The sun is the skin's number one enemy, damaging the collagen fibers that promote the skin's elasticity and strength. As a result, over-exposure to the sun's rays can lead to wrinkles and premature aging, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Long-term exposure to the sun's rays can also lead to skin cancer. Although essential oils aren't a magic cure, certain essential oils can restore balance to sun-damaged sun.
Rose Essential Oil
Rose essential oil is one of the best essential oils for sunburned skin or dry, sun-exposed skin. The oil, distilled from the petals of the rose blossoms, is extremely complex, with more than 300 separate chemical compounds. When added to lotions or creams, rose oil stimulates the skin as it moisturizes, hydrates and reduces redness and inflammation.
Carrot Seed Essential Oil
Carrot seed oil, extracted from dried carrot seeds, is an effective treatment for dry or aging skin. The oil may also protect the skin from sun damage as its antioxidant properties decrease damage caused by exposure to the sun's UV rays. Carrot seed oil also contains a high levels of vitamin A and E, which can reduce sun damage and help to heal sunburn.
Neroli Essential Oil
Neroli essential oil, extracted from sweet-smelling orange blossoms, can stimulate cell growth, rejuvenating dry, sun-exposed skin. The oil also has antiseptic and anti-infectious qualities that can help to heal sunburn. Neroli essential oil is often blended in lotions and creams with other beneficial essential oils, including lavender, geranium, jasmine, rosemary, ylang-ylang and sandalwood.
Lavender Essential Oil
Lavender essential oil, extracted from the aromatic, blue-violet blossoms of the lavender plant, is a handy oil to keep on hand. The soothing, anti-inflammatory components of the oil make it beneficial for a variety of skin conditions, including dry skin and sunburn. Although lavender essential oil is among only a few essential oils that are safe to use directly on the skin without being diluted, it is often combined with clary sage, cedarwood, pine and geranium.
Member Comments