With skin losing on important proteins once with age, you start seeking all kinds of ways to put a stop to fine lines and wrinkles. A diligent skincare routine, LED masks, exercising, a balanced diet, and so on. Yet, there’s always room for more. And essential oils make the perfect addition to any anti-aging routine. Not only do they trap moisture in, preventing transepidermal water loss, due to their oily texture, but they boost skin with endless benefits, hard to overlook.
Even if you shouldn’t expect a facelift from your essential oil, using it improves skin moisture, plumping fine lines, and wrinkles, while some may even have brightening benefits so prep to bid adieu to dark patches too.
The best essential oils for skin tightening
Here are the best essential oils for aging skin and how to maximize their potential in your routine. Intrigued?
Sandalwood
Sandalwood is one of the most effective essential oils for skin aging due to its antioxidant, anti-aging, and protective benefits. Studies have found that sandalwood oil can reduce collagen degradation caused by external aggressors, such as UV rays, pollution, and smoke. In turn, it prevents early wrinkles and dark spots while enhancing firmness and elasticity. Additionally, sandalwood oil has anti-inflammatory benefits that can accelerate wound healing and soothe the skin.
Because sandal oil is in high demand, there are a lot of synthetic products. The US is indeed one of the largest importers of sandalwood oil, so there are many chances you find poor-quality oils on local shelves. The sandalwood oil should be derived from the Santalum album. If the label states words like “scented oil” or “perfumed oil,” it might indicate a synthetic product that can cause irritations to easily reactive skin.
Lavender
On top of lessening brain stress, lavender oil can minimize fine lines apparition, acting as a free radicals scavenger. As free radicals are responsible for early wrinkles, using this antioxidant-rich oil keeps your skin shielded against external foes.
Jasmine
Jasmine oil is widely used in dermatology for aged and dry skin, inflammation, and revitalization. Like most essential oils, jasmine oil promotes blood flow, helping cells to regenerate. Pair it with a carrier oil (such as almond oil), and apply the mix daily to any part of your body and face that needs moisture.
Rosemary
Rosemary is a rich source of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds that boost the immune system and improve blood circulation. Shortly, rosemary prevents skin damage caused by free radicals and prevents the degradation of collagen, leading to firmer, more elastic skin. P.S.: research found that rosemary oil significantly increased skin hydration and elasticity after topical application.
Myrrh
Some research suggests that myrrh oil is more effective than vitamin E at fighting free radicals, oxygenating the skin tissues while moisturizing. Together, these distinctive properties of myrrh oil help diminish the apparition of fine lines and aging spots. Mix myrrh oil with avocado oil and apply it to your complexion on a daily basis.
Guaiac wood
Guaiac wood is another essential oil that helps rejuvenate and protect the skin against free radicals, thanks to its antioxidant-rich content.
Neroli oil
It’s believed that neroli oil is the best for aging skin due to its citral content, known to regenerate skin cells.
Are essential oils safe for everyone?
Because essential oils are very concentrated, they can cause allergic reactions or irritation to some people. In general, essential oils for skincare formulations shouldn’t have a concentration higher than 5%. Also, you should always use a carrier oil to dilute your essential oil. Carrier oils have little or no scent and don’t interfere with the essential oil’s properties.