Incorporating essential oils for beauty and skincare into your beauty regimen can be quite tricky. Use them wisely, and they'll be sure to bring a host of benefits for your skin. If you're interested in learning how to make your own skincare formulations using essential oils?
Incorporating essential oils into your skincare routine can be quite tricky. However, there are already many commercial skincare products that use a percentage of essential oils. In fact, essential oils can play a significant factor in treating skin imperfections and giving you that pleasant glow.
We did a side-by-side comparison with two of the world's biggest essential oil brands.
Essential Oils for Beauty and Skincare
Using essential oils for skincare recipes can be an effective and all-natural way to maintain your skin.A lot can go into the care of our skin. Typically, we need to moisturize, cleanse, exfoliate, balance, tone, and more. This leaves us needing a lot of products, most of which have singular purposes.
Essential oils, however, are versatile and can be put to many uses. The essential oils below are some of the best you can use to help make sure that your skin is smooth and blemish-free.
1. Lemongrass Essential Oil
Lemongrass essential oil is one of the most effective essential oils for skincare.Lemongrass essential oil can be used for a whole host of purposes. It’s not often that lemongrass is considered when it comes to skincare, though it can certainly help with a lot of skin issues.
The Science of Lemongrass Essential Oil
While this fact isn’t very well-known, lemongrass is actually a good astringent and antibacterial. It can thus help deal with acne issues, since it can also help control the skin’s oil production without being too drying. This makes lemongrass oil effective at dealing with acne-prone skin.
Interestingly, lemongrass also has antifungal properties. You can thus use it to help you manage the symptoms of fungal skin infections such as athlete’s foot and other similar types of skin conditions. You can apply lemongrass oil topically, but make sure that you dilute it with a carrier oil.
Using Lemongrass Essential Oil
Essential oils are typically used in aromatherapy, and their pleasant aromas are typically enjoyed via diffusers. You'll still be able to enjoy the effects of these essential oils this way.
However, topical application is also an effective way of absorbing the nutrients and beneficial compounds present in lemongrass essential oil. You can make a variety of massage oils, balms, soaps, creams, and other skincare products with lemongrass as an important ingredient.
You can also blend lemongrass quite well with the following essential oils:
- Eucalyptus
- Cedarwood
- Patchouli
- Ylang ylang
- Lime
- Lemon
- Tea tree
- Spearmint
- Rosemary
- Bergamot
Learn more about lemongrass essential oil benefits.
Check out the essential oils that blend well with lemongrass essential oil:
- Bergamot Essential Oil: History, Benefits and Uses for a Healthy Lifestyle
- Patchouli Essential Oil: Uses, Benefits, Precautions and Everything You Should Know
- What You Need to Know About Rosemary Essential Oil
2. Tea Tree Essential Oil
The antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties of tea tree oil can help overcome acne problems and reduce acne scars. Photo via Pixabay.
Tea tree essential oil is one of the most powerful and effective essential oils. It has a wide range of use, but it already has an established reputation as one of the best essential oils for beauty. Not only can it help keep your skin healthy, it can also help keep your scalp free of infections and irritations as well.
The Science of Tea Tree Essential Oil
Tea tree has powerful antifungal and antibacterial properties, which is why it's highly effective for skincare. Many skin issues are caused by fungi and bacteria, and not all skincare products are formulated to address these issues. However, tea tree oil has compounds that can fight off infections and clear up your skin.
Additionally, tea tree oil has powerful antioxidant properties that can help heal blemishes and scars. It can also help eliminate age spots and beauty marks. It also reduces the appearance of wrinkles as you age, and eventually leave your skin looking smooth and youthful.
Using Tea Tree Essential Oil
You can use tea tree essential oil as a spot treatment for pimples and breakouts. Adding it to your regular moisturizer will also pump up its healing benefits.
Tea tree essential oil is also highly used in skincare serums, oils, and other products for acne control. It quickly clears up sebum glands and get rid of bacteria. Furthermore, it purifies your skin, making it smoother and healthier in a short amount of time.
The following essential oils blend well with tea tree essential oil:
- Lemon
- Patchouli
- Cedarwood
- Basil
- Eucalyptus
- Bergamot
- Lemongrass
- Grapefruit
- Rosemary
Learn more about tea tree essential oil benefits.
3. Basil Essential Oil
Basil essential oil is well-known for its ability to help treat acne and other skin issues. It can serve as an effective alternative to other acne treatment, though its effectiveness won't be the same for everyone. However, basil oil is definitely worth a try.
