Are you overwhelmed by the number of essential oils to choose from?
Do you know which essential oils are best for the skin?
When I began making my own natural bath and body products I was certainly overwhelmed. There are so many essential oils on the market!
I haven’t counted how many. Have you? (If so, be a good friend and leave it in the comments for me.) While each essential oil has a purpose, it can be a struggle to figure out which are actually beneficial for your skin.
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So, let me save you the struggle with 5 starter essential oils that will improve the health of your skin while uncovering your outer beauty. Let’s break it down!
1. Tea Tree Essential Oil
Recommend Skin Types: Blemish Prone / Oily
Traditionally used in skincare products for its cleansing properties, Tea Tree essential oil is great for all skin types but is especially suited for use on oily skin. A common treatment for acne, tea tree essential oil can help resolve a number of issues including a dry scalp.
Use as a spot treatment by placing a drop on the end of a cotton swab and dabbing lightly onto targeted areas of the face.
Add 1–2 drops to your daily application of shampoo to nourish your scalp. Lather shampoo into hair and scalp, let sit a few minutes while enjoying its cool, tingly sensation, and then rinse.
2. Lavender Essential Oil
Recommend Skin Types: Normal / Sensitive / Blemish Prone / Oily / Dry
Likely the most popular essential oil, (and my favorite) lavender is the perfect place to start and a must-have in every home. This popular essential oil soothes and nourishes all skin types and is easy to incorporate into your skincare regimen every day. Try it in my soothing recipe for Lavender Goat Milk Hand Soap.
Add a drop to your hand, mix with facial moisturizer, and treat your skin to a mini facial massage.
Make a basic homemade body scrub by combining coconut oil, sugar, and Lavender essential oil. Start with 3–4 drops and gradually add more as desired.
Naturally derived it often used to help with skin irritation
Create a spa-like retreat by combining 1 cup Epsom salt and 4 drops Lavender and adding to a hot bath.
3. Lemongrass Essential Oil
Recommend Skin Types: Oily / Blemish Prone
Distilled from the leaves and woody stalks of the lemongrass plant. Lemongrass essential oil has a subtle citrus-herb scent. It naturally balances and tones the skin and enhances the glow of your skin.
Add a few drops to your face wash or toner.
Used in mainstream beauty products to brighten skin tone
Dilute Lemongrass with a carrier oil for a massage after workouts, sports, or just a long and busy day. The fresh aroma will help you unwind.
4. Eucalyptus Essential Oil
Recommend Skin Types: Normal / Sensitive / Blemish Prone
Eucalyptus Globulus is a eucalyptus oil from the large, aromatic eucalyptus trees of the Myrtaceae family. The tree’s leaves are steam distilled to produce the earthy, fresh oil that is popular in personal care products and spa treatments.
Eucalyptus essential oil is known for its cleansing properties and stimulating scent. It is often applied topically or diffused aromatically. I find it helpful for reducing redness and swelling around acne.
Use its cleansing benefits by adding a couple of drops to your favorite facial cream. Be careful of the sensitive eye area, since Eucalyptus Globulus can leave a tingling sensation.
Can help reduce the Rudolph look
Add to a carrier oil for a calming and refreshing massage
Inhale directly or rub onto your chest for an uplifting, refreshing experience.
5. Chamomile Essential Oil
Recommend Skin Types: Normal / Sensitive / Dry / Oily / Blemish Prone
Chamomile is quite possibly the most multipurpose oil. From puffy eyes to cracked heels chamomile essential oil has been used for a multitude of benefits for centuries. I highly recommend it for dry skin and lips.
Unwind in the comfort of your home. Try chamomile in face masks, bath salts, and body lotions.
Apply to the skin with a carrier oil for calming and relaxing benefits.
Apply it under your eyes with a carrier oil to improve the puffy pillow look.
What are your favorite essential oils for natural skincare? Share in the comments below. Don’t miss my favorite essential oil starter kit! Grab a printable 5 Starter Essential Oils for Your Skin Guide from the Life-n-Reflection Simple Living Library to keep on hand.