Trying essential oils in anti-aging skincare and fighting wrinkles is an alternative for women who prefer natural products to store-bought. We analyzed the recommendations of aromatherapists and user reviews on the Internet. Here is a list of 15 oils that help keep skin looking fresh and healthy at any age. But first, let's see how ethers work.
How the skin ages
Our body changes throughout life: cells die and are restored. But every decade they recover worse and worse. Already after 30 years, a person begins to lose 1-2% of muscle mass per year, even leading an active lifestyle. Losses are carried out by all tissues of the body, therefore signs of aging appear on the skin. We call it aging and we know it can't be stopped.
Why does the skin show signs of aging?
- the fat layer decreases;
- bone mass decreases;
- Connective tissue is destroyed.
The metabolism slows down in the connective tissue. The building blocks of our body are being produced less and less: proteins (collagen and elastin) and polysaccharides (glycosaminoglycans). The gradual loss of these components is, broadly speaking, the aging process. What we can do? Just try to slow down aging. Often they even improve the condition of the skin, rejuvenate it with the help of competent care.
How essential oils work against wrinkles
In plants, essential oils are involved in metabolic processes. The main components of esters - terpenoids and aromatic compounds - very quickly and actively enter into a variety of chemical reactions within cells. Active chemical reactions also occur when the ether comes into contact with human skin. Phenols, aldehydes, organic acids and alcohols in ether cause skin irritation, blood flows faster to the point of contact with them. Thanks to this effect, poultices and applications with oil work. The higher the oil concentration and the longer the exposure, the more active the skin reaction.
Essential oils do not contain vitamins. The vitamin is preserved either in water or in fats, fats and water are not included in the composition of the ether.
Essential oil accelerates metabolic processes in the cells of the epidermis. The better the skin cells are renewed and restored, the fewer imperfections are noticeable.
Which oil is right for you
If you've never used an essential oil in your skincare routine, try the most neutral scents, like lavender for starters. Of course, the most important guideline when choosing an oil is the condition of your skin, its type and any existing imperfections you wish to eliminate. Any oil can be used at any age, the main thing is to correctly assess the condition of the skin.
It is important not to overdry unbalanced skin that is oily and very dry. Gentle oils are suitable for these skin types:
- Lavender;
- Geranium;
- Pink;
- sage oil.
For acne, look for oils that work to treat both wrinkles and blemishes. Our list includes:
- tea tree oil;
- Juniper;
- Fir;
- Cumin;
- Clove.
Citrus oils are suitable for skin with little elasticity, pigment spots and post-acne:
- Lemon;
- Orange;
- Grapefruit.
How to apply ether on the face
Pure, undiluted ether is only applied in emergencies and only selectively. You can do this no more than 1-2 times in a row. One such problem can be a developing pimple or cold sore over the lip. You will definitely burn the skin over the pimple and it will peel off if you do this more often - the concentration of the ether is too high.
Therefore, the main method of applying ether to the skin is to dilute it in vegetable oils.The following will match:
- Almond;
- Avocado;
- Coconut;
- jojoba;
- pomegranate seeds;
- grape seeds;
- wheat germ;
- Olive;
- argan oil;
- Castor and others.
The standard ratio is 2-3 drops of ether per 5ml of base (equivalent to about 1 teaspoon). You can make a one-off mixture each time, but it's not a fact that you can use the entire teaspoon of oil at once. Therefore, you can increase the amount of the mixture to 1-2 tablespoons and use it more than once.
Using a proportion, mix 2-3 teaspoons of vegetable oil with ether or a blend of complementary esters. Pour into a bottle using a funnel. The resulting solution can be applied to the face and added to masks as an independent tool.The mixture will keep in the fridge for up to three weeks.
Depending on the activity of the oil, which can be detected by the brightness of the smell, the concentration can vary. Esters from flowers in recipes can be increased to 5 drops, and vigorous conifers are reduced. In any case, it is worth relying on common sense and the manufacturer's recommendations on the packaging. And of course we're talking about using an oil that has successfully passed an allergy test on your skin.