The Science of Basil Essential Oil
As skin breakouts are mainly caused by built-up bacteria, excess oil and small infections, basil oil can be a solution for this. It has antibacterial properties that can fight the dangerous Staphylococcus aureus bacteria, which can cause skin issues and other health problems.
This essential oil is also ideal for sensitive skin and to help soothe insect bites. It acts as a cooling agent for the skin whenever there are irritations or itchiness. Thus, you won't scratch and injure your skin in reaction to insect bites and other causes of irritations.
Using Basil Essential Oil
Basil essential oil is also present in numerous skin care formulas that are made to improve skin tone. If you're currently dealing with an uneven skin tone and you'd like to balance things out, basil might be able to help you.
The following essential oils can blend well with basil essential oil:
- Patchouli
- Cedarwood
- Tea tree
- Rosemary
- Ylang ylang
Learn more about basil essential oil benefits.
Check out the essential oils that blend well with basil essential oil:
- All About Cedar: Facts, Benefits, and Uses of Cedarwood Essential Oil
- Lemongrass Essential Oil: 15 Benefits, Uses, and Interesting Facts
4. Cedarwood Essential Oil
Cedarwood essential oil has various nourishing properties that can improve the quality of your skin. This oil is a holy grail essential oil for many enthusiasts because it is rich with antioxidants and other compounds. With these properties, it's a versatile essential oil that can be used for a variety of purposes.
The Science of Cedarwood Essential Oil
Cedarwood essential oil also has antiseptic, antifungal, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and astringent properties. Interestingly, these properties aren't a new discovery; Ayurvedic medicine has used cedarwood to treat skin ailments for many years.
In fact, cedarwood oil's healing capability is also used to treat seborrhoeic eczema and acne.
Because it is nourishing and full of nutrients, cedarwood is good for dry skin. Its natural astringent properties can also tighten skin and muscles. Furthermore, it can invigorate your skin tone by making it firmer.
Using Cedarwood Essential Oil
Cedarwood oil can effectively be used to even out oily skin complexions with the addition of a carrier oil, as well other essential oils if you so choose. It can lend its deep, woodsy aroma and its benefits to soaps, balms, massage oils, serums, and more.
You can also blend cedarwood essential oil with the following essential oils:
- Patchouli
- Tea tree
- Basil
- Grapefruit
- Sage
- Peppermint
- Lemongrass
- Eucalyptus
- Lavender
- Lemon
- Rosemary
- Ylang ylang
Learn more about cedarwood essential oil benefits.
5. Grapefruit Essential Oil
Grapefruit makes for a great snack, but its essential oil offers so much more.Grapefruit essential oil is perhaps one of the best-known citrus essential oils, and for good reason. For one thing, it is a highly potent and therapeutic oil that can be used for various purposes. Thus, it is definitely a great inclusion to this list of essential oils for beauty and skincare.
The Science of Grapefruit Essential Oil
Grapefruit oil is ideal for oily skin types because of its astringent properties. It can help tighten the skin, thus reducing excessive oil production.
If you're also suffering from acne, grapefruit essential oil is a useful thing to have. Furthermore, grapefruit oil can brighten dull skin and make it look smoother and fresher.
Like all other essential oils, grapefruit boasts a wife range of beneficial compounds that include limonene, α-pinene, and more.
Using Grapefruit Essential Oil
You can dilute grapefruit essential oil with jojoba oil for use on oily skin. Jojoba oil is particularly effective for oily skin, but you can also dilute grapefruit oil in other carrier oils. Each carrier oil has different properties, so you can choose the one that can address you particular situation.
Be sure to check the Precautions section to see how to use grapefruit essential oil safely and effectively.
These essential oils can blend well with grapefruit essential oil:
- Rosemary
- Lemon
- Cedarwood
- Patchouli
- Lime
- Bergamot
- Tea tree
- Ylang ylang
Lean more about grapefruit essential oil benefits.
6. Bergamot Essential Oil
The peel of about a hundred bergamot fruits can produce only one bottle of bergamot essential oil.Bergamot essential oil is also known as a natural cleanser, as it helps get rid of dirt and impurities. However, it's a highly concentrated citrus oil and is quite phototoxic, which means it's important to be careful when using it.
Even so, it's highly effective in helping your cleanse your skin and controlling its sebum production.
The Science of Bergamot Essential Oil
Bergamot essential oil can help regulate and normalize the oil production of your skin. Excessive oil production can lead to different skin issue, such as clogged pores and acne, which can be difficult to deal with. Thus, bergamot essential oil can help make sure that you can avoid these problems.
These properties allow bergamot oil to be helpful for people with combination type skin, which can be dry or oily on certain seasons. Skincare formulas with bergamot as an ingredient can also help with sensitive or oily skin. Additionally, is can be used in massage therapies and baths to provide calm and relaxation.
