Essential oils offer so many benefits to the skin, and unlike most skincare products, they are completely natural and non-toxic. This is so important because everything you apply to your skin is absorbed into your blood, and your body already has enough toxins to contend with. They are also relatively affordable and a little bottle will last a very long time.
When it comes to fighting aging most essential oils work triple duty, moisturizing and protecting the skin from free radicals, while also improving skin elasticity and reducing fine lines. Some even fight inflammation, age spots, and skin infections and protect from the damaging effects of the sun.
Below is a list of 9 essential oils with proven anti-aging effects to add to your skincare arsenal as well as guidelines on how to use them.
The Best Antiaging Essential Oils
Sandalwood Oil
Sandalwood oil is excellent for mature and dry skin. It has potent moisturizing properties and can help smooth out fine lines. According to a study published in the European Journal of Cancer Prevention, it may also help reduce papillomas and protect against skin cancer.
Clary Sage Oil
Clary sage has antioxidant properties and it helps reduce fine lines and wrinkles. It is considered particularly helpful in smoothing the undereye area. It also has natural antimicrobial properties and can help prevent infections and heal skin wounds.
Frankincense Oil
Frankincense essential oil helps to reduce age spots and slow down the signs of aging by keeping the skin elastic and firm. Studies show it also has anti-inflammatory and immune-modulating properties, making it useful for eczema, acne, and other inflammatory skin disorders.
Lemon Essential Oil
Lemon essential oil is an excellent source of vitamin C, which acts as an antioxidant and helps boost collagen production and reduce fine lines and wrinkles. It has a slight exfoliating effect, helping to fade age spots and acne scars and brighten the appearance of the skin. It also has natural antimicrobial properties, making it useful for acne sufferers. If you have extremely sensitive skin however, this may not be the best choice because it is acidic in nature which can aggravate irritated skin.
Carrot Seed Oil
Carrot seed oil is an excellent source of flavonoids, which helps reduce skin inflammation and irritation and it protects skin cells from free radical damage. Studies show carrot seed oil also has natural SPF properties, helping to protect your skin from the damaging effects of the sun.
Lavender Oil
Lavender oil has potent antioxidant properties, it can help soothe tired-looking skin and reduce wrinkles and other signs of aging. Try adding a few drops to your skin cream for a rejuvenating effect. The scent alone can help make you look younger because it reduces anxiety and stress, which are major skin agers. Try placing a few drops on your pillow at night for better sleep. This will benefit the appearance of your skin because the skin does the majority of its rejuvenating duties during sleep.
Geranium Oil
The geranium essential oil has natural antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, making it useful for healing skin wounds. It also moisturizes, smoothes out wrinkles and gives your skin a firmer appearance.
Patchouli Oil
Studies show patchouli can help prevent the sun from damaging and aging your skin. It also helps to firm the skin, reduce fine lines, fight free radical damage and protects the skin from bacterial and viral infections.
Rose Essential Oil
Rose oil is considered one of the best oils for dry skin and for boosting skin elasticity. It helps reduce skin inflammation and encourages the growth of new, healthy skin cells. It can be used diluted, as an anti-aging face and body moisturizer.
The Best Carrier Oils
Most essential oils are too strong to be applied to the skin alone and should be diluted with carrier oils. Some excellent carrier oils to try include: grapeseed oil, apricot kernel oil, rosehip seed oil, sweet almond oil, avocado oil, evening primrose oil, jojoba oil, olive oil, argan oil, coconut oil, and vitamin E oil. All of these oils are deeply moisturizing and have antioxidant properties to protect your skin from oxidative stress.
Basic Rules for Using Essential Oils to Combat Aging
- Always dilute the essential oil with a carrier oil, at a ratio of about 2%. An example would be 6 drops of essential oil for every 15 ml of carrier oil.
- Perform a skin test on your forearm to check for an allergic reaction at least 24 hours before applying it on your face.
- Remember less is more, too much and you’ll end up looking greasy.
- Avoid applying it too close to your eyes.
- Store your blends in a glass jar in a cool dark place.
Considerations
Taking care of your skin with natural, antioxidant-rich, chemical-free products is important. However, truly radiant, flawless skin starts from the inside-out.
Your skin is your second biggest detoxifier after your liver, and if your liver is overwhelmed, your skin can become dull, dry and saggy, and it will also be prone to inflammatory skin disorders such as acne and eczema.
If you suffer from any of these skin issues, I recommend that you work on your liver health by eliminating fatty processed foods and taking Liv D-Tox. Liv D-Tox contains milk thistle (silymarin) and other liver cleansing and strengthening herbs; and antioxidants for added anti-aging benefits. Finally, if you suffer from stubborn acne, estrogen may be to blame. I recommend you research Estrogen Dominance symptoms, and if they apply to you, take Estro Block to restore hormonal balance and reverse acne.
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- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4360007/
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