Introduction

Studies conducted recently have revealed that on a daily basis, the average American woman is exposed to a range of 60 to 100 chemicals through the personal care products she uses, such as soap, shampoo, and makeup.

Similarly, men and babies are exposed to around 40 chemicals, despite the supposedly gentle nature of baby products available in the market.

The potential health consequences of each individual chemical, as well as their combined effects when applied daily to our skin – the largest and most sensitive organ in our body – remain largely unknown.

If you find yourself concerned about the ingredients present in the toiletries used by you and your family, it might be time to explore the benefits of essential oils for natural cleansing.

Ancient essential oils have the potential to address various modern skin issues and promote a clear, radiant, and blemish-free complexion.

In the following chapter, we will delve into the world of essential oils, understanding their nature and how they can enhance the beauty and healing of problematic skin, while also reducing signs of aging.

Ancient Oils For More Youthful Skin

For centuries, essential oils have played a vital role in traditional Chinese medicine and Ayurvedic medicine in India.

These oils are commonly used in aromatherapy, therapeutic practice that harness the healing power of fragrances.

Aromatherapy offers various benefits depending on the specific oils used, such as stress relief, increased energy, relaxation and even weight loss.

Anyone can reap the benefits of aromatherapy without knowledge of essential oils.

By simply identifying the scents they enjoy and the desired effects they seek, such as stress relief, individuals can experience the benefits.

However, using essential oils on the body requires a bit more knowledge.

Nonetheless, even beginners can safely use these oils by following a few guidelines and investing in high-quality products.

Typically, essential oils are applied to the body during therapeutic massages.

The oils provide benefits to the skin, muscles, bones, while the fragrances enhance mood and overall well-being.

Furthermore, there is a growing trend of incorporating essential oils into regular skincare routines to maintain clean, youthful, and blemish-free skin.

The term “essential oils” stems from the fact that the most potent healing elements of plants, known as essences, are extracted through steam distillation or other methods to create highly concentrated therapeutic oils.

These oils can be obtained from various parts of the plant, including flowers, leaves, resin, bark, roots, seeds, and even the entire plant.

Due to their concentration, these oils possess significantly stronger healing properties compared to dried herbs and botanicals.

It is important to note that the effects of essential oils vary from person to person.

While there is some consensus regarding the actions of certain oils, individual responses differ.

Therefore, if one oil does not produce the expected results, trying another may yield better outcomes.

Some essential oils are incredibly versatile and offer a wide range of benefits. They can also be blended with other oils to enhance their healing properties.

Examples of commonly used scents include lemon, orange, rose, as well as more exotic options like patchouli and ylang-ylang.

Whether floral or woody, these oils cater to both men and women, providing healing benefits that suit their lifestyles while offering pleasant fragrances for daily use.

Throughout our lives, most of us encounter various skin-related challenges. These issues can affect our entire body or primarily target our facial skin.

Since our face is the first thing people notice when they meet or speak to us, skin problems can lead to emotional distress, shyness, and even low self-esteem.

Fortunately, essential oils can help address common skin conditions such as acne, combination skin, dry skin, eczema, inflammation, loss of suppleness, oily skin, pigmentation issues, puffiness, psoriasis, rosacea, scarring, and wrinkles.

In this guide, we will focus on these skin problems and the corresponding oils that can assist in alleviating them.

As some oils serve multiple purposes, we have organized them alphabetically in a dedicated chapter.

Once you have identified the oils suitable for your specific skin conditions, it’s time to experience their scents.

Visit a nearby health food store and sample a few oils at a time.

Create a list of your favorites based on your needs, such as addressing dry skin or wrinkles, and consider purchasing a couple of all-purpose oils that can be utilized in various ways.

It’s important to note that essential oils vary in price, and accumulating large collection without a clear purpose can become costly.

By shopping strategically and determining your intended use beforehand, you can manage costs while still achieving the desired effects.

Additionally, there are starter kits available that contain basic oils, providing a useful starting point for your journey with essential oils for skincare.