Two other ways to use ether in your skincare routine are adding an essential oil blend to your homemade face masks and infusing your store-bought cosmetics with ether. With this method, the cosmetic becomes the base for the essential oil. It is often impossible to predict how compounds will interact. You need to enrich a small portion of the cream or lotion and use it immediately. The ratio is the same: 1-2 drops of ether per 1/2 teaspoon of the product.
Contraindications and side effects
Remember that essential oils are very powerful and require careful handling. They are not recommended for pregnant women, babies and animals. In large quantities, side effects can occur even in a healthy person. Some oils cause nausea, skin irritation, and the active odor can cause headaches. If you ingest Aether, you can be poisoned. Esters are stored in dark, cool places out of the reach of children and animals. Buy ether only from trusted sellers: major manufacturers, pharmacies, and cosmetic stores. Follow the manufacturer's instructions when using the oil.
Essential oils are volatile, they dissolve in alcohol because they contain it in the composition, as well as other strong components such as phenols and aldehydes. That's why we're testing the skin's reaction to such a potent cocktail.
Test ether for allergies
To check if an essential oil is right for you, you need to do a skin test. Thoroughly stir 1-2 drops of ether into a teaspoon of vegetable oil. Using a cotton pad, apply a small amount of the mixture to the skin on the inside of the forearm or ankle. Let it soak and watch this place for two days. If no irritation, redness, itching or other typical intolerance symptoms occur within 48 hours, the ether can be used on the skin.
Essential oils against wrinkles
Essential oil is usually used in courses of 2-3 weeks, then they take a break. Ether is easy to add to your morning and evening ritual between toning and moisturizing.
Consequence:
- clear skin.
- Wipe face with toner.
- Apply the essential oil blend.
- Use face cream.
Depending on the time of day, this could be an SPF cream before you leave the house, or a moisturizing and nourishing cream at night. Also, it is better not to use citric acid esters before going out in the sun. If the oil is not absorbed, blot your face with a paper towel before applying cream or makeup.
Sage oil against wrinkles
The components of the sage ether have an antioxidant effect, i. e. they protect the cells from free radicals. Sage ester makes the skin supple and elastic, making it look more even.
Application option:
- Combine 2 drops of sage essential oil and 1/2 teaspoon of grapeseed oil.
- Apply to face and neck.
- After about 25 minutes, remove the unabsorbed oil with a facial tissue and apply a moisturizer if necessary.
Apply 2 times a day for 2-3 weeks.
The oil is suitable for very oily and dehydrated skin, for stressed skin. It normalizes the work of the sebaceous glands, tightens pores, relieves inflammation in acne, because it is an antiseptic. The price of sage ether depends on the manufacturer, and the range is quite large.
fir oil
Fir oil has a high concentration of components, which can be recognized by the bright smell of the plant. But this ether is even useful for treating wrinkles around the eyes - crow's feet. Fir ether smoothes, tightens the skin, prevents the formation of very deep wrinkles.
Methods and duration of application:
- If we are preparing a mixture for the face, then dissolve 3-5 drops of fir essential oil in 1 tbsp. l. bases;
- for the eye and lip area, 2-3 drops to 1 tbsp. l. basics.
The mixture is applied in a thin layer with dabbing movements 1-2 times a day for 20-40 minutes.
Ingredients of the rejuvenating serum:
- 1. l. peach kernel oils;
- 2 drops of rosemary essential oil;
- 2 drops of lemon ether;
- 2 drops of fir essential oil.
Type of preparation and use:
- Mix all ingredients.
- Rub a few drops of serum between your fingers.
- Apply to deep wrinkles of the nasolabial folds, forehead, temples, décolleté.
It is advisable not to go directly into the open sun. If you use the serum during the day, wash it off your face after 20-30 minutes and apply a moisturizer. Or use the mixture at night before bed.
Fir also dries up pimples and blackheads due to its antiseptic properties.
geranium oil
Geranium oil is known for its dermatological use to treat dry, flaky skin. Wrinkles and fine lines become less deep, the contour is tightened. Geranium also promotes skin cell renewal and maintains water balance.