Using Bergamot Essential Oil
Because bergamot is a citrus essential oil, it needs to be properly diluted in a carrier oil. This way, you'll be sure that using the mixture will only be beneficial and won't have any side effects.
It's best to make sure that you avoid going outdoors into the sun 12 to 14 hours after you apply bergamot essential oil topically. This is because if you expose your skin to the sun after applying bergamot oil, you might experience skin irritation. Thus, it's best to stay at home, or at least make sure that you cover up well to protect your skin against the sunlight.
You can also blend bergamot essential oil with these essential oils:
- Rosemary
- Lemon
- Eucalyptus
- Cedarwood
- Ylang ylang
- Patchouli
- Grapefruit
- Tea tree
Lean more about bergamot essential oil benefits.
Learn more about the essential oils that blend well with bergamot oil
- Amazing Uses and Benefits of Eucalyptus Essential Oil
- Ylang Ylang Essential Oil's Uses, Benefits, and Everything You Need to Know
- Patchouli Essential Oil: Uses, Benefits, Precautions and Everything You Should Know
Precautions
Consult a health care practitioner first before using any essential oils alongside with your medication or treatment.
For All Essential Oils
- Patch Testing: Make sure you do a patch test on your skin for sensitivity prior to using on more areas of your body or for a long term period. Make sure to do the patch test on your feet or forearm to ensure you don’t experience irritation like redness, burning, hives or allergic reactions. Keep the essential oil away from your eyes and the insides of your ears or nose.
- Pregnant or Nursing Women: These essential oils should be avoided by pregnant or breastfeeding women as it can have an impact on hormonal levels, muscle condition, or nerve functioning. It’s also not appropriate for anyone with epilepsy.
- Infants and Children: Keep out of reach from children. Avoid using the essential oils on infants and children under the age of 7.
- Ingesting Essential Oils: Even though essential oils are made from all-natural sources, that doesn't mean that they're safe to ingest. Thus, you should avoid ingesting any essential oil.
Particular Cautions for Each Essential Oil
- For Lemongrass Essential Oil: Possible skin sensitivity might occur. Do a patch test first to check for skin irritations. Make sure to avoid application in the areas around the eyes. Do not ingest.
- For Tea Tree Essential Oil: Tea tree is meant for topical application only. Do not ingest as it is potentially poisonous. Keep away from children and pets. Possible side effects include irritations, rashes, stomach upsets and vomiting.
- For Basil Essential Oil: Basil shouldn’t be ingested or used by people with epilepsy. Avoid contact with sensitive areas, ears and eyes.
- For Cedarwood Essential Oil: Pregnant women, especially in their first trimester, should use cedarwood with caution. Do not ingest as it can cause nausea, vomiting, and digestive problems.
- For Grapefruit Essential Oil: Causes photosensitivity. Avoid sun exposure for at least 12 hours after applying this essential oil on your skin. Apply sunscreen after using blends or formulas using grapefruit oil.
- For Bergamot Essential Oil: May cause photosensitivity, so make sure to apply sunscreen after using blends or formulas that use bergamot oil. It can also lower your blood sugar levels way too much that can be potentially harmful. It is best to stop using bergamot oil at least 2 weeks prior to surgery.
How to Use Essential Oils for Skincare
The antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties of essential oils help promote healthier, clearer, and fairer skin.
1. How To Use Lemongrass Essential Oil
Insect Repellent
Apply some lemongrass oil (with carrier oil) on exposed skin to prevent bug or insect bites.
Lemongrass Sugar Scrub
Take a fresh stalk of lemongrass, bruise it, then puree in a blender. Put the lemongrass puree and 1 cup of brown sugar into a sterilized glass jar, then mix in 1/2 cup of coconut oil. Add up to 10 drops of lemongrass essential oil. Use whenever you need a nourishing scrub.
Lemongrass Honey Face Mask
In a bowl, combine 1 tablespoon of organic honey, 1/4 cup plain yogurt, 1 tablespoon of bentonite clay, and up to 5 drops of lemongrass essential oil. Apply this mask over your face and neck after cleansing. Leave on for 5 to 15 minutes and rinse with warm water.
Lemongrass Lotion Bars
Use this lotion bar to provide relief for dry skin. Add 1/2 cup beeswax, 1/2 cup coconut oil, and 1/2 cup shea butter to a glass jar. Place the jar in a saucepan full of water and melt over low heat. When it is finally melted, add 10 - 20 drops of lemongrass essential oil.