Refer to the Resources section for more information on these kits.

Once you have acquired your oils, it’s crucial to learn how to apply them safely.

The first step is understanding how to dilute the oils for different personal care purposes. In the following chapter, we will explore the various options for dilution.

Diluting Essential Oils For Personal Care Products

Before using pure essential oils, it is important to dilute them. Direct use of pure oils on the skin or near the eyes should be avoided.

There are five options available for dilution: water, liquid soap, alcohol, pure Witch Hazel, and carrier oils.

Water can be used as a toner or lotion by adding a few drops of oil distilled water.

Essential oils can also be added to bath water or a sink of water when washing the face.

For a gentler option, unscented liquid soap like Castile or vegetable glycerin soap can be used. Choose an unscented product and add your preferred essential oils.

This can serve as the foundation for personal hygiene and skincare routines.

Alcohol is a suitable choice for diluting essential oils when treating acne and cleansing the skin.

However, it can be drying, so it should only be used on oily areas for those with combination skin.

Pure Witch Hazel is effective for cleansing and tightening pores. It is important to choose products labeled as pure, as many commercial brands contain alcohol.

After washing the face, use pure Witch Hazel as needed to cleanse and tone the skin.

Carrier oils are commonly used to dilute essential oils for therapeutic massage, moisturizing the skin, and enjoying the aromatic benefits of the oil.

Carrier oils vary in heaviness and have their own healing properties. Some examples include almond, apricot kernel, coconut, and olive oil.

Coconut oil is ideal for dry skin, while apricot and almond oils penetrate the skin without leaving it excessively oily.

Certain carrier oils, such as jojoba, vitamin E, rosehip, carrot seed, and pomegranate seed oils, are known for nourishing the skin and improving its overall appearance.

There are also more exotic facial-quality oils like Arjan, Manuka, and Tamanu, which have healing and anti-aging properties.

When selecting carrier oils, consider their scent and how well they blend with the essential oils you intend to use.

It is important to choose pure oils and find ones that appeal to you in terms of scent and weight on the skin.

Coconut oil, for example, tends to impart a coconut fragrance unless you use a de-scented variety. Other carrier oils are a matter of personal preference.

Manuka oil, known for its healing properties, has a less medicinal scent compared to tea tree oil, although some individuals may dislike its fragrance.

It is recommended to test the oils at a health food store to assess their scent and how they feel on the skin.

Now that you have learned about diluting oils and the benefits of carrier oils for healing and dilution, it is essential to consider other safety factors before venturing into creating your own skincare preparations.

Safety First When Using Essential Oils

When it comes to essential oils, it crucial to handle them with care and respect, despite their natural origins.

These potent botanicals possess immense power and need to be treated accordingly.

Here are some essential safety tips for storing, handling, and using your essential oils:

1. Purchase Pure Oils:

Make sure to acquire 100% pure oils and check their country of origin.

It is advisable to choose oils produced in countries like the United States, Canada, England, France, and Germany.

2. Opt for Dark Glass Bottles:

When buying essential oils, opt for dark glass bottles. Additionally, store them in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.

Keep them out of the reach of children and pets. Avoid storing essential oils in plastic containers, as they have the potential to dissolve the plastic.

3. Keep Away from People, Pets, and Children:

While exploring essential oils, you may come across recipes that involve adding them to food.

However, it is important to note that certain essential oils can cause stomach upset or even be fatal if consumed by people or pets.

Always read the directions and cautions provided. When in doubt, use essential oils topically or aromatically and avoid ingestion.

4. Consider Shelf Life:

Once you open a bottle of essential oil, it typically remains usable for up to a year. However, citrus oils such as lemon and lime should be used within six months.

5. Be Cautious with Citrus Oils:

Citrus oils require extra caution if you plan on exposing your skin to sunlight after using them.

They can cause photosensitivity, making the skin more prone to burning or discoloration.

It is advisable to use citrus oils in the evening or at least two hours before sun exposure.

