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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Have you considered or heard of Sea BuckThorn Seed oil? It is as close to a miracle oil as I have ever used. Note that there are two formulations of Sea BuckThorn oil (SBT) There is seed oil and a berry oil. The berry oil has a tendency to stain the skin a bit so it is best used as a massage oil while the seed oil is colorless. SBT can be used alone it and it can also be used in combination with other favorites such as those mentioned above, and it has many medicinal qualities. SBT is especially helpful for those who struggle with roseacia and/or demodex mites.
SBT has so many beneficial uses one should research it to understand how powerful and effective it is and why it is one of my personal favorite oils~*~
Would you mind sharing your face serum recipe? I'm new to YL but have used EO (different brands) in the past. I now use YL. Thanks, Donna
Hi Donna, you may view information about Essential Beauty Serum on our website. Thanks for stopping by!
I thought I had tried it all, but I never thought of Ylang Ylang and its for "mature" skin that's a win win for me. Adding it to my regimen tonight!!
When you click onto the picture for cedarwood, it goes to Frank oil instead. Just FYI.
I have psoriasis & store bought soaps & lotions aggrivate my skin. So I go homemade. I use a blend of German Chamomile, Cedarwood & Tea Tree in my body wash. Lavender, Tea Tree, and Geranium are in my homemade lotion. These combos don't "treat" the condition, but they are gentle on the skin, smell good, & may promote overall healthy skin. :)
Thumbs up to you Josh for taking the time to make your own products. I love my homemade skin trio and will never use store bought again. Thanks for sharing your story.
Ylang Ylang & Geranium.
I have started to add Patchouli to my ART Light Moisturizer. I have dry skin and this has been a wonderful combo. I use Orange Blossom Facial Wash twice a day and Wolfberry Eye cream at night.
If I'm rubbing a few drops each of thyme and clary sage on my abdomen for uterine fibroids, how long do I need to wait before cleaning them off? They are very strong and not my idea of perfume.
I use a carrier oil to dilute essential oils that have a strong smell, such as DiGize. A carrier oil will calm down the scent.
Hi Theresa, 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. Thanks for stopping by!
Use avocado, which is a good source of vitamin E, is full of natural oils that will hydrate and moisturize the dry skin naturally Forever flawless
Lavender Hand & Body lotion with Bergomot and Peppermint - I have very dry, scaly patches on my shin (eczema). I love this combination for me because I have super sensitive skin and it doesn't cause a secondary, allergic reaction. :)