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If you’re tired of expensive face lotions and skin creams that don’t work all that well then you should go to the source. If you read the ingredients list on any quality lotion or cream, it will list some of the more common essential oils. But the trouble is that these have been added to the creams in such minute amounts, while the rest of the cream or lotion is just filler.
Instead, skip the expensive creams and lotions and reach directly for essential oils for your skin. Not only will you have more effective results with your abnormal skin condition, but you’ll also be getting better results with your money, as you only need a few drops per treatment.
What Are Essential Oils?
Essential oils are oils that have been extracted from a plant’s leaves, seeds, or stems, through a cold-pressed process. Some are extracted through heat, but a cold press better preserves the healing compounds within the essential oil, so we recommend that you focus on this type.
These oils have that same oily feel to them, much like sweet almond oil, avocado oil, and other types of carrier oils. Some essential oils can be used straight from the bottle, while some need to be diluted with a natural carrier oil as they may have a burning sensation on the skin if you apply them directly.
Here are some of the best essential oils
Tea Tree Oil
If you’re seeking healing properties for a wide range of skin ailments that involve skin infections such as bacteria or fungal, tea tree oil is the best solution. This essential oil is derived from the Melaleuca Alternifolia plant. You can apply it directly from the bottle, unlike many other essential oils that need to be diluted with a carrier oil.
This oil has antiseptic and anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties to help heal itchy skin rashes and return your skin to its healthy glowing state. If you suffer from acne, the tea tree oil will help to kill that bacteria on your skin that causes acne, and will help to quickly heal any unsightly blemishes.
Lavender Essential Oil
Lavender essential oil is another gentle oil that is safe for direct application to the skin. While it’s also used to help to calm you down and help you to fall asleep faster, it also has great skin soothing properties too. It’s suitable for the eczema skin condition that causes itching and soreness. The lavender can help to calm down the inflammation, then work at the healing process.
When the eczema is in its final stages, the oil will help to ease the itching and dryness, and also reduce the chances of scars forming. Lavender also smells good, so you won’t feel embarrassed if you use it at work, unlike some of the eczema prescription skin creams that have a bad smell to them.
Peppermint Essential Oil
Just opening the bottle and taking a sniff of the peppermint fumes will be enough to clear your head of a simple headache. This is one of the essential oils that needs to be diluted before you apply to your skin, as it can burn the skin or cause a red rash. You can choose a basic carrier oil, such as olive, sweet avocado, or one from your kitchen, such as canola or sunflower, to dilute it before applying to your skin.
This oil can be used much like tea tree oil, with the added benefit that it will clear your mind as it fights a skin infection. It’s particularly effective if you have small scrapes or scratches on your skin from gardening, as it will fight off any bacteria and encourage the skin to heal smoothly. Applying the oil to your skin will also help to repel any biting insects when you’re enjoying your outdoor pool or backyard in the summer.
Cinnamon Essential Oil
Cinnamon oil or cinnamon leaf oil is effective in treating foot fungus and toenail fungus. You should dilute it in water first, as it can have a sharp burning feeling as it touches your skin. But this will prove that it actually works at killing the fungus that is living inside your skin, such as Athlete’s foot, or the fungus trying to grow in your toenails.
Cinnamon oil also smells good, so you can use it even when you’re at work, and not have people wonder what is happening. They’re merely thinking you’re using an air freshener.
Thyme Essential Oil
Sometimes a fungal skin infection can be tough to get rid of, particularly around the groin or breast region. While you can reach for an over-the-counter ointment, they often exasperate the condition and cause an even worse rash. Using a natural essential oil, such as thyme essential oil, will help to balance your skin’s condition.
Thyme oil is one of the most effective against skin fungi, helping to stop the itching, heal that red rash, and restore the skin back to its natural pH balance.
Rose Hip Seed Oil
If you’re searching for a facial oil that provides moisture and anti-aging properties then rose hip seed oil may be it. This oil is made from the fruit of the rose plants. Inside the oil are vitamins A and C, both oils that are required by the human body to encourage the growth of new skin cells.
This oil also has essential fatty acids that can help to moisturize the skin, combat dryness, and increase skin’s hydration levels over time. It will immediately smooth over wrinkles and skin lines, and help improve the look of skin over several weeks.
Frankincense Essential Oil
This oil has more commonly been used for its fragrant scent in candles and diffusers, but it also has anti-aging benefits for the skin too. The natural compounds within this oil will help to nourish mature skin. Younger people can also use it to help prevent the common signs of aging.
This oil is gentle and can be applied directly to the skin. Only a few drops are needed. It’s suitable for those with allergies as the scent is more easily tolerated, and it diffuses on the skin after a few seconds.
Chamomile Essential Oil
Chamomile is often used in teas to help calm and soothe the mind, but it also has the same benefits for the skin. Like the tea, it’s extracted from the leaves of the plant. The oil can be rubbed into the face to help provide nourishing properties.
If you’ve neglected your skin over time, this oil will help to make your skin look more vibrant and fresh. You can apply it first, then put cosmetics on top, unlike some of the other essential oils. It has no discernible scent so is also suitable for those who suffer from allergies.
Papaya Seed Oil
As people age, they tend to get sun spots on their skin, freckles, and other small dark spots. These can be tricky to remove, but papaya seed oil may be the best solution for helping to remove dry spots to reveal fresh skin cells beneath. Rather than being extracted from the papaya fruit, the oil is cold pressed from the papaya seeds.
The oil acts like a gentle exfoliant, and can help to fade dark spots over time that have been caused by too much time in the sun. You can use it when you wash your face, or to apply at bedtime to cover both exfoliation and moisturizing properties. After a few months of usage, the face will have a much brighter complexion.
How to Use Essential Oils
There are many different ways to use essential oils, but it’s best to read the online directions on how to use the oil, and to read the bottle’s label first. Some oils can be poured into a diffuser or vaporizer to scent the room, while some can be applied directly to your skin or forehead.
Others must be diluted in a carrier oil first. Some types can be poured into a spray bottle and diluted with another oil, or simply mixed with water or rubbing alcohol, and sprayed around the room or on a pillow. Be sure to read the cautions and warning labels before using essential oils on pets, children under the ages of 12, or those who are immunocompromised.
In some instances, essential oils may react with certain prescription medication so if you’re in doubt, consult with your health practitioner first. After you’ve used or appled your essential oils, be sure to wash your hands.
Essential oils offer a way for you to stay in control of your own health, rather than suffering the negative side effects from prescription medication. If you follow the instructions, essential oils are a natural and safe way to help to make you not only feel better, but to also freshen up your complexion and your body.
Soon your skin will look healthy and radiant, all without a lot of expensive store-bought lotion brands.