Benefits of Essential Oils

Essential oils are compounds extracted from certain plants. We obtain essential oils through a few different extraction methods. Now the actual part of the plant we get the essential oil from can be different depending on the oil. However, it is typically the most aromatic part. Rose oil, for example, comes from the petals of the rose, while citrus oils come from the rind. There are so many different kinds of essentials oils I could write about but I would be writing a novel. So I am only going to touch on my top 5 essential oils.

Helichrysum Oil

One of the best essential oil for acne prone skin is helichrysum. This essential oil is excellent for treating acne. It's incredibly cleansing, with each drop delivering antimicrobial, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory benefits. It's also a great healing remedy for scars, cystic acne, oily or damage skin. I recommend diluting helichrysum with a carrier oil to make an acne-fighting serum for nighttime use.

Lavender Oil

If you are trying to sooth your skin, then lavender is your go to oil. This oil is my personal favorite because it's really good for relieving itchy and irritated skin. Lavender is a natural antibacterial, it'll soothe and disinfect any affected area. It reduces inflammation from hives, ingrown hairs, sunburns, and even eczema. With proper dilution, this essential oil can even help stop bleeding.

Lemon Oil

This essential oil is an astringent that can help brighten and hydrate skin that tends to be on the drier side. Lemon can help reduce the effects of oxidative stress on the skin. If you suffer from dry skin I would recommend to try using this essential oil. Also, if you plan to use lemon oil as a moisturizer, ensure that you only use it at night. The reason for this is that it is photosensitive and should never be worn when heading out into the sun.

Tea Tree Oil

Want to reduce inflammation? Then tea tree is oil you would want to use. I give my son tea tree baths because if he gets bit by misquotes he swells up really bad. The tea tree in his bath literally soothes everything and takes the swelling down on his bites. Due to tea tree stimulating, soothing properties, it circulates blood flow while also reducing inflammation. If you can't handle the smell of tea tree oil, because it can send off a strong aroma, try using a lavender tea tree oil. This essential oil is a gentler alternative for treating things like ingrown hairs then regular tea tree oil.

Chamomile Oil

While most essential oils are far too potent to be used on infants and the elderly, chamomile essential oil is one of the few that can be used (with proper dilution, of course) to soothe frail skin. With cleansing benefits as well, it's commonly used for slow-healing wounds, eczema, and hives. I recommend making a whipped cream by adding three drops to equal portions of shea butter and coconut oil. This is also a great mixture to use in the winter for dry skin, regardless of your age.

What are your favorite essential oils? Drop a comment below. Thanks for reading :)