Natural oils for skincare such as shea butter, coconut oil, tea tree oil and olive oil have been used as skincare for ages. Some serve as moisturizers, others help with acne and others even work as antibacterial. With the development of cosmetics some of these natural alternatives have been overlooked, however, with the reinforcement of veganism and other ideologies the natural oils have made a comeback. Another benefit of the natural skincare is the price; essential oils are usually very affordable.
But which oils should I use? What are the different benefits? Well, the answer is relative to the results you desire. Here we will go over different types of skin and the recommended oils.
Essential oils for dry skin
Dry skin can be caused by age, climate, and season. It is usually treated with moisturizers but some oils can provide great relief.
- Lavender
Commonly used for sleep and relaxation this oil may help balance the moisture level of your skin. It’s an anti-inflammatory and natural hydrator that can help with dry skin without making it too oily.
- Chamomile
Contains azulene, known for increasing moisture and reducing inflammation. However, chamomile may trigger some allergies.
- Sandalwood
Reduces inflammation while moisturizing the skin.
Essential oils for oily skin
Oily skin is usually caused because the sebaceous glands are in overdrive, producing excessive oil on the surface of the skin. Just like dry skin, it can also be affected by exterior factors like humidity, heat and climate.
- Clary Sage
Contains compounds that are known to be good for controlling excess sebum. It helps control acne as well.
- Rosemary
Noted for the anti-inflammatory benefits and analgesic properties. It can also help with greasy hair and dandruff.
- Frankincense
It can help with oily skin and acne-prone skin.
- Geranium
It has alkaline properties and balances out skin oil. It’s usually added to soaps and it’s helpful in evening out hydration levels.
- Neroli
Contains citral and it balances sebum without making the skin dry.
Essential oils for sensitive skin
Sensitive skin can be either dry or oily and usually appears along with allergies, eczema and other conditions. If you have sensitive skin it’s recommended to stay away from acidic oils. The following are safe for most skin types:
- Lavender
- Frankincense
- Sandalwood
Essential oils for skin with acne
It is essential that you remove the oil and bacteria without drying out the skin, as it can lead to increased oil production. Breakouts can also be caused due to inflammation.
The best oils for treating acne are:
- Lemon oil
Fights inflammation.
- Lemongrass
Has astringent properties. These can help fight pimples while removing dead skin cells
- Cinnamon essential oil
Is also considered a powerful anti-inflammatory due to its antioxidant compounds. It helps with inflammatory acne symptoms.
- Tea tree
Tea tree oil is incredible when it comes to drying out pimples and fighting bacteria.
Coconut oil
Even if you have ever heard of essential oil skincare you are definitely familiar with coconut oil. It is probably the most known oil and it has several benefits for both hair and skin. It is highly recommended as a moisturizer, eczema relief, makeup remover, hair mask, body scrub, lip balm, dandruff treatment, deodorant, cuticle oil, and so on.
All in all, essential oils can quite often replace most beauty cosmetics. Their affordable price and sustainable use can be a cure for your skin and a big help to the environment.