The use of essential oils has been documented for tens of thousands of years. But Egypt is possibly the first culture to recognize the unique benefits they offer your skin. Since then, essential oils have been the subject of many experiments and studies, but they’ve re-emerged in a big way in the last decade.

Possibly the most popular thing they’re used for is beauty. In this guide, we will discuss the benefits and application methods of the oils that can give you the biggest skin care benefits.

Melissa

Melissa essential oil is sometimes called lemon balm oil. And it’s used for treating a number of conditions, including cold sores, migraines, and even dementia. But for skin care, in particular, it’s known to treat eczema and prevent acne. It softens the skin better than almost any other essential oil, so it’s perfect for adding to an anti-aging skin care regime.

Clary sage

Clary sage is used mostly for its ability to aid in hormone balance. But it also has properties that make it perfect for skin care. It’s anti-inflammatory properties make it great for treating acne. It’s also considered an astringent, which helps shrink your pores and keep them clean.

And clary sage opens up the blood vessels and increases healthy circulation, which is essential for many body functions, not the least of which is glowing skin.

Lavender

Lavender is one of the most versatile essential oils you can buy. It can help you sleep better, heal cuts and scrapes, relieve stress, and reduce inflammation. And there are several reasons why it’s such a powerful addition to natural skin care products. For one thing, it’s a powerful antibacterial healing agent, so it’s very helpful in reducing acne.

It’s also known to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles when used regularly. It unclogs pores for cleaner skin, reduces inflammation for puffy eyes, soothes dry skin, and kills bacteria to prevent future breakouts.

Frankincense

Frankincense is a powerful essential oil used primarily for treating aging skin. It can improve elasticity by lifting, toning, and tightening the skin. And it also encourages faster cell regeneration, making it ideal for removing and preventing age spots.

Additionally, it helps reduce and prevent acne breakouts and soothes dry skin. Many people with problem areas like sagging necks use frankincense combined with Kybella treatments to correct their issues.  

Ylang ylang

This hard-to-pronounce name is an essential oil distilled from the flowers of ylang-ylang trees found in rainforests. It’s one of the only oils known to regulate the production of sebum, which is what prevents your skin from drying out. It’s often used in beauty products to prevent wrinkles and clear up acne.

Applying essential oils to the skin

Knowing which oils and treatments to use is only half the battle. There are awesome natural cleansers out there for you to try. But in order to get the most benefits from them, you need to know how to combine and apply them. The first thing you’ll have to do is find a carrier oil you wish to use as a base for your concoctions. While some oils can be used alone, it’s safer and more efficient to mix them with a carrier oil.

For facial care, most people choose organic coconut oil. Coconut oil has powerful antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties on its own, so it only enhances the effects of the essential oils. But if you’re allergic to coconut or just want other options, there are a few.

Jojoba oil is another popular carrier oil. It helps with sebum production as well, so if you have dry skin, this is a good choice. Avocado oil contains antioxidants and omega 3 acids, so your skin absorbs it well; it also increases collagen production, so it’s a good carrier to use for dry or aging skin. Other carrier oils you can use include emu, argan, olive, grapeseed, and sweet almond.