This is part of an ongoing educational series on essential oils. Today’s topic is all about skincare specifically essential oils for dry skin. In later parts of this series I will be talking about essential oils you can ingest, bergamot essential oil and much more. I recently talked all about Manuka Essential Oil and how to use it. I also have a part one of essential oils for skincare. Stay tuned for more!
I don’t know about you, but I would love for someone to describe my skin as timeless. As we age, skin has a tendency to become, dull, dry and lifeless. However if we learn just a little bit about supporting our skin we can get that coveted timeless look!
Top Essential Oils for Dry Skin
- Rose Essential Oil– If you have just a single drop of rose oil on your skin, you can see right away that this oil is perfect for dry skin. Unlike some other essential oils, rose is thick, almost like a fatty oil itself. Rose oil has so many uses, but it is truly amazing used in skincare and so very supportive of mature and dry skin. To use, add 1 or 2 drops to your daily moisturizer. I suggest a using straight carrier oil, instead of a potential toxic cream. Argan oil is perfect for those with dry skin. I suggest buying a bottle with a dropper, this will make your life a lot easier. I usually use 5 drops of argan on my skin to 1 drop of essential oil. Start there and see how it works for you. If you also apply to your neck and chest- you should – do 2 drops rose and 10 drops argan!
- Geranium Essential Oil can help smooth dry skin. Most essential oils are a bit drying, but geranium is supportive of smooth skin while being less drying to your skin. If you would describe your skin and dry and a little rough, I suggest adding geranium oil to your routine. One way to add it to your regime would be in a toner. In a small spray bottle, you would add distilled water, some geranium oil and a small amount of an acid like apple cider vinegar or strong kombucha. A good ratio to start with is 2 parts water, 1 part vinegar. In a 2oz bottle I would add 10-20 drops of geranium. Make sure you use a good vinegar, I recommend Bragg’s with the mother. I tone my face after I wash it, but before I moisturize.
- Sandalwood essential oil has a rich, sweet, comforting, and woodsy aroma that is sensual and romantic. Used traditionally for meditation, this oil is uplifting and relaxing and is valued in skin care for its moisturizing properties. Above when I was talking about adding rose to your face oil/moisturizer sandalwood is one I would also add. Here is the correct way to mix essential oils for maximum impact. You always want to mix the oils together, straight before any carrier oil is added. If you loved the combination of a few oils, here is what I would do. In a small glass bottle- perhaps an empty essential oil bottle- add a few drops of oils of choice. I personally don’t mix single essential oils and blends together.
The founder of my essential oil company is pretty amazing and I don’t want to bastardize the amazing blends he has created. I do mix single oils together though, it’s fun and seems to work well. For a killer face serum I would take an empty and clean oil bottle and mix, 10 drops rose oil, and 20 drops sandalwood. I spoke about myrrh oil in part one of this series, and I might add that as well, since it is also super moisturizing and I love using on the thin delicate skin around my eyes. In this mix I would add around 10 drops. Close the lid and swirl the bottle gently. This allows the oils to create a synergy. For best results, leave them in the bottle for a day or so to mix. After I have washed my face, used a spray of toner, I would take 1-2 drops of this new blend I created into my hand and mix it with 3-4 drops of carrier oil. Focus on areas of your skin that are dry. I love adding oils to my skin in this way, because these skin oils are expensive, but I want to use them all. So instead of using 1 drop rose, 1 drop sandalwood and 1 drop myrrh I use a third of each oil. Now the oils will last 3 times as long. Letting them mix together before hand creates a more powerful blend as well. It’s a win-win!
- Helichrysum essential oil– I actually just recently got this oil- finally! I knew it was powerful but it is fairly pricey. Helichrysum is know as the everlasting flower and gives amazing support to your skin. It is included in lots of anti-aging products, as it promotes normal cell regeneration and metabolism. I keep it on hand when I go on vacation, since it is hydrating to skin after I do a bit of sun worshiping! This oil is also great for any kind of skin irritation like razor burn. The men in the house can have baby soft skin post shave, with just a drop on the skin after shaving. I find the herbaceous smell, so pleasant and I love to use it in the morning on my skin with just a couple drops of carrier oil. If you’ve been reading this series, you know jojoba is my favorite, but for dry skin try argan as I mentioned above. This gives my skin just a little help in the morning so I don’t look dead from lack of sleep! I also find that any makeup I wear glides on easier with a light moisturizer under it!
- Orange Essential Oil– first I have to give the warning. Citrus oils can damage your skin if you use them and then spend time in the sun. I personally do not use citrus oils on my skin in the summer as a general rule. There are plenty of fish in the sea, so to speak so I use other oils in the summer. Many oils have similar effects on the skin. If you have a question about substitutions, leave a comment and I will see if I can help! I feel safe using citrus oils on my face, diluted, at night in winter since it is dark and cloudy almost all winter in Seattle. If you use a citrus essential oil like orange on your face, make sure to dilute it and stay out of the sun (or tanning beds) for 24-48 hours. