Essential oils have been taking the beauty industry by storm thanks to their impressive skin-nourishing properties. Easily absorbed by the skin, these natural oils can help with many skincare concerns.
Oils
Essential oils with balancing actions can help maintain the skin’s healthy, balanced state and boost hydration levels. Chamomile is a soothing, calming and naturally moisturizing essential oil.
1. Lavender
Lavender oil is a great multitasker for the skin: it soothes irritation, treats acne, helps even out skin tone and reduces wrinkles. It can also kill bacteria that cause dandruff and scalp infections. It’s also been shown to stimulate hair growth.
The antioxidants in lavender oil fight free radical damage that can cause fine lines and wrinkles. Try combining it with coconut oil to create an anti-ageing serum for the face.
Always dilute essential oils with a carrier oil (like sweet almond, jojoba or virgin coconut) before applying them to the skin. This will help to prevent any potential irritation or allergic reactions. If you do experience any sensitivity, stop using the oil and consult your doctor or dermatologist.
2. Tea Tree
This oil is like the Swiss Army knife of essential oils—it has a variety of uses. It is a powerful antiseptic, antifungal and anti-infection agent, and has sudorific properties that promote perspiration.
It can help relieve itchiness caused by dandruff, as well as other scalp conditions such as contact dermatitis and psoriasis. It can also help control oil production and soothe itchy, dry skin.
You can use tea tree oil topically by mixing it with a carrier oil (try olive or coconut) and applying it to your scalp or skin. Ahmed suggests massaging the mixture into your scalp while it’s damp to increase blood flow and improve circulation and absorption of the oil.
Since it is a potent ingredient, always dilute before using it on your skin or scalp and avoid it if you have sensitive skin. Make sure the product you choose is 100% pure and free of sulfates, preservatives and additives.
3. Peppermint
Peppermint oil has many benefits and is an essential component of most natural health care products. It freshens breath, clears congestion and coughing, soothes nausea, relieves stomach pain and IBS symptoms, and cools the skin (thanks to menthol).
It can also be used for skin care as an astringent and cleanser. It can reduce the appearance of large pores and blemishes, and it improves blood circulation which helps nourish the skin.
It is also good for the scalp and may help treat dandruff. Peppermint can be mixed with a carrier oil to massage the scalp or add to shampoo to remove dandruff. It can also be used in a diffuser to help calm the mind and relax the body. Like all essential oils, it is best to dilute before using on the skin or in a diffuser. Do a patch test before use to ensure it is safe for your skin.
4. Argan Oil
Known as liquid gold, this time-tested beauty secret is a go-to holistic remedy for a variety of hair and skin concerns. A natural moisturizer, argan oil is packed with antioxidants, linoleic acid and omega-6 fatty acids.
It also has anti-inflammatory properties which make it ideal for dry or damaged hair and skin. It’s also rich in vitamin E which helps to eliminate pigmentation and discoloration for a brighter complexion, and it’s excellent at protecting your skin from free radical damage.
Traditionally made by roasting the kernels of the argan tree native to southwestern Morocco, argan oil is now widely available in many grocery stores and drugstores. Look for it in hair and skincare products that have an organic or fair trade certification, and choose a pure option with no added preservatives. Combined with other moisturizing oils like jojoba, rosehip or pomegranate, argan oil leaves your hair and skin looking radiantly healthy.