Essential Oils For Better Skin

Essential oils, the concentrated liquids derived from steam-distilling or pressing herbs, citrus skins, flowers and tree resins, may be used to clean, disinfect, soothe, tone or moisturize skin. Although essential oils represent a natural way to treat skin, not as much research exists on many of these oils as does for their synthetic counterparts. Most essential oils must be diluted with a carrier oil for topical use. Ask your doctor or dermatologist before using any essential oils. Always perform a patch test to rule out allergies.

Lavender

A good balancing product for both oily and dry skins, lavender contains antibacterial compounds while reducing redness and moisturizing. Manufacturers produce lavender essential oil from the flowering tips of the lavender plant. According to the National Association for Holistic Aromatherapy, lavender essential oil also has applications for acne, psoriasis, eczema, wounds, burns, rashes, tissue repair, bruises, insect bites and scabies.

Chamomile

Chamomile, also known as blue chamomile, contains the anti-inflammatory compound azulene. The oil is derived from chamomile flowers and is known for its gentle, therapeutic properties. Use it to soften skin and reduce redness. Add it to diaper rash ointments and sunburn preparations, or to general cleansing and moisturizing routines. Natural beauty author Dina Falconi notes that lavender oil makes a good addition to skin care preparations for all skin types, including sensitive skin.

Rosemary

Use rosemary essential oil as a toner for large-pored and oily skin. It cleanses and invigorates skin while providing astringent action. The intensely herbal smell may be unsuitable for those who prefer citrus or floral scents in their skin care products.

Sage

In skin care, sage is somewhat interchangeable with rosemary. Like rosemary, it has antimicrobial and astringent properties, and also strikes some people as pungent or even masculine. Sage oil's antiseptic qualities, as well as its deodorizing power, lend themselves not only to complexion toners, but also to natural deodorants and body and foot powders.

Geranium Egypt

Sometimes called rose geranium, geranium Egypt essential oil comes from rose-scented geraniums. It is sometimes called "poor man's rose" because it smells and heals very much like rose essential oil does, but at a fraction of the price. Just as perfumers use the oil to mimic the scent of the more expensive rose essential oil, natural skin fans prize geranium Egypt oil for its rose-like healing properties. The essential oil cleans and closes pores while softening skin. Use about a quarter of the amount you would most oils.

Lemongrass

A strong choice for oily and acne-prone skin, lemongrass helps balance the production from your skin's oil glands without over-drying them. Lemongrass essential oil also acts as an astringent, bug repellent and deodorizer, making it a good choice for natural deodorizer or body lotions. A little goes a long way, notes Falconi.

Tea Tree

Use tea tree oil to spot-treat pimples; it is safe enough to add to skin without dilution but strong enough to help eradicate acne, notes aromatherapist Jeanne Rose. Its antifungal and antimicrobial properties also make it useful to treat the scalp for dandruff and lice, and nails and skin for nail fungus and ringworm. Add it to toners for oily skin and to wound creams. Be prepared for a distinct "medicine cabinet" scent. This essential oil comes from the Australian tea tree.

Sandalwood

Add sandalwood to products for mature skin. Herbalists consider it hydrating and regenerative for the skin, while also reducing redness and cleansing. The woody, spicy scent often pairs with rose or geranium Egypt in perfumery; consider teaming them up in lotions and moisturizers to get both the scent and therapeutic benefits of both. Cedarwood and sandalwood can be used interchangeably in skin care.

Sweet Orange

With the exception of lemongrass, which contains more balancing properties, most of the citrus-scented essential oils work well only for oily skins. Use sweet orange in small quantities to tone and degrease oily or pimply skin.