Essential oils to add to your beauty arsenal

Do you love all-natural skin care products? Then you'll fall in love with essential oils. Although essential oils are most commonly used in aromatherapy, you can also incorporate them into your daily skin care routine for a dewy, radiant complexion. Essential oils can help you deal with a number of skin conditions- from acne, oiliness, dryness to aging. These oils, derived from botanical sources, are centuries-old secret to glowing skin, lustrous hair, and a youthful look.

Although they are referred to as 'oils', they are actually highly concentrated chemical substances from plants. If you have oily skin, you don't have to worry that essential oils will leave your skin looking and feeling greasy. Essential oils are very fine and can penetrate the skin to nourish new developing cells. They are suitable for all skin types.

There are hundreds of essential oils to choose from, which can be overwhelming to a beginner. Start by answering this basic question: what are your skins needs? By understanding what your skin needs you will be able to figure out which essential oil is best suited for you. Here are some of the most common essential oils:

Lavender

Unlike other essential oils, lavender oil can be applied directly onto skin or hair without using carrier oils. Widely used in aromatherapy, lavender has a soothing effect on not only your mood but also inflamed skin. As far back as the Roman era, fragrant lavender oil was commonly added to bath water to soothe and heal the skin.

Use if:

1. You're suffering from acne or have an itchy mosquito bite. It will reduce the redness and soothe the pain away. Lavender inhibits bacterial growth, which is one of the underlying causes of acne.

2. You are treating burns, psoriasis, and eczema. Pour a few drops of lavender oil into your bath water or the water you use for face-steaming. You can also mix it with your moisturiser.

Don't use lavender oil if you are pregnant/breastfeeding or diabetic. Lavender is only meant for topical application or inhaling in aromatherapy, ingesting it can lead to health problems such as diarrhea and blurred vision.

Tea Tree

Tea tree oil is one of the most popular essential oils. It is extracted from a plant which is native to Australia, where its healing properties are so appreciated that it's included in soldier's first aid kits. If you have acne-prone skin, this oil is definitely for you. With its anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, and anti-septic properties, it can treat and ward off acne breakouts. It also helps regulate oil production, which also contributes in reducing the incidence and severity of breakouts. Dilute it with coconut oil and use a cotton swab to apply onto your skin once or twice a day after a bath. For cuts and sores, use 1-2 drops in its undiluted form. You can also add 4-6 drops of the oil into your bath water. Be careful not to overuse, tea tree oil can have a drying effect on skin, making acne breakouts worse. Also stay out of the sun after using tea tree oil as is can make your skin more sensitive to UV rays.

Carrot seed

Derived from steam distillation of carrot seeds of the Wild Carrot plant (Daucas Carota).

It is:

1. A powerful skin rejuvenator. It not only helps smooth your skin, it also goes deep into your skin to assist in cell regeneration.

2. Great for scars, uneven skin tone and sun burns.

3. A good natural sunscreen with an SPF of 35-40. Thanks to its healing and soothing properties, it can also be used to sooth sunburnt skin.

4. Good for preventing premature aging and wrinkling because it's rich in carotenoids, which are powerful antioxidants.

Tip: Carrot seed oil is very potent and should be used sparingly. Add 1 drop to one teaspoon of any carrier oil. Don't use carrot seed oil if you're pregnant or breastfeeding.

Eucalyptus

Eucalyptus oil was used by Australian Aborigines for centuries to heal wounds and skin infections. Extracted from dried leaves of the eucalyptus tree (Eucalyptus globulus), it is especially known for;

1. Treating boils, wounds, sores, and stubborn acne.

2. Stimulating hair growth and controlling dryness.

3. In aromatherapy, eucalyptus oil is used to calm the mind and body. Add a few drops to your bath water.

4. Treating pimples. Dilute with three parts water and use a cotton swab to apply directly on the affected area. You can also dilute 15-30 drops of eucalyptus oil with half a cup of carrier oil or vinegar and spritz or rub the mixture onto skin.

NOTE: If you accidentally ingest eucalyptus oil, seek medical help immediately. The side effects can be fatal.

GLANCE BOX

Essential oils aren't meant to be slathered onto the skin in their concentrated form. You have to dilute them with carrier oils (such as your usual moisturiser, or plant oils like coconut, avocado, almond, or argan oils). Using concentrated essential oils can have adverse effects on your skin and general health. For a healthy, lustrous mane, you can also add essential oils to hair care products like shampoo, hair conditioner, hair mask, or serum.