Using Essential Oils in Skin Care

As you may have read in a previous post, essential oils are extracted volatile, aromatic compounds found in the leaves, flowers, bark, stem, roots, resin, and seeds of plants. They are used in beauty, the flavor in foods, and health. When using essential oils for the skin, sometimes a carrier oil is used because of sensitivities or just to help the “oil” penetrate the skin better. In today’s blog, I will share the types of carrier oils used for different skin types, the essential oils that work well with particular skin types, and share recipes that you can try out.

All Skin Types

All skin types can use the following carrier oils: Olive oil, Sunflower oil, and Tamanu oil. The essential oils that work best for all skin types are:

Frankincense-aging, scarring, warts, wrinkles

Geranium-Dry or sensitive skin, scarring

Lavender-aging, burns, wounds, rash, impetigo, sunburn, wrinkles, stings

Melaleuca-wounds, warts, cold sores, acne, boils, canker sores, chickenpox

Acne-Prone Skin Type

These carrier oils are great for acne-prone skin: Grapeseed, Jojoba, Sweet Almond, and Tamanu oil. Here are some essential oils that are great for acne-prone skin:

Geranium-Dry or sensitive skin, scarring

Juniper Berry- acne, dermatitis, eczema

Melaleuca-wounds, warts, cold sores, acne, boils, canker sores, chickenpox

Patchouli-dermatitis and eczema

Lavender-aging, burns, wounds, rash, impetigo, sunburn, wrinkles, stings

Helichrysum-bleeding, bruises, wounds, psoriasis, eczema, broken blood vessels

Mature Skin Type

Argan, Apricot Kernel, Avocado, and Rosehip are great carrier oils for those with mature skin. The essential oils that work best for all skin types are:

Frankincense-aging, scarring, warts, wrinkles

Geranium-Dry or sensitive skin, scarring

Lavender-aging, burns, wounds, rash, impetigo, sunburn, wrinkles, stings

Melaleuca-wounds, warts, cold sores, acne, boils, canker sores, chickenpox

Helichrysum-bleeding, bruises, wounds, psoriasis, eczema, broken blood vessels

Myrrh-dry skin, skin ulcers, stretch marks, wounds, wrinkles

Rose-scars, wounds, wrinkles

Skincare Recipes

Foaming Facial Wash

In a 4oz foaming pump dispenser, add the following:

1/4 cup distilled water

2 Tbsp. Unscented Gentle Baby Castile Soap

1/2 Tbsp. Organic Aloe Vera Gel

8 drops of essential oils

Wet face and use 2-3 pumps. Massage in circular motions with fingers. Rinse and pat dry with a soft towel.

Gentle Facial Exfoliant

This once a week exfoliant is gentle and great for clarifying and exfoliating of the skin. Create a mixture in hands and apply to your wet face in a circular motion with fingers. Rinse and pat dry with a soft towel.

2 Tbsp Baking Soda

1 Tbsp Lemon Juice

2 drops essential oils