For centuries many cultures have looked to essential oils to enhance their daily lives, perform religious rites, support wellness, and wear as perfumes. Not only are essential oils extremely versatile but many also contain naturally occurring constituents that are practically made for one particular usage: beautifying the skin.
Unlike skin care products that rely on harsh and synthetic ingredients, essential oils use their natural properties to brighten, smooth, and moisturize the appearance of skin in a way that leaves you feeling perfectly pampered.
Check out some of our skincare favorites to get your glow on!
1. Lavender
Lavender essential oil 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 skin care regimen every day.
- 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 oil. Start with 3–4 drops and gradually add more as desired.
- Create a spa-like retreat by combining 1 cup Epsom salt and 4 drops Lavender and adding to a hot bath.
2. Frankincense
Frankincense essential oil has been sought after since ancient times for its many benefits, including its rejuvenating and beautifying properties. Great for all skin types—but especially beneficial for mature complexions—this luxurious oil helps moisturize and smooth the skin.
- Boost your skin’s radiance by massaging a drop of Frankincense into facial skin after cleansing, followed by applying your regular moisturizers.
- Add a few drops to your face cream or body lotion and rub directly into skin.
- Massage into the skin on hands and feet after a long day to restore skin’s texture.
3. Cedarwood
Great for smoothing and nourishing all skin types, Cedarwood essential oil is a very versatile oil with a rich, woodsy aroma. Because this oil also benefits hair, it’s a great choice for nourishing skin on the scalp.
- Smooth skin on the face or body by adding a few drops Cedarwood to your favorite lotions.
- Add 3–4 drops to a bowl of hot water. Cover your head and the bowl with a towel and breathe deeply and slowly for several minutes to open pores and enjoy the calming aroma. Follow up with a facial massage that includes 1 drop of Cedarwood oil.
- Mix 5–6 drops of Cedarwood with a small amount of coconut or argan oil. Massage into your scalp 30–60 minutes before showering, then wash and rinse hair as normal.
4. Tea Tree
Traditionally used in skin care products for its cleansing properties, Tea Tree essential oil is great for all skin types but is especially suited for use on oily skin.
- 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.
5. Geranium
Geranium essential oil is a popular choice to help smooth and tone skin. This essential oil is great for all skin types, but it’s especially beneficial for skin that’s either oily or dry.
- Add a few drops of this essential oil to a DIY face mask or use it during a stress-reducing facial massage.
- Add 4–5 drops to a water bottle with 2 ounces of water. Spritz lightly over skin for a refreshing, revitalizing effect.
6. Ylang Ylang
Known for its sweet floral fragrance, Ylang Ylang essential oil also helps moisturize and revitalize skin. This uplifting essential oil is great for all skin types, but it especially benefits dry or mature complexions.
- Add several drops into a carrier oil, such as V-6™ Enhanced Vegetable Oil Complex, and incorporate into a relaxing massage at the end of the day.
- Add 2–3 drops to your bathwater.
- Add a few drops to your face cream or body lotion and rub directly into skin.
What essential oil skin care tips are you most excited to try?
Tell us in the comments below!
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So many recipes and I appreciate all the ideas! My newest "have-to" is the Essential Beauty Serum which has some of the oils listed that people use on their faces. Frankincense is awesome but I really like Myrrh & Geranium with the serum!!
I visit a lot of websites, but I think this one holds something special in it.
Thanks Bella. We think it is pretty special too :) Thanks for stopping by!
I started using Rodan and Fields products (brightening), but when I got into essential oils, I started adding frankincense to my lotion at night when I take off my make-up. It makes my face feel amazing and soft, but I have to keep my dog away, because all he wants to do is lick my face!
Dogs love Young Living's Frankincense. My dog, Old Grumpy, loved it! He would snuggle in my arms for cuddles. Another friend's doggy he comes over and leans against me till i put them down his back! It is his favourite!
Yvonne
Do you still use Rodan and Fields?
I have terrible bags under my eyes. Anyone find some oils to help? I would live some input, if there is any.
Hello Susan, Young Living’s products are intended only for the use listed on individual labels—either for topical/aromatic use or as a dietary supplement. Please always refer to the label for usage directions. Because Young Living’s products are not labeled to be used as drugs, they are not intended for use in the treatment or cure of disease or any abnormal function of the body, including ailments or injuries. Therefore, Young Living cannot provide advice or recommendation for products to address any type of disease, ailment, or injury. We advise that you consult with a medical professional on your specific issue.
Im wanting to make my own face moisturizer,my face is oily...what type of essential oil do you recommend?
Hey JJ! Some of my favorite oils to add to my face moisturizer (I have oily skin too) are Tea Tree, Lemon, and Frankincense. The oils listened in this post are also great choices too. Especially if you want the floral scents to make your face smell amazing. I would definitely try Tea Tree first though. I add a drop or two to my lotion, but be sure to avoid your eyes, ears, nose, and mouth. Hope that helps. It is so much fun to experiment and discover what works best for you. Have fun!
Thank you for that Information I will try this
Is anyone using any or a combination of these oils for stress induced eczema of the hands? Are you using a carrier oil? If so, which one(s)? I have heard mixed reviews using coconut oil with the eczema. Trying to help a friend combat this problem he's had since chemo ended.
Hi Karen, Young Living’s products are intended only for the use listed on individual labels—either for topical/aromatic use or as a dietary supplement. Please always refer to the label for usage directions. Because Young Living’s products are not labeled to be used as drugs, they are not intended for use in the treatment or cure of disease or any abnormal function of the body, including ailments or injuries. Therefore, Young Living cannot provide advice or recommendation for products to address any type of disease, ailment, or injury. We advise that you consult with a medical professional on your specific issue that is familiarized with Essential Oils.
Hi ladies! What face moisturizers do you like? I'm trying to find a base lotion with non-toxic chemicals, which is SO hard to come by! For those who use a carrier oil instead, do you find it absorbs like lotion, and looks okay under makeup? Thanks!
HI Rachel, I have the perfect face moisturizer that has natural products, some of our products are even certified vegan. Visit my site . Or email me at sparketteposh@gmail.com
I've been using Rose Hip oil and find it amazing! Evening out skin tone, moisturizing dry areas and clearing wrinkles.
I use jojoba oil with EOs, I find that they need just a bit of time to absorb before makeup. I'm going to try raspberry seed oil for summer since it has some natural SPF. Hope that helps!
I use geranium with fco as under arm deodorant and frankincense with fco on the rest of the body including face.
I love one drop of Patchouli with my face cream. I have dry skin and do not wear make up. This combination gives me a natural supple look and feel.
I use myrrh,frankincense & lavender .