Essential oils are natural extracts derived from leaves, seeds and flowers, and have been in use by many for countless applications since the dawn of time. In skincare, essential oils are known for their nourishing and revitalising properties. They help promote healthy-looking skin by slowing down the skin’s ageing process, covering imperfections, and so much more.
Although they are great for the skin, still it is believed that complications may arise when used incorrectly. To prevent this, it is advised to always mix essential oils with carrier oils such as almond oil or jojoba oil.
Essential oils for various skin types
As we all know, there are lots of essential oils available in stores nowadays and knowing which one to use is important as with knowing your skin type including normal skin, oily skin, dry skin, combination of oily and dry skin, and sensitive skin.
Read on to learn about skin types and the kinds of essential oils to use for your dermal needs.
Oily skin
This skin type is primarily caused by overproduction of sebum in most parts of the face. If you have this skin type, it is best to consider environmental factors such as heat and humidity to avoid the skin getting worse.
Cedarwood Essential Oil
Cedarwood essential oil has properties that help soothe facial dryness which often leads to redness, cracking, and/or peeling. It also works as a great toner that protects the skin against environmental pollutants.
Geranium Essential Oil
This essential oil helps balance out facial oils as it carries alkaline properties and delivers them to the skin, resulting in a more supple-looking skin.
Frankincense Essential Oil
Also known as liquid gold, frankincense is a great skincare essential that helps relieve dry, mature, and environmentally-challenged skin. It is also renowned to be an effective ingredient in covering wrinkles and blemishes.
Neroli Essential Oil
Extracted from the bitter orange tree, neroli essential oil has properties that neutralise sebum production and boost the moisture level of the skin. It is rich in antioxidants which makes it suitable for clearing acne marks.
Dry skin
This skin type secretes less sebum than oily or normal skin. People with this skin type may experience tight, rough, and dull-looking skin.
Dry skin is often caused by environmental factors and can be eased with creams and moisturisers, or essential oils that offer moisturising benefits to the skin.
Clary Sage Essential Oil
Clary Sage has moisturising properties that help promote oil production. Continued use may result in an improved overall look and less chance of getting acne breakout.
Lavender Essential Oil
If you are experiencing dry skin, then it is more likely you are prone to having dermal problems. But with lavender essential oil, you are wise to stay away from problems such as skin irritation, discolouration, and hyperpigmentation.
Sandalwood Essential Oil
Known for its restorative properties, sandalwood essential oil is great in fighting mild skin problems caused by dry skin. If you are in for a sweet and woody scent, then this essential oil is for you.
Combination skin
This skin type is a combination of dry and oily skin. Combination skin tends to experience blackheads and enlarged pores in the T-zone (forehead, nose, and chin).
Patchouli Essential Oil
This essential oil works to enhance the appearance of your skin by reducing the presence of skin imperfections and promoting brighter complexion.
Bergamot Essential Oil
Blackheads and clogged pores are not a problem when using bergamot essential oil on your face. Bergamot moderates facial oil and provides hydration that helps relieve cracks on the skin.
Ylang Ylang Essential Oil
Ylang ylang is also known to balance oil and sebum production in the skin whilst soothing skin redness that is caused by clogged pores. Most people love using this oil for one sole reason – ylang ylang promotes a natural, dewy glow.
Normal skin
This type of skin is neither too oily nor too dry. It has a regular texture and a well-balanced oil production. People with normal skin do not need special nor intensive cosmetic attention. One can use any essential oil but make sure to mix it with a carrier oil and perform a skin patch test to prevent unwanted skin complications.
Sensitive skin
As opposed to normal skin, sensitive skin can either be oily or dry. Others would often refer to this as delicate skin or irritated skin because of its constant need for supervised care. If you are using skincare products that are made of highly-acidic materials, then you might want to stop using them as they can lead to further skin complications.
Roman Chamomile Essential Oil
This essential oil is perfect for sensitive skin as it is extremely mild and can even be used for all skin types. It gently hydrates the skin whilst adding radiance, which in turn keeps your skin looking young and healthy.
Helichrysum Essential Oil
Extracted from the Helichrysum italicum plant, this essential oil is aimed to smooth out the skin, thus making it safe from the harmful effects of environmental pollutants.
Carrot Seed Essential Oil
Apart from being a gentle essential for sensitive skin, carrot seed essential oil also works to give the skin a fresher and firmer look. Works well with avocado carrier oil.