6. Account for Existing Medical Conditions:

Certain essential oils may not be suitable for individuals with specific medical conditions, such as high blood pressure.

Pregnant women should also exercise caution when using these potent botanicals.

Now that you are aware of the essential safety considerations for using and creating skincare preparations with essential oils, let’s delve into the various oils for different skin conditions.

We will begin with the most prevalent one: acne.

Preventing/Clearing Blemishes/Acne

Acne is a common skin issue that can occur at any stage of life, whether during our teenage years or even in old age.

The primary cause of acne is hormonal changes, particularly during puberty for teenagers and during the menstrual cycle for women.

Surprisingly, even menopausal women with dry skin can experience adult acne.

Apart from hormonal factors, the way we take care of our skin can also contribute to acne breakouts.

Failing to cleanse the face regularly, sleeping with makeup on, having oily hair, and frequently touching the face can all lead to clogged pores due to the accumulation of grease, oil, dirt, pollution, and dead skin cells.

This clogging often results in the formation of whiteheads, blackheads, and pimples.

While acne is commonly associated with oily skin, individuals with combination skin may experience breakouts on specific areas like the chin, cheeks, nose, and forehead, while the rest of their face, particularly around the eyes, remains dry.

For such cases, utilizing essential oils like lavender, which is suitable for all skin types, can be beneficial.

Using toners can help to tighten pores and minimize the chances of clogging.

Additionally, exfoliating the skin with a gentle scrub a couple of times a week can eliminate dead skin cells and reveal a healthier and more radiant complexion.

If acne troubles you to the extent that you feel like hiding your face, you can try incorporating certain essential oils into your skincare routine.

For acne-prone skin, oils like cypress, geranium, lavender, neroli (orange blossom), patchouli, rose, and tea tree can be helpful.

For oily skin, oils such as cypress, frankincense, geranium, lavender, neroli, patchouli, tea tree, and ylang ylang are recommended.

Individuals with combination skin can benefit from oils like geranium, lavender, neroli, rose, and ylang ylang.

However, it is important to be cautious about excessively drying out the skin.

If you have acne-related scarring or other skin imperfections that you wish to address, essential oils like clary sage, frankincense, geranium, lavender, rose, tea tree, and carrot seed carrier oil can be useful.

For more detailed information about each oil, refer to the alphabetical section, and for quick and easy homemade beauty recipes, check the recipe section.

By incorporating these oils into your skincare routine, you can observe the positive impact they have on your skin, and possibly even on your wallet.

Rosacea

Rosacea, pronounced as ROW-say-shuh, can sometimes resemble acne but depending on the type, it can manifest as red, inflamed welts or large cysts.

In addition, it can cause nasal distortion, giving the appearance of the famous 20th-century comedian W. C. Fields.

Naturally, nobody desires a bulbous nose, so what can be done to address rosacea?

According to the American Academy of Dermatology, over 14 million individuals suffer from rosacea, predominantly affecting women but also occurring in men.

The majority of rosacea cases involve individuals who are:

– Between the ages of 30 and 50.
– Fair-skinned, often with blonde hair and blue eyes.
– Of Celtic or Scandinavian descent.
– Likely to have a family history of rosacea or severe acne.
– Prone to experiencing significant acne, including cysts and nodules.
– Women are slightly more susceptible to rosacea than men, although men are more prone to severe cases.

The precise causes of rosacea remain uncertain, although research suggests various factors, including:

– Genetics
– Issues with the immune system
– Bacillus oleronius bacteria
– H pylori, commonly associated with stomach ulcers
– Demodex mites
– The protein cathelicidin, which may contribute to redness and swelling

Regardless of the underlying cause, rosacea can leave the skin of middle-aged individuals looking and feeling less than optimal. Common symptoms include:

– Flushing and redness in the central area of the face.
– Visible broken blood vessels, often referred to as spider veins.
– Swollen skin.
– Sensitivity.
– Skin stinging and burning sensations.
– Dryness, roughness, or scaling of the skin.
– A propensity to flush or blush more easily than others.

