Essential Oils To Treat Wrinkles Around The Eye

Eye wrinkles appear when the skin around the eyes begins losing its elasticity, according to Dr. James F. Balch, author of "Prescription for Nutritional Healing." These are typically the first wrinkles that appear as part of the aging process. Eye wrinkles may be worsened by factors such as sun damage, smoking, alcohol use and environmental toxins. Some alternative medicine practitioners believe that essential oils may help diminish the appearance of wrinkles around the eyes.

Essential oil therapy is not a replacement for medical treatment. Talk to your doctor before using essential oils to treat eye wrinkles.

Chamomile

Chamomile is an aromatic herb that's use is thought to have originated in the Mediterranean region of Europe, according to Julia Lawless, author of "The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Essential Oils." The Romans used the herb for skin care and other medicinal purposes over 2,000 years ago. Chamomile essential oil is made by steam distilling the flowers produced by the chamomile plant. This sweet-smelling, pale yellow essential oil may help reduce acne outbreaks, soothe sensitive skin and prevent wrinkles around the eyes and mouth.

Frankincense

Frankincense is a small shrub that has appeared in herbal medicine in India and China for thousands of years. This plant has tiny, thin leaves and produces pale pink flowers. Frankincense also produces oleo gum resin, which is steam distilled to produce frankincense essential oil, according to Lawless. The essential oil is used topically to reduce the appearance of blemishes and scars. It may also prevent and smooth wrinkles that appear around the eyes.

Thyme

Although thyme is primarily known for its culinary uses, this plant's reputation as a medicinal herb dates back to the Middle Ages. The herb was thought to help avoid plagues and treat depression, notes Michael Castleman, author of "The Healing Herbs." The essential oil of the thyme plant, which is made by steam distilling the leaves or flowers, contains thymol, a compound that may help reduce the appearance of eye wrinkles.