Type of preparation and use:
- Add two drops of ether to 1 tsp. face cream.
- Apply it 2 times a day.
After 1-2 weeks you will notice an improvement in your complexion.
Geranium components balance sebum production, reduce inflammation, dry out acne, heal cracks and skin irritations.
tea tree oil
This ester is also an antioxidant and counteracts collagen breakdown in the skin. The components of the oil remove toxins along with excess water, reducing puffiness and giving a fresher appearance.
Type of preparation and use:
- Mix 2 tbsp. l. coconut oil and 2-3 drops of tea tree ether.
- Apply the mixture on the face avoiding the skin of the eyelids.
- Gently massage the creases along the massage lines with your fingers until the oil is absorbed.
Apply 3 times a week for 2-3 weeks until visible effect.
Ingredients for the mixture against crow's feet, lip wrinkles and neck skin:
- 2 TBSP. l. coconut oil;
- 2 drops of tea tree essential oil;
- 2 drops of neroli essential oil;
- 2 drops of essential oil of frankincense.
Type of preparation and use:
- mix oils.
- Apply the mixture gently for 15-20 minutes.
- Dab off the remaining oil with a napkin.
This application is done 1-2 times a week as a mask.
Ether accelerates the healing of herpetic eruptions, relieves inflammation, quickly dries superficial pimples and accelerates the maturation of large subcutaneous pimples. Tea tree oil can be bought at almost any pharmacy. Producers labeled as "organic" have a much higher oil price.
patchouli oil
Patchouli's anti-inflammatory properties help prevent sunburn and UV pigmentation. Patchouli is suitable for all skin types: it moisturizes and purifies it, regulates sebum production, thereby reducing the manifestations of acne. Fading skin with active or insufficiently functioning sebaceous glands is balanced after using this ester.
Patchouli oil can be spot applied with a cotton swab to the problem area: on a scar, age spot, wrinkle, post-acne spot, enlarged pores. You can enrich a cream or lotion by adding 1 drop of patchouli ester to one serving. It can be used at any time: in the morning or in the evening before bed.
Blend for Blemishes:
- Mix 5 drops of patchouli essential oil and 1 tbsp. l. Sesame oil.
- Pour the mixture into a glass bottle and store in the fridge.
- Within the next two weeks of daily use, a beneficial effect sets in.
Patchouli stimulates skin regeneration - smoothes scars, lightens acne spots.
rose oil
Studies on the properties of the rose show that the oil from this flower destroys free radicals, kills bacteria and reduces inflammation in tissues. The components of rose oil allow the cells to store the necessary moisture, to be well nourished and to maintain elasticity. An active metabolism in the facial skin leads to the timely renewal of the cell structure and thus to a healthy, fresh appearance.
Methods and Duration of Use: You can use rose essential oil by adding 1-2 drops to a moisturizer or by applying it directly to the skin.
Ingredients for the Anti-Wrinkle Blend:
- 12 drops of rose essential oil;
- 2 tsp argan oils;
- 1/4 cup shea butter, softened in a water bath.
Type of preparation and use:
- Mix all ingredients.
- Pour the mixture into a wide-necked jar (as it can freeze) with a lid and keep in a dark place.
- Apply a small amount to the skin in the morning and evening.
The effect of the mixture is similar to that of a moisturizer. Wrinkles on hydrated skin are less visible.
Rose reduces inflammation, relieves swelling and redness of the skin. Rose oil is derived from flower petals, this product is called absolute and like any flower petal absolute it is much more expensive than essential oil. Most often the absolute is diluted with another vegetable oil such as jojoba and a 3-9% mixture is sold under the name "rose oil". This is common practice. If you buy pure absolute you also need to dilute it to use it, it's so focused.
Ylang Ylang Oil
A 2015 study found that ylang-ylang has the ability to repair proteins and lipids damaged by free radicals. As an antioxidant, ylang-ylang is very active, so cosmetic companies often add its extract or essence to anti-aging cosmetic lines.
Serum Blend Ingredients:
- 2 teaspoons almond oil;
- 2 teaspoons flaxseed oil;
- 2 tsp jojoba oils.