Stir the mixture gently and pour into silicone molds. Allow for it to cool, and then unmold. Store these lotion bars in a cool and dry place.
2. How to Use Tea Tree Essential Oil
Direct Application
Apply a few drops of tea tree oil to affected areas. The antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties of tea tree will help reduce redness, inflammation and swelling. It also eliminates bacteria that causes acne, and can dry up pimples.
One-Step Treatment
Put a few drops of pure tea tree essential oil on cotton swab or cotton ball. Make sure that you dab the oil on affected areas only, and not on the surrounding skin. Leave it overnight and wash your face with warm water when you wake up in the morning.
For Sensitive Skin
If you have sensitive skin, you can dilute tea tree oil and still reap its benefits. To do this, pour 1 tablespoon of distilled water in a small bowl and add 3 - 5 drops of pure tea tree oil. Dip a cotton ball into the bowl to soak up the solution.
Apply on affected areas and leave it on for 20 - 25 minutes, then rinse off with cool water, and gently pat your skin dry with a soft towel. Do this twice a day for 1 to 2 weeks to prevent and treat acne.
Tea Tree Face Mask
This tea tree and aloe vera gel face mask recipe will soothe inflamed skin, dry out pimples, and heal breakouts. It can also lighten your skin and remedy acne scars. To make this face mask, add 3 - 4 drops of tea tree essential oil to 2 teaspoons of fresh aloe vera gel.
Use a cosmetic brush to mix the ingredients. With the same brush, apply on your face and leave it on for 10 - 15 minutes. Rinse off with warm water, and gently pat dry with a soft towel.
3. How to Use Basil Essential Oil
MassageBasil oil can be diluted in a carrier oil and massaged onto the skin.
Application
You can apply basil essential oil with a clean cotton ball and target specific areas on your skin. Mix one to two drops of basil oil with coconut or jojoba oil and apply to the affected area once or twice daily. You can also use it as part of your facial cream or face mask.
Skin Irritations
Basil oil can be applied to minor skin irritations. If you have sensitive skin, dilute this essential oil with fractionated coconut oil. It can also provide pain relief from injuries, burns and bruises.
4. How to Use Cedarwood Essential Oil
Scalp Problems
Add several drops of cedarwood essential oil to your shampoo or conditioner if you suffer from seborrhoeic eczema. If the rash persists, add 5 drops of the essential oil to your bathwater. You can also make a scalp massage blend to treat it by mixing 8 drops of cedarwood oil with 4 teaspoons of carrier oil.
For Damaged Skin
Add a few drops of cedarwood oil with coconut oil and massage into damaged skin or wounds.
Firming Skin Massage
Blend 9 drops of cedarwood oil with your preferred carrier oil. Massage it to your skin and muscles.
5. How to Use Grapefruit Essential Oil
Skin Irritations or Itchiness
Apply to minor irritations and insect bites. If you have sensitive skin, it is advisable to dilute this essential oil with fractionated coconut oil prior to application.
Skin Salve
Mix grapefruit oil with coconut or jojoba oil for an acne treatment or skin salve. Apply once or twice daily on affected areas.
6. How to Use Bergamot Essential Oil
In the Shower
Apply a few drops of bergamot oil to your skin while showering. Enjoy its calming aroma and and skin purifying benefits.
Skincare Products
Add 1 - 2 drops of pure bergamot essential oil to your cleanser, toner, serum or cream to enhance its cleansing properties.
7. Multiple Essential Oil Blends
Aroma Foundry’s 6-Pack Skincare and Beauty Essential Oil Set includes lemongrass, tea tree, basil, cedarwood, grapefruit, and bergamot as an all-in-one set for your skincare needs. Here are just a few recipes on how you can blend these essential oils for skincare together for your skincare or spa treatment at home.
7.1 Healing Balm with Three Essential Oils
For minor wounds and skin damage, make your own healing balm by using the following.
Ingredients:
- 3 drops cedarwood essential oil
- 2 drops tea tree essential oil
- 3 drops lemongrass essential oil
- 4 teaspoons carrier oil
Instructions: Mix the essential oils in a small container and add the carrier oil. Use this as a soothing balm for damaged skin.
7.2. Acne Face Wipe Serum
This essential oil blend can help treat and protect your skin against acne by inhibiting the clogging of pores due to toxic bacteria and particles.
Ingredients:
- 3 drops cedarwood essential oil
- 2 drops tea tree essential oil
- 3 drops lemongrass essential oil
- 4 teaspoons jojoba oil
Instructions: Wash your face with a gentle facial wash before applying this blend. Mix all of the oils together in a glass bottle. Pour 2 - 3 drops of this blend on your clean palms and apply on affected areas.
