5 Best Essential Oils To Repair, Soothe, And Heal Your Skin
TURMERIC ESSENTIAL OIL
Turmeric isn’t just praised as a superfood (eating the vibrant golden root veggie can fight asthma, cardiovascular disease, rheumatoid arthritis, and psoriasis), the essential oil is even more concentrated than the powdered herb. “Turmeric oil can reduce redness, inflammation and acne,” says Julie Clark, holistic aesthetician and aromatherapist in Toronto, and founder of Province Apothecary. Curcumin, its active ingredient, has anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and natural healing properties to soothe damaged skin and protect against environmental stressors such as pollution that can age skin.
ROSE ESSENTIAL OIL
“Rose essential oil can be used for broken capillaries, redness, and inflammation,” says Persephenie Lea, a certified aromatherapist in Los Angeles with her own handcrafted skincare and perfume line. “It’s also hydrating, moisturizing, softening, and astringent, making it favorable for mature, dry, and sensitive skin.” Rose oil is also a proven anti-inflammatory and emollient that studies show can improve barrier function to help skin retain moisture. In other words, it can be like seeing your skin through rose-colored sunglasses. Note: Pure rose oil can be incredibly expensive, so start with a blend that’s already diluted with a carrier oil.
FRANKINCENSE ESSENTIAL OIL
The wise men were onto something with frankincense. Derived from the gummy sap of the boswellia tree, the sacred oil has long been hailed as a skin remedy. “Frankincense reduces fine line and hyperpigmentation, and tones and tightens skin,” says Clark. A powerful anti-inflammatory and proven wound healer, one study found that frankincense decreased photo-aging and fine lines while increasing skin elasticity and texture.
PATCHOULI ESSENTIAL OIL
Don’t let patchouli hippie vibe eclipse its skin healing properties. “Because of patchouli’s regenerative, moisturizing, and cooling properties, it’s known to regulate skin cells, soothe inflammation, smooth wrinkles, and tighten skin,” says Lea. Plus, research shows patchouli can help prevent photo-aging which is associated with wrinkles, brown spots, and loss of skin elasticity. (Patchouli also makes a great base note fragrance for a natural DIY perfume.)
SANDALWOOD ESSENTIAL OIL
Sandalwood is not only a mood balancer, it can help balance your skin—and give it much needed moisture. “It’s an ideal oil for skin conditions where there’s dryness and inflammation,” says Lea. Loaded with phenylpropanoids (antioxidants that can help defend against environmental stressors), the woodsy oil could also protect skin from pollution and sun exposure. And sandalwood has another anti-aging trick up its sleeve: A study published in the Journal of Investigative Dermatology found that simply smelling sandalwood can trigger skin repair. How crazy is that?
No comments:
Post a Comment