- 3 drops of ylang-ylang essential oil;
- 1 drop of lemon essential oil;
- 1 drop of peppermint essential oil;
- 1 drop of neroli essential oil.
Type of preparation and use:
- Connect all components.
- Pour this mixture into a clean dark glass bottle. Store the product in the refrigerator.
- In the evening, apply the resulting serum thinly to the face for 15-25 minutes.
- Then wipe off the excess with a paper towel.
In addition to the rejuvenating effect, this fragrance reduces the oiliness of the skin. Ylang-ylang ether can be enriched with any vegetable oil for face or cosmetics. Overdose can cause nausea and headaches.
juniper oil
Components of juniper accelerate metabolism, improve skin nutrition. Cleaned with the help of juniper oil components, the pores ensure sufficient sebum production. With proper work, unclogged pores appear visually narrower. The skin becomes less inflamed, there are fewer reasons for the appearance of acne and blackheads. Existing pimples dry up and go faster.
Ingredients of the anti-wrinkle mask:
- 50 ml coconut oil;
- 5 drops of juniper essential oil;
- 2 drops of rosemary essential oil;
- 5 drops of rose essential oil.
Type of preparation and use:
- Mix all ingredients.
- Apply the resulting mixture on the face and hold for 15 minutes.
- Then remove the mask with a cotton pad soaked in tonic or water with lemon juice.
The antiseptic and healing properties of juniper oil improve metabolism and increase the skin's resistance to infections.
lavender oil
According to research, lavender essential oil helps our body produce the most important and powerful antioxidants. It has profound beneficial effects on the skin.
Wrinkle Smoothing Blend:
- Combine 10 drops of lavender oil and 2 tbsp. l. Coconut oil in a glass container with a lid.
- Apply daily after morning and evening cleansing.
Anti-pigmentation mix:
- Mix 5 drops of lavender essential oil and 3 drops of frankincense essential oil.
- Apply the mixture to the spots with a cotton swab before going to bed.
Use daily for 2-3 weeks.
Base blends of lavender with vegetable oils can be used as a stand alone remedy for aging skin. Lavender soothes sunburn, heals dandruff and minor cuts.
lemon oil
Research has shown that lemon oil can help reduce uneven skin tone and acne breakouts. Lemon oil also smooths out wrinkles that appear on burned, dehydrated skin.
Components for a mixture against deficiencies:
- 3 drops of lemon essential oil;
- 4 drops of chamomile essential oil;
- 7 drops of wheat germ oil.
Mix the oils in a glass bowl and then apply to the skin. Use the mixture until skin color evens out, does not fade age spots, but no longer than 3 weeks.
Essential citrus oils and the sun are incompatible. The skin becomes very vulnerable to ultraviolet radiation when esters are applied to it: lemon, orange, tangerine, grapefruit. After applying the oils, do not go out in the sun for 2-3 hours. Citrus oils are therefore used more frequently in evening care.If you use Lemon Essence for several days in one treatment, you increase your sun protection factor in the sunny hours of the day.The hemostatic and antibacterial effects of the oil have also been noted.
sandalwood oil
Sandalwood ether is an anti-inflammatory drug. The oil saturates the skin and with sufficient moisture it looks smoother and wrinkles become less visible.
Moisturizer Ingredients:
- 6 drops of sandalwood essential oil;
- 1/4 cup argan oil;
- 6 drops of geranium essential oil.
Type of preparation and use:
- Combine the oils in a dark glass bottle. Store the mixture in the refrigerator.
- Apply to the face twice a day: in the morning and before bed.
The tool visibly tones, tightens the skin and restores the contours of the face. Smoothes peeling, softens rough skin, regulates sebum production. Oil has a wide price range depending on the producer and the raw material.
grapefruit oil
Active ingredients: The chemical composition of grapefruit oil is similar to that of other citrus oils. Ether treats acne and tightens pores, reduces oily skin and brightens it.
Method and duration of use: If you enrich a portion of cream or lotion with a few drops of grapefruit ether, you will get an effective skin tonic.