If you have been mistaking your breakouts for acne, it might be advisable to consult a dermatologist to determine if you may be dealing with rosacea.

There are several essential oils that can be beneficial in managing rosacea, such as:

– German Chamomile
– Clary sage
– Cypress
– Neroli

Additionally, there are several other oils that can help reduce redness and inflammation. These will be discussed in the following chapter.

Puffiness, Swelling, Skin Inflammation

There are various factors that can cause our face to appear swollen, inflamed, and full.

One of the most common triggers is allergy season, particularly during spring when pollen is prevalent.

Additionally, lack of sleep, poor diet, excessive alcohol consumption, high carbohydrate intake, and pollution can contribute to these issues.

Smoking cigarettes not only irritates the skin but also dries it out, resulting in the development of fine lines and wrinkles around the eyes due to constant squinting against the smoke.

Moreover, lines may also form around the mouth as a result of both the heat and the act of sucking on the cigarette.

Other factors that can cause a puffy and bloated appearance include menstruation, weight gain, and water retention caused by a diet high in sodium.

It’s important to pay attention to your diet as it directly affects your appearance. Opt for fresh, natural foods and maintain proper hydration.

Using olive oil can help reduce inflammation externally and internally.

If dietary adjustments are not sufficient, incorporating essential oils such as chamomile (German and Roman), cypress, geranium, lavender, neroli, and rose into your facial cleanser, toner, and moisturizer can be beneficial for combating inflammation, spider veins, and red capillaries.

For individuals with rosacea, essential oils such as chamomile (German), clary sage, cypress, and neroli can be helpful.

If you have sensitive skin, consider using chamomile (German and Roman), jasmine, lavender, neroli, rose, and carrot seed oil as a carrier oil.

It’s worth noting that inflamed skin is often accompanied by dryness. Therefore, let’s explore the best oils for soothing dry skin in the following section.

Dry Skin

Individuals who are born with dry skin may look older than their actual age if they fail to use nourishing and soothing products.

This is to prevent their complexion from becoming patchy, scaly, red, or inflamed.

Dry patches, sometimes accompanied by small oozing blisters or roughness, can occur at any age due to eczema.

On the other hand, psoriasis causes the buildup of skin cells, resulting in itchy and dry patches with scales.

Although psoriasis has a genetic component, not everyone with the genes will develop the condition.

Triggers for psoriasis include stress, respiratory infections, irritants in the environment, and skin damage such as deep scratches.

Proper hydration is vital for individuals with dry skin. They should drink plenty of water and avoid consuming drying foods like carbohydrates and high-sodium items.

It is especially important to pay attention to chapped or cracked skin, particularly on the hands, as it can increase susceptibility to infection.

Hand sanitizers should also be used cautiously as most commercial brands contain high levels of alcohol, which can dry and crack the skin.

When it comes to dry skin, certain essential oils can be beneficial.

For general dry skin, oils such as Roman Chamomile, Geranium, Lavender, Myrrh, Patchouli, Rose, and Ylang ylang are recommended.

For more severe cases of dry skin like eczema, Cedarwood, German and Roman Chamomile, Lavender, Myrrh, Patchouli, Sandalwood, Tea Tree, and Ylang ylang oils can be used.

Psoriasis sufferers can find relief with Chamomile (German and Roman), Lavender, Sandalwood, Tea Tree, Carrot seed oil as a carrier oil, and Pomegranate seed oil.

Dry skin is also known to contribute to the appearance of aging and wrinkles, and in the next chapter, we will explore oils that can help combat these signs of aging.

Wrinkles

Wrinkles can appear at any age to various factors. major cause is smoking, which leads to premature aging and wrinkling of the.

Neglecting facial cleansing and moisturizing routines can also contribute to the development of wrinkles.

Failing to protect your skin from the harmful sun rays by using a sunscreen with at least 30 SPF can result in wrinkling and sun damage.

