oil for your sensitive skin, try these on a patch of skin before extensive use:
- Avocado oil
- Argan oil
- Evening primrose oil
Best Carrier Oils For Mature Skin
Any of these carrier oils should work well with mature skin:
- Rosehip seed oil
- Evening primrose oil
- Sunflower oil
- Tamanu oil
Best Essential Oil Recipes By Skin Type
Top 3 Essential Oil Recipe For Oily Skin
Oily Skin Recipe 1 – Oil Reduction Moisturizing Blend
Ingredients:
- 30ml tsp jojoba oil
- 10 ml grapeseed oil
- 10 drops lavender oil
- 10 drops frankincense
- 5 drops cedarwood oil
Combine all ingredients in a 2-ounce glass jar, or larger. Close tightly. Shake to mix all ingredients thoroughly. Apply after cleansing face each evening.
Oily Skin Recipe 2 – Take Control Oil Balancing Serum
Ingredients:
- 50ml argan oil
- 10 drops geranium essential oil
- 10 drops lemon essential oil
- 5 drops rosemary essential oil
- 5 drops cedarwood essential oil
Add all ingredients to a 2 ounce glass bottle and close bottle tightly. Shake bottle to combine ingredients thoroughly. This is a very potent serum, use twice daily after cleansing on oiliest problem areas. Be sure to moisturize after each use.
Oily Skin Recipe 3 – Acne Free Lotion for Oily Skin
Try this facial moisturizing cream if you suffer from acne along with having oily skin.
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup shea butter
- 2 tsp aloe vera gel
- 1 tsp argan oil
- 15 drops tea tree essential oil
In a double boiler over medium-low heat melt shea butter. Reduce heat to low and stir in argan oil. Remove from heat and allow to cool 5-10 minutes. Once cooled, stir in aloe vera gel. Transfer mixture to bowl and place in the fridge until slightly firm. Remove from fridge and add tea tree oil. Using a whisk or electric mixer combine all ingredients until fluffy, taking care not to over mix. Transfer to a resealable glass jar and store in a cool dark place. Apply as needed to cleansed face. For best results use daily.
Top 2 Essential Oil Recipes for Dry Skin
Dry Skin Recipe 1 – Soothe Me Now Dry Skin Serum
Ingredients:
- 10 ml rosehip seed oil
- 20 ml apricot kernel oil
- 6 drops lavender essential oil
- 4 drops rose essential oil
- 4 drops German chamomile essential oil
- 3 drops palmarosa essential oil
Mix all ingredients in a 2-ounce bottle. Close cap tightly. Shake well to combine all ingredients thoroughly. After cleansing in the morning and evening massage serum into face and neck. Moisturize after applying serum for best effectiveness.
Dry Skin Recipe 2 – Hydrate Me Moisturizing Cream
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup shea butter
- 30 ml avocado oil
- 10 drops lavender essential oil
- 5 drops palmarosa essential oil
- 3 drops ylang-ylang essential oil
- 3 drops tea tree essential oil
In a double boiler over medium-low heat, melt shea butter. Reduce heat to low. Stir in avocado oil. Remove from heat and allow to cool for 5 minutes. Pour into mixing bowl and place in the fridge until mixture starts to solidify, but before it is solid. Take out of the fridge and add all essential oils. Using a wire whisk or an electric mixer combine all ingredients thoroughly, taking care not to over mix. Spoon into resealable jar and store in a cool dark place. Use liberally on face and body to relieve dry, cracked skin.
Top 2 Recipes for Normal/Combination Skin
Normal / Combination Skin Recipe 1 – Sublime Skin Serum
Ingredients:
- 20 ml jojoba oil
- 10 ml rosehip seed oil
- 7 drops frankincense
- 7 drops geranium essential oil
- 5 drops lavender essential oil
Add all ingredients to a 2-ounce glass bottle. Close tightly. Shake to mix all ingredients thoroughly. Apply serum to clean face before moisturizing nightly.
