Could your skin or hair care routine use an upgrade? Level them up with the power of essential oils. A beauty game changer, they help with common concerns and deliver intoxicating aromatherapy benefits to give your skin, hair and mood a boost.
Why Essential Oils?
Derived from plants, essential oils have a host of benefits, from aiding in scalp wellness to promoting relaxation.
Long loved by cultures all over the world for their health benefits, essential oils have been used for everything from medicines and ointments to cosmetics and perfumes.
Essential Oils And Skin Care
When applied correctly, diluted with a carrier oil, essential oils can enhance skin care routines, offering nourishment and radiance.
Researching each oil's properties and consulting with experts, especially if you have sensitive skin or medical conditions, can help ensure safe and effective usage, unlocking the full potential of nature's botanical wonders for your skin's health and vitality.
Choosing The Best Essential Oil For Your Skin Type
With an understanding of the different types of essential oils and what to consider when selecting them, you'll be well-equipped to find the best ones for your face and body.
Your skin type, unique skin issues, and any allergies or sensitivities should guide your choices. For instance, if you have oily skin, you might benefit from astringent essential oils like eucalyptus and lemon, while dry or sensitive skin may need hydrating and soothing oils like lavender and rose.
Always perform a patch test to see if you have any adverse reactions. Apply a small amount of the oil to the inside of your elbow and allow 48 hours before giving yourself the green light.
Here are some commonly used essential oils and their skin benefits.
Essential Oil + Benefit
- Lavender - Hydrates, calms
- Orange - Boosts radiance
- Rose - Soothes
- Tea Tree - Hydrates, reduces oil
- Eucalyptus - Hydrates
- Chamomile - Moisturizes
- Lemongrass - Astringent & exfoliating properties
- Peppermint - Cools, soothes
Adding Essential Oils To Your Skin Care Routine
Essential oils can help create an at-home, spa-like experience. Here are just a few ways you can use them to add a little R&R to your routine.
- Diluted Massage: Mix a few drops of essential oil with a carrier oil like coconut or jojoba oil and gently massage the blend onto your skin.
- Facial Steam: Add a few drops of your chosen essential oil to a bowl of hot water, cover your head with a towel, and allow the steam to penetrate your skin.
- Bathing: Add a few drops of essential oil to your bathwater for a refreshing and moisturizing soak.
You can also create your own skin care products using essential oils:
- Face Serum: Combine a few drops of essential oil with a carrier oil and apply to your face before sleep.
- Body Scrub: Create a rejuvenating exfoliant by combining essential oils with sugar or salt and a carrier oil.
Always dilute essential oils before using them to avoid skin irritation, and follow recommended dilution ratios.
Essential Oils And Hair Care
Just as essential oils can boost skin health and radiance, they have also been known to make hair shinier and stronger.
The key to choosing the best one is determining your hair’s specific needs. If you’re looking to boost moisture and shine, you might need a hydrating oil like orange or rosemary. If you’d like to relieve a dry, itchy scalp, oils like eucalyptus or tea tree might be your best bet.
These are some of the most popular essential oils for hair health:
Essential Oil + Benefit
- Lavender - Strengthens hair; protects from damage to prevent breakage
- Orange - Moisturizes, boosts shine
- Rose - Moisturizes & strengthens hair, soothes dry, irritated scalp
- Ylang Ylang - Moisturizes, has been known to relieve scalp irritation due to dryness
- Tea Tree - Soothes dry, irritated scalp; adds shine
- Eucalyptus - Soothes scalp, reduces excess oil & adds shine to hair
- Peppermint - Soothes dry, irritated scalp
- Rosemary - Moisturizes, helps strengthen hair & soothes dry, itchy scalp
It’s easy to incorporate essential oils into a hair routine. Here are a couple ways:
- Hair mask: Add a few drops of an essential oil in with a carrier oil like coconut. Apply the mixture to your damp hair, comb it through and allow to sit for at least 30 minutes before shampooing out.
- Scalp refresher: In the palm of your hand, mix a few drops of a scalp-benefiting oil with your shampoo before cleansing.
Just as with applying essential oils to your skin, you’ll always need a carrier oil when applying to your hair. A patch test is also necessary to look out for potential skin irritation or an allergic reaction.
Harnessing The Aromatherapy Benefits Of Essential Oils
Beyond nourishing and soothing hair and skin, essential oils have powerful scents that can enhance your mood in minutes. Whether you want to perk up or mellow out, there is an essential oil to help.
Want to recharge? Then you’ll love orange or bergamot oil, known to energize and awaken the senses. Smoothing on an orange oil-infused energizing moisturizer or spritzing strands with a bergamot oil-infused energizing hair mist is a great way to kick-start the day.
On the flip side, lavender oil is known to calm the mind and encourage relaxation. The scent helps quiet the noise and usher in peaceful tranquility for ultimate Zen vibes. You can base your skin care routine on a full relaxing collection of products, from a gentle face wash and moisturizer to self-care essentials like a soothing herbal bath or slumber-enhancing pillow mist. Or, treat your tresses to an overnight hair mask that works while you sleep.
If you’re looking to restore a little balance, you can look to tea tree and eucalyptus oils, both known to renew energy and refresh the mind. This tea tree oil and squalene-infused face wash will leave your skin — and your spirit — feeling restored, while this eucalyptus oil and vitamin E-enhanced dry body oil creates a relaxing, restful experience. Need a scalp refresh? Massage in this eucalyptus oil-infused scalp treatment to cool and revitalize.
And who doesn’t want to feel a little happier? A simple yet decadent way to do that is with rose oil, known to evoke harmony & great joy. This rose oil-infused facial oil boosts skin’s nourishment and suppleness while this facial toner delivers a surge of hydration.
Explore our full plantheory collection of mood-enhancing skin care & ion Inspired By Nature hair care powered by natural oils & scents. You’ll find a mix of daily essentials and special treats to turn your bathroom into an oasis.
Our Advice On How To Shop Responsibly For Essential Oils
Since online marketplaces offer a wide range of suppliers and products, it's crucial to verify the authenticity and quality of the oils before purchasing. Look for sellers with positive feedback, trusted recommendations and quality certifications to make an informed decision.
Local stores can also be a reliable source for essential oils. They offer the advantage of knowledgeable staff who can guide you in selecting the best oils for your skin and hair.
By incorporating these tips into your routine, you can maximize the benefits of using the best essential oils for your skin and hair. Remember, consistent care leads to healthier, more radiant results.