It is important to wear good sunglasses that provide UV protection to shield the delicate skin around the eyes.

Repeated facial movements like squinting and smiling over time can lead to the formation of wrinkles.

Even sleeping with your face buried in a pillow can contribute to their appearance. If sleeping on your back is not feasible, using silk pillowcases may help.

Don’t forget about the neck when considering wrinkles. A sagging and crinkled neck can give away your age.

Similarly, the eyelids can start to sag, making you look older than you are.

When using beauty products with essential oils around the eyes, it is important to pat them on gently instead of rubbing.

Use a cotton swab or ball and apply small amounts to avoid dripping. Never use undiluted oils in this area.

Now, let’s explore some of the best essential oils for reducing the visibility of fine lines and wrinkles:

– Clary sage
– Cypress
– Frankincense
– Geranium
– Lavender
– Myrrh
– Neroli
– Patchouli
– Rose
– Rosemary
– Sandalwood
– Ylang ylang
– Rose Hip oil can be used as a carrier oil.

These oils can also be beneficial for aging skin:

– Roman chamomile
– Clary sage
– Frankincense
– Geranium
– Lavender
– Myrrh
– Neroli
– Patchouli
– Rose
– Ylang ylang
– Carrot seed oil can be used as a carrier oil.

If you’re looking to improve the firmness and elasticity of your skin, consider these oils:

– Frankincense
– Geranium
– Lavender
– Myrrh
– Rose
– Ylang ylang

Another common concern with aging skin is the presence of dark spots. We will delve deeper into this topic in the next chapter.

Clearing Dark Spots

As we get older, the pigmentation our skin can change, resulting in the appearance of dark spots.

Hormonal factors like pregnancy may cause temporary dark spots, while older individuals commonly develop “liver spots” on their hands and face.

Additionally, some people may notice changes in their skin tone or darkening due to scarring from severe acne.

Certain essential oil websites recommend using citrus oils like bergamot, lemon, neroli, and orange to reduce dark spots and hyperpigmentation.

However, it’s important to note that these oils can actually make the skin more sensitive to the sun and potentially cause dark spots.

Therefore, it is advised to avoid using citrus-based oils at least two hours before going outside. To ensure skin safety, it is best to use citrus oils exclusively at night.

If you prefer non-citrus oils that can be used at any time of the day or night, here are some suggestions for treating dark spots and hyperpigmentation: frankincense, geranium, lavender, rose, sandalwood, tea tree, vetiver, and carrot seed oil as the carrier oil.

After familiarizing yourself with the oils beneficial for each skin condition mentioned above, the following chapter provides an alphabetical list of these oils.

Alphabetical Listing Of The Essential Oils Mentioned In This Guide

There are many essential oils, each with a range of uses. This is a list of the ones mentioned in this guide.

Look up each oil you are interested in due to usage and/or scent and see which oils are right for you.

CEDARWOOD (Juniperus Mexicana Scheide)

United States

A woody balsamic aroma, it is used in perfumes to add depth and warm notes to any essential oil blend.

Cedar can also be applied to the inside of a wood chest for a wonderful scent that naturally repels moths and other insects.

Its effects are harmonizing, relaxing, and strengthening. It is also very good for relieving anxiety. It is pleasant for both men and women.

It is excellent for eczema and disinfection.

Usage Warning: Not for internal consumption.

CHAMOMILE, GERMAN (Matricaria Chamomilia)

Hungary, Germany, throughout Europe (also referred to as mayweed)

It is commonly used to soothe irritation and injury. It is frequently used as a nourishing oil in products designed for dry skin.

Like Roman chamomile, it use for its soothing qualities.

CHAMOMILE, ROMAN (Anthemis Nobilis)

Hungary, Belgium, France

Often used in perfumes, it blends well with bergamot, jasmine, neroli, and clary sage, lending a warm, fresh note when added in small quantities.

It is a relaxing and rejuvenating oil that can be used for a range of skin conditions.

