Essential oils are plant extracts from leaves, barks, flowers and seeds. Some research have shown that essential oils can be helpful especially when it comes to caring for your skin but only if you know how to use them the right way such as matching the right essential oil for the right skin type. Here’s a guide if you’re planning on taking the natural route when it comes to your skin care choices.
For dry skin
Chamomile: This flower contains azulene, a natural compound that helps to soothe irritated skin while increasing the moisture level of your skin. However, if you’ve a ragweed allergy, you’ll want to stay away from chamomile as it could trigger allergy symptoms.
Lavender: Besides helping you relax, this popular flower helps to balance out the oils on your skin. Lavender has anti-inflammatory properties that can help with skin redness and repair your skin too.
For oily skin
Geranium: Known to balance the secretion of oil in the skin, geranium essential oil can help to combat oily skin. It also helps to prevent saggy skin and effectively eliminates dead skin cells.
Rosemary: Rosemary oil helps to reduce the production of oil on your skin. This oil is rich in antioxidants and has anti-ageing properties as well. Besides skincare, rosemary oil is often used in shampoos too to help with oil scalp.
For mature skin
JoJoba oil: The light and less greasy texture of jojoba oil (pronounced as ho-ho-ba) makes it a popular ingredient in many skincare products. On top of that, jojoba oil is known to repair the top layer of the skin which makes this oil suitable for maturing skin.
Rose oil: Rose oil may help to reduce the appearance of lines and wrinkles. It’s rich in antioxidants such as vitamin C and A that can help to improve the turnover of skin cells and hence, slowing down ageing.
Although derived from a natural source, most essential oils are too potent to be applied on your skin directly. Essential oils are usually mixed with carrier oils so that it’s safe enough to be applied to your skin.
It is always best to consult a dermatologist if you’re considering switching to essential oils as part of your skin care routine and always remember to do a patch test for any new product you’re trying.