Normal / Combination Skin Recipe 2 – Soft as Silk Normal Skin Lotion
Ingredients:
- 1 cup aloe vera gel
- 1.5 tsp beeswax pastilles
- 1/2 cup jojoba oil
- 1 tsp vitamin E oil
- 1 tsp shea butter
- 10 drops geranium essential oil
- 5 drops patchouli essential oil
In a double boiler over medium-low heat melt beeswax, jojoba oil, and shea butter together. Remove from heat and transfer to a mixing bowl. Place in fridge and allow to cool until starting to harden. Add vitamin E oil, geranium and patchouli oil. Using a whisk or electric mixer, stir all ingredients until well blended. Store in glass jar in cool dark place. Safe for use on face and all over the body.
Top 2 Recipes For Sensitive Skin
Sensitive Skin Recipe 1 – Calm Down Skin Moisturizer
Ingredients:
- 30 ml argan oil
- 10 drops lavender oil
- 8 drops German chamomile oil
Mix all ingredients in a 2-ounce glass bottle. Close tightly. Make sure all ingredients are well blended by shaking bottle. Moisturize cleansed face twice daily for best results.
Sensitive Skin Recipe 2 – Soothing Sensitive Skin Lotion
Ingredients:
- 1 tsp emulsifying wax
- 1/3 cup evening primrose oil
- 1 tsp vegetable glycerin
- 1/3 cup calendula hydrosol
- 1 tsp vitamin E
- 10 drops grapefruit seed extract
- 10 drops lavender essential oil
- 5 drops helichrysum essential oil
- 3 drops German chamomile essential oil
In a double boiler over medium-low heat melt together wax and glycerin until completely blended. Remove from heat and add vitamin E. Gently warm hydrosol in a separate pot over low heat. DO NOT skip this step or your lotion may separate. Pour hydrosol into wax and oil mixture stirring constantly. When the mixture is thoroughly combined, add essential oils and grapefruit seed extract. Allow cooling to lukewarm temperature. Transfer to a resealable glass jar. Store in a cool dark place. Safe for use on face or anywhere on the body.
Top 2 Recipes For Mature Skin
Mature Skin Recipe 1 – Growing Young Moisturizing Lotion
Ingredients:
- 1/3 cup shea butter
- 1/2 ounce Tamanu oil
- 1/2 ounce evening primrose oil
- 20 drops vitamin E
- 20 drops frankincense
- 10 drops carrot seed oil
In a double boiler over medium-low heat melt shea butter. Reduce heat to low and add tamanu and evening primrose oils. Remove from heat and transfer to a mixing bowl. Allow cooling in the fridge until mixture just starts to harden. Add vitamin E, frankincense, and carrot seed oil. Using a whisk or an electric mixer, combine ingredients thoroughly. Transfer to resealable glass jar and store in a cool dark place. Use on face and body as often as needed.
Mature Skin Recipe 2 – Young as You Feel Skin Serum
Ingredients:
- 2 ounces rosehip seed oil
- 10 drops neroli oil
- 10 drops carrot seed oil
- 7 drops lavender oil
- 5 drops hyssop oil
In a 2 ounce or larger sized glass bottle mix all ingredients. Close tightly. Shake ingredients in the bottle to thoroughly combine. Apply serum before moisturizing to cleansed face once daily in the evening.
Be Good To Your Skin
You often forget about this tough, hardworking defender of your body. Your skin will always work for you, now is your chance to work on it. There’s no need to resort to products full of harsh chemicals and preservatives to pamper your skin.
If you are looking for an all-natural, effective way to step up your daily skincare routine, try adding essential oils to the mix. With proper care, your skin can be a glowing, healthy reminder to the world that you are beautiful inside and out.
If you don’t know where to start, or you’re too busy or you don’t want to purchase half a dozen essential oils to make up your own recipe, you may find the skincare range right here.