CLARY SAGE (Salvia Sclarea)

France

It blends well with a wide variety of essential oils for perfumery with a sweet, spicy scent.

In terms of use on the skin, it is useful for minimizing the appearance of scars and can improve the appearance of aging skin and reduce wrinkling.

Not to be confused with regular sage.

Usage Warning: Avoid if pregnant.

CYPRESS (Cypressus sempervirens)

Around the Mediterranean

Cypress oil acts as an anti-inflammatory, so it is good for allergies, rheumatism and psoriasis.

It is also useful as an insect repellent and can soothe the irritation from bug bites. It is anti-microbial as well, so disinfects too.

It will also soothe itching and irritation from poison ivy.

FRANKINCENSE (Boswellia Carteri)

Somalia, Ethiopia, India

This is a wood and pepper kind of fragrance. Frankincense is used extensively for incense and fine perfumes and is often paired with myrrh.

It is relaxing and restorative. It can be used in combination with meditation for good concentration and visualization. It is good for oily skin and acne scars.

It is also good for aging skin and wrinkles, making it a versatile oil for the whole family.

Usage Warning: Not for internal consumption.

GERANIUM (Pelargonium Graveolens)

France, Morocco

This oil has a delightfully sweet scent. It is an important ingredient in all types of fragrances. It is like a rose with minty undertones.

It is also used in skin care products for both its fragrance and astringent cleansing properties.

It is balancing and evens out your energies, and works well for most skin types.

JASMINE (Jasminum Grandiflorum)

Morocco, France, Italy

This is a very powerful fragrance with a rich, honey-like sweetness.

The fragrance of jasmine is a component in so many perfumes that there is an old saying, “No perfume without jasmine.”

A tiny amount will go a long way, making it an economical oil. It is relaxing, sensual, exotic, romantic and very good for women for massage.

It is ideal for even the most sensitive skin, to soothe and cleanse.

LAVENDER (Lavendula Angustifolia)

France, Tasmania

This is one of the mainstays of aromatherapy, a rich, fragrant floral scent that has a wide range of therapeutic and environmental uses.

It is excellent for personal care products, even ones for babies if it is diluted well.

Its effects are balancing, soothing, gently clarifying and enhancing meditation and relaxation.

It can be combined with other florals to enhance its effects, especially if you want a more feminine aroma, or used as is for products suitable for the entire family.

MYRRH (Commiphora Molmol)

Ethiopia, Sudan, Somalia

This is one of the oldest-known perfume materials in the world, mentioned 3,700 years ago in ancient Egyptian texts and of course in the Bible, when the Three Wise Men brought gold, frankincense and myrrh to Jesus when he was born.

This will give you an idea of how precious the two essential oils were considered. It has an interesting woody scent so it is good for men or women.

Think of myrrh oil as a fountain of youth for your aging skin.

Usage Warning: Not for internal consumption. Avoid use if pregnant.

NEROLI (Citrus Aurantium)

Morocco, France, Italy, Tunisia

Distilled from the flowers of the bitter orange tree, neroli has a refreshing, spicy aroma. It is one of the most widely used floral oils in perfumery.

Neroli is also used in preparations such as a massage oils, skin creams, and bath oils due to its light citrusy scent.

The effect is centering, relaxing, soothing, exotic and sensual.

Usage note: Treat it as you would a citrus oil and be careful of photosensitivity; use at night.

PATCHOULI (Pogostemon Cablin)

Indonesia, Philippines, Malaysia

A widely used fixative in perfumes, its very intense aroma is described as earthy, rich, sweet, woody and spicy. Its effect is romantic, soothing, exotic and sensual.

It is great for oily, dry, and aging skin.

Usage Warning: Not for internal consumption.

ROSE (Rosa Centifolia)

Morocco, France, England

This oil has a sweet, deep, long-lasting aroma. It is often known as rose absolute to differentiate it from rose otto, also known as the Damascene rose, another essential oil often labelled rose.

Rose absolute is an economical alternative to rose otto and is used extensively in medium and high-priced perfumes of all types for its aroma and fixative qualities.

It offers romantic, creative and gently uplifting qualities when used.

It is excellent for all types of skin and is a pleasant smell most women will not mind having on their skin.

Usage Warning: Avoid if pregnant.

ROSEMARY (Rosemarinus Officinalis)

France, Spain, Morocco, Tunisia

Rosemary has a wonderfully earthy and herby scent. It is used in hair care, fragrance, cooking and cosmetics.

Brush on or wash into dark hair to condition and bring out color highlights. Use for massage for both men and women.

Its effect offers relief from congestion, and is clarifying, balancing, warming and invigorating. It is good for all skin types and the scent should appeal to men.

Usage Warning: Avoid if pregnant. People with high blood pressure or epilepsy should not use this oil.

SANDALWOOD (Santalum Album)

India, Indonesia

This scent has been used perfume and sacred rituals since ancient times. It is especially good for dry skin. Men in particular love the scent.

It is relaxing, centering and, sensual. It is very good for warding off eczema and wrinkles.

Usage Warning: Not to be eaten.

TEA TREE (Melaleuca Alternifolia)

Australia

This has become an extremely popular essential oil and common ingredient in personal care items thanks to its powerful antiseptic qualities.

The smell is citrusy with a medicinal edge. It is ideal for cuts and scrapes, and for healing acne and its scars. It can also help with itchy, oily scalps.

It has a cleansing, purifying and uplifting effect.

Usage Warning: Not for internal consumption. Dilute well before use as it is a known skin irritant.

Only use for full massage if well diluted and if the goal is to heal serious problem skin.

VETIVER (Vetiveria Zizanoides)

India, Indonesia, Philippines

This oil has a rich, woodsy and musky scent which is popular as a perfume fixative. Its effects are soothing, relaxing and anchoring. It is good for men and women.

It is excellent for evening out skin tone and getting rid of unsightly dark spots.

Usage Warning: Not for internal consumption.

YLANG YLANG (Cananga Odorata)

Madagascar, Indonesia

The name means “flower of flowers.” It is a richly fragrant oil that is best used for body perfume and massage oil. The effect is sensual and blissful.

It is good for all types of skin. However, the fragrance might be a bit too exotic for many people, especially if you are going to apply it to your face and smell it all day.

Therefore, be sure to use a tester at your local health food store that stocks high-quality essential oils before purchasing it.

Usage Warnings: It should not be consumed internally.

Now that we’ve outlined each of the oils listed in this guide, it’s time to start making your own homemade personal care products to tackle your main skin problems.

Easy Recipes For Safe Skin Care Products Using Your Essential Oils

Now that you know which oils are useful for your particular skin conditions, it’s time for the fun part, making small, fresh batches of your toners, creams and lotions every day.

Remember, there will be NO preservatives in these skin preparations, so make only as much as you will need for 1 or 2 uses in the day.

Put the rest in the fridge or use on neck hands, elbows, and so on, depending on what the item is. Then see what a difference essential oils can make to your skin.

Good regular skin care routines no matter what your age or skin type

The 5 main steps to a healthy skincare routine no matter what your age are:

 Wash/Cleanse
 Tone
 Moisturize
 Exfoliate 1 to 2 times per week
 Deep clean 1 time per month

And always use sunscreen on face, hands, and any other part of your body that will be expose to UV rays.

Below, you will find basic recipes for the 5 steps above. Just add the essential oil of your choice to the recipe depending on what effect you wish to achieve.

If you don’t fancy whipping up a lot of differently fragranced items, geranium, lavender, and rose are good for a wide range of skin types and healing purposes.

Lavender can be used by men and women.

1-Wash/Cleanse

All-purpose Body and Facial Wash

1/8 cup coconut oil, des-scented if you prefer
1/8 cup raw honey, warmed in the microwave for 20 seconds to make it easier to blend
1 teaspoon vitamin E oil
10 to 20 drops of essential oils
1/2 cup liquid pure glycerin soap, unscented

Blend all ingredients except the soap in a measuring cup, stirring well to combine. Add the soap last and stir gently to avoid foaming. Use as needed.

Dry Skin Body and Face Wash

1/8 cup coconut oil
1/8 cup olive oil
1 teaspoon vitamin E oil
1 teaspoon jojoba oil
10 to 20 drops of essential oils
1/2 cup liquid Castile soap

Blend all ingredients in a measuring cup except the soap, stirring well to combine. Add the soap and stir gently to avoid foaming. Use as needed.

2-Tone

Toner for your skin type

Alcohol or pure witch hazel
Use 1 to 3 drops per ounce of the essential of your choice.

Apply to your face with a cotton pad. If your skin is prone to break outs, use one pad for each side of the face and wipe in one direction only, from hairline to jaw, without rubbing in circles, since this can spread bacteria.

3-Moisturize

Rich Facial Moisturizer

1/8 cup almond oil
1/8 cup coconut oil
1/2 cup aloe vera gel
5 to 10 drops of essential oil of your choice

This is light enough to use every day. Dot the face with some small dabs and then blend in.

Healing Moisturizer for Dry Skin and Eczema-Hands and Face

1 ounce grapeseed oil
1 ounce jojoba oil
1 ounce coconut oil, scented or unscented
1 ounce vitamin E oil
2 to 4 drops each of lavender
jasmine

White cotton gloves (optional)

Combine in a measuring cup and pour into a small jar. Label and use as needed. Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days.

If hands are a particular trouble spot, apply at night and wear white cotton gloves to heal the skin.

Anti-Aging Moisturizer

7 ounces coconut oil, unscented
1 ounce liquid vitamin E oil
16 drops lavender, rose or cypress oil

Blend together in a measuring cup and place in an 8-ounce bottle. Label. Use on body and face. Place leftovers in fridge for up to 3 day.

To warm before applying, remove a small quantity from the bottle and place in a jar. Place the jar in a bowl of warm water for 5 minutes until it warms through.

This is deeply moisturizing and the vitamin E oil nourishes and repairs, while the oils soothe.

4-Exfoliate

Basic Sugar Scrub for Face and Body

3 parts white or brown sugar
1 part oil, such as olive oil, fractionated coconut oil or apricot kernel oil
5 to 7 drops of essential oils depending on the quantity of scrub you are making and how intense you want it to smell.

Mix well in in a small glass jar.

Use no more than twice a week. When using on the face, avoid the eye area and rub gently in small circles. Leave on the face for no more than 5 minutes.

Note that your skin will be reddened for up to 2 hours afterwards, so it is best used at night.

After using, rinse well and gently pat dry with a clean towel. Don’t forget to moisturize.

5-Deep Cleaning

Cleansing Mask

2 to 3 tablespoons warm water
3 to 6 drops essential oil of your choice
1/4 cup regular oatmeal, ground finely into oat flour in a food processor or coffee grinder

Place the water in a small measuring cup.
Add the oil to the water.
Add the water mixture to the oatmeal. Stir well to combine.
Apply to the face, massaging in small circles.
Leave on 2 to 5 minutes.
Rinse well with warm water and pat dry.

Moisturize.

Oils that work well with a deep-cleaning mask.

Mature or dry skin – Frankincense, Neroli
Normal or combination skin – Jasmine, Rose
Oily or blemished skin – Geranium, Tea Tree

Moisturizing mask
Add 3 teaspoons of carrier oil to the water in step 1 in the above recipe and continue with recipe.

Conclusion

We all want to look our best no matter what our age.

But if common skin problems such as acne, dry skin, wrinkles, or dark spots are getting you down and making you feel self-conscious, we hope you will find at least a couple of oils in this guide and recipes for natural beauty products which will transform your skin and leave you with a healthy, radiant complexion.

To your best self!