Anti-Wrinkle Blend:
- Connect 1 tbsp. l. Sea buckthorn oil and 3-4 drops of grapefruit essential oil.
- Apply a few drops of the mixture with your fingertips to the cleansed face, which has been wiped with toner, and allow to absorb. Use a moisturizer if needed.
Apply the prepared product daily for 2-3 weeks during evening care.
Ingredients for the basic scrub:
- 1. l. sea buckthorn oil;
- 3-4 drops of grapefruit essential oil;
- 2 tsp ground coffee beans.
Mix the oils and coffee into a homogeneous mass. Exfoliate once a week in late fall, winter and spring when the sun is inactive.
Grapefruit is known to kill bacteria on acne-prone skin. The aroma of grapefruit improves mood.
cumin oil
Like many other oils, cumin oil contains antioxidants. Ether accelerates cell regeneration, thereby smoothing out visible wrinkles and sagging.
Methods and duration of application:
- Mix 2 drops of cumin essential oil and 1 ml of coconut oil.
- Apply the mixture gently to your face.
Use a course of 1-2 weeks with a break for a month.
A distinction must be made between the essential oil of cumin and the fatty oil of black cumin, which is the basis.
In addition, cumin relieves itching of the skin, treats acne and reduces bruising. The choice of cumin essential oil on the market is small.
orange oil
Orange ether accelerates the blood in the capillaries of the facial skin, thereby strengthening it. Good blood circulation leads to rapid cell renewal, smoothing existing wrinkles and preventing new ones.
Pleat Blend:
- Mix 10 ml of base and 3-4 drops of orange ether.
- Apply the mixture at night and do not go out in the sun during the day without a protective cream.
As a base, you can use any vegetable oil, cream, lotion, and homemade mask that suits your skin.
Orange oil soothes skin irritations associated with eczema, psoriasis and dermatitis. Dries up cold sores quickly.
clove oil
The clove ether tones and strengthens. Clove is a well-known antiseptic, it relieves pain in inflamed areas. Skin with an active metabolism regenerates faster and looks healthy and radiant. Wrinkles on such skin are less deep and invisible.
Smooth Skin Blend:
- Stir 2 tsp. Grape seed oil and 4 drops of clove ether.
- During the morning and evening ritual, lubricate the desired areas of the skin. Apply the mixture with cloves every day for 2-3 weeks.
Clove oil fights infections that often occur after self-treating acne. The concentrate also smoothes scars and post-acne scars. Depending on the manufacturer, clove oil costs differently.
The opinion of aromatherapists and cosmetologists
Beauticians recommend paying more attention to the skin from the age of 25 in order to look healthy and fresh for as long as possible. Essential oils in a natural cosmetics approach are an important element. With their help you care for your face, neck, décolleté and body skin. They tighten, improve metabolism, smooth fine lines and slow down the appearance of new ones. drNaturopath, promoter of aromatherapy, Josh Acks, mentions in his essential oil reviews that potent esters are made from quality raw materials, which means they can't come cheap.
Reviews of using essential oils for wrinkles
- "The topic of expression lines on young skin has been raised time and time again when it's too early to lift but scary to start. I have now noticed an effect on the forehead by using a blend of ylang ylang essential oil with transport. Ylang Ylang is a well-known skin softener. I mix a few drops with a thimble of transport oil. For me personally, grapeseed oil is the best. I smear my face in the evening instead of a night cream. The skin is smooth, dull, forehead wrinkles have decreased. So I recommend it. "
- "After just the first mask (with grapefruit ether) the complexion changed, I thought I did, but even my husband said my face was fresher, whiter and smoother. "
- "I made this (1 drop of ylang ylang essential oil, 1 drop of lemon essential oil and a teaspoon of finely ground salt). And I liked it! That's right, I used grapeseed oil as a base. The skin was so smooth! And it seems that the black dots have become smaller. By the way, there was no fat content, which is the main thing!
Essential oils are natural and powerful. They can suit you and have a good effect on the skin, which means you cannot rely on manufacturers' cosmetic formulas. If you use essential oil correctly, in small quantities and courses, it is likely to have a beneficial effect on the skin, at least not harm it.