7.3. Grapefruit and Cedarwood Cellulite Cream
Looking for a natural way to get rid of stubborn cellulite? Use this recipe as a healing and nourishing solution for your skin.
Ingredients:
- 15 drops cedarwood essential oil
- 20 drops grapefruit essential oil
- 1 tablespoon vitamin E oil
- 1 cup coconut oil
- 1 glass jar with airtight lid
Instructions: Mix all of the ingredients together in a bowl. Make sure to blend everything well before storing in a glass container. Take a shower and towel off most of the moisture.
While your skin is still slightly damp, thoroughly rub this cellulite cream into affected areas. Store this mixture in a cool, dry place.
Summary
We tackled six essential oils for skincare that can do wonders for your everyday skincare routine. Firstly, lemongrass essential oil is a must-have for acne-prone skin and skin infections. If you’re dealing with breakouts, use either tea tree or basil.
If you have dry skin, cedarwood can help bring that much needed moisture. For oily skin types, grapefruit can help normalize excessive oiliness. Lastly, if you have combination skin, use bergamot to balance your skin.
Adding two or more of these essential oils to aromatic blends and skincare recipes can also provide you with various skin healing and nourishing benefits.
To cap it all off, the best essential oils for your skin are those that truly benefit your skin type. Listening to what your body, and in this case your skin, tells you will help you know which products work best. It’s highly important to know what will work best for your specific skin type.
Make sure that you’re only using pure and high quality essential oils for beauty in your regimen. Check out Aroma Foundry’s 6-Pack Skincare Essentials which includes lemongrass, tea tree, basil, cedarwood, grapefruit, and bergamot as an all-in-one kit for your skincare needs.
References
- 12 Best Essential Oils For Skin | Hello Glow - https://helloglow.co/12-best-essential-oils-gorgeous-skin/
- 13 Amazing Benefits Of Tea Tree Oil | Organic Facts - https://www.organicfacts.net/health-benefits/essential-oils/health-benefits-of-tea-tree-essential-oil.html
- Natural Lemongrass Body Scrub - https://www.north-island.com/natural-lemongrass-body-scrub/
- Benefits, Practical Uses & a Soothing Facial Recipe with Lemongrass Essential Oil - http://levitatingmonkey.com/soothing-facial-recipe-lemongrass-essential-oil/
- Are Your "natural" Skin-care Products Actually Hurting Your Skin? Rachel Krause-Erin Yamagata- https://www.refinery29.com/essential-oils-skin-care-safety?bucketed=true&bucketing_referrer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.google.com.ph%2F
- Bergamot Essential Oil: Uses, Benefits, and Precautions | Sustainable Baby Steps - http://www.sustainablebabysteps.com/bergamot-oil.html
- Bergamot Oil For Skin, the Problem-solving Essential Oil. Annmarie Care - https://www.annmariegianni.com/ingredient-showcase-bergamot-oil-the-problem-solving-essential-oil/
- Diy Grapefruit Cellulite Cream Recipe. Alison Brehme - https://www.alisonbrehme.com/recipes/diy-grapefruit-cellulite-cream-recipe/
- Essential Oils For Skin | Paula’s Choice - https://www.paulaschoice.com/expert-advice/skincare-advice/natural-skincare/essential-oils-for-skin.html
- Grapefruit Essential Oil: Uses, Benefits, and Precautions | Sustainable Baby Steps - http://www.sustainablebabysteps.com/grapefruit-essential-oil.html
- How To Use Cedarwood Essential Oil In 21 Powerful Ways | Up Nature - https://www.up-nature.com/blogs/news/21-miraculous-uses-for-cedarwood-essential-oil
- How To Use Essential Oils in Your Skin Care | The Love Vitamin - https://thelovevitamin.com/19538/essential-oils-acne-skin-care/
- How To Use Tea Tree Oil For Acne: 7 Most Popular Remedies. FabHow Team - https://www.fabhow.com/how-to-use-tea-tree-oil-for-acne.html
- Read This First If You Want To Start Using Essential Oils in Your Skin-care Routine. Gillian Fuller - https://www.allure.com/story/how-to-use-essential-oils-by-skin-type
- The Top 10 Essential Oils For Skincare | Body Unburdened - https://bodyunburdened.com/essential-oils-for-skincare/
- What Are the Best Essential Oils For Your Skin Type? Elizabeth W. - https://livingthenourishedlife.com/best-essential-oils-for-skin/
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They say it takes a village to raise a child. Sometimes, it takes a team to deliver comprehensive information on the all-natural solutions offered by essential oils.