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Exposure to the sun, pollutants and free radicals can make premature lines and wrinkles on your face. While there are many anti-aging formulations available in the market, many of them have chemicals, the long term effects of which remain questionable.
So, can naturally derived essential oils be the new anti-aging solution for your face? Essential oils are concentrated, aromatic oils obtained from different plant sources. If you are curious to know whether essential oils can be the best choice for lines and wrinkles on your face, then read on.
Highlights:
Do Essential Oils Really Reduce Face Wrinkles?
Essential oils have a multitude of benefits that work wonders on your skin. Toning and smoothing up your facial skin is one of them. Also, contrary to popular belief, you can use essential oils even if you have oily or acne prone skin.
The natural oil production capacity of your skin may diminish due to age or other factors, leaving your face dehydrated. This along with reduced collagen production leads to an increase in visible lines and wrinkles on your face.
Essential oils lock in the moisture in your skin. Also, massaging with these natural oils boosts collagen production, thus reducing fine lines and making your skin firm. Additionally, essential oils are rich in antioxidants, which fights off free radicals, which are the biggest contributors to skin aging.
Which Essential Oils Are Best For Face Wrinkles?
Here we list 10 essential oils that can help fight signs of aging on your face.
1. Lavender
The essential oil from lavender has been in use for medicinal as well as cosmetic purposes since times immemorial. With a relaxing fragrance, this essential oil is rich in antioxidants and antimicrobial properties. [1]
Lavender oil reduces inflammation and soothes the skin. It also fights free radicals that cause oxidative damage to your skin, which leads to skin-aging.
2. Citrus
This is another essential oil that has been used in alternative medicines for ages to treat skin related disorders. [2] Citrus essential oil is not only rich in antioxidants but also has a high content of vitamin C.
These properties make citrus oil a potent agent against oxidative damage. Citrus oil is also effective in fighting skin damage due to exposure to the sun. Regular use of citrus oil can visibly improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
However, take care not to expose your face to the sun for a couple of hours after the application of citrus oil. It is therefore best to use citrus oil in the evening or just before going to bed.
3. Sandalwood
Sandalwood oil is a potent therapeutic agent for the skin because of its anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial properties. [3] It not only fights inflammation and oxidative damage, but also increases the cell turnover of the skin.
Increased new cells on the skin surface helps to smooth out the fine lines and wrinkles on your face. Sandalwood also promotes hydration in the skin, making it look fuller.
4. Geranium
Geranium essential oil is not only a potent antioxidant, it also has significant sun-protective properties. [4] Scientific studies have suggested the usage of geranium oil in sunscreen formulations for protection of skin against photodamage.
Geranium oil also has antiseptic properties and can help retain moisture in the skin. It also effectively maintains the oil balance in your facial skin.
5. Ylang ylang
Ylang ylang oil has been used extensively in skin care products for its anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial and anti-melanogenesis properties. [5] Melanogenesis is the production of melanin, the natural pigment in the skin, which gives it a distinct complexion.
Regular use of this essential oil not only helps fight oxidative damage but also promotes skin renewal. Ylang ylang is particularly helpful in replenishing the proteins and lipids in your skin, thus keeping it young and supple.
6. Helichrysum
The essential oil extracted from this mediterranean plant has excellent antioxidant, antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, which makes it a favorite anti-aging product. Research has shown that helichrysum essential oil has anti-collagenase and anti-elastase properties. [6]
Collagen and elastin are proteins that provide support and elasticity to your skin. Inhibition of collagenase and elastase by helichrysum oil promotes increased collagen and elastin in your skin. This in turn prevents the signs of premature aging such as fine lines and wrinkles.
7. Myrrh
The essential oil extracted from the resin of the myrrh tree heals wounds, prevents sun damage, and can also heal dry, damaged skin. Myrrh oil also tones up the skin, which visibly reduces lines and wrinkles.
Studies have also shown that when used in combination with frankincense oil, myrrh oil can increase the blood flow and absorption capacity of your skin. [7] This in turn can increase hydration and moisture retention at the skin surface, thus reducing wrinkles.
8. Neroli
This essential oil is extracted from the fragrant blossoms of the bitter orange tree. Studies have shown that this oil has antimicrobial and antioxidant properties. [8] Regular usage of neroli oil revitalises dull skin, tones your skin as well as prevents acne.
You can use neroli oil even if you have sensitive skin. Neroli oil tightens up your skin thus reducing lines and wrinkles.
9. Rose
The oil from this beautiful flower not only has a pleasant, relaxing aroma but also several skin care benefits. Rose oil is a superior moisturising agent that makes your skin hydrated and supple.
Rose oil also helps reduce inflammation and fight off bacterial infections. It also improves the skin barrier function, which helps lock the moisture in your skin. [9] All these properties make rose oil your best friend when it comes to skin care.
10.Clary sage
This sweet smelling essential oil is extracted from the evergreen clary sage shrub. It is beneficial for both dry skin and oily skin. This essential oil is rich in antioxidants which prevents damage to the proteins present in the skin, in turn reducing lines and wrinkles.
The oil from clary sage has also been shown to have antimicrobial properties. [10] Thus this is effective in wound healing and treating acne prone skin.
Best Essential Oils As Per Skin Type
|
Skin Type |
Recommended Essential Oils |
|
Dry, aging skin |
Sandalwood, ylang ylang, myrrh, clary sage, frankincense |
|
Oily, Acne-prone skin |
Citrus, basil, tea tree oil |
|
Sensitive skin, can be used by everyone |
Geranium, lavender, helichrysum, neroli |
How To Use Essential Oils?
Suitability:
The most important step in this skin care routine is to select the essential oil that suits your skin type and your needs the best. You can consult an expert in case you are not sure of which essential oil to use and in what quantity.
Carriers:
Essential oils are concentrated extracts and usually very potent. You cannot apply most essential oils on your skin directly as it will cause irritation and maybe even rashes. You need to choose an appropriate carrier oil such as coconut oil, to dilute the essential oil of your choice before applying it on your face. If you have sensitive skin you need to use a slightly higher amount of carrier oil than those who have normal skin.
Do a patch test:
Essential oils being derived from natural sources usually do not cause any adverse effects on your skin. However, some people may develop an allergy to specific essential oils. You should always do a patch test of the combination of essential oil and carrier oil, before using it for the very first time.
Wrapping Up
Premature appearance of lines and wrinkles make your face look dull and more mature than your age. Essential oils are an effective, natural alternative to the chemical based anti-aging products available in the market. You can choose from the list of essential oils provided in this article to visibly reduce the lines and wrinkles on your face.
Do not hesitate to consult your dermatologist in case you are unsure which essential oil will work best for you. In case you see any adverse effects such as rashes or redness post application of facial oils, visit a doctor immediately.
Begin By Knowing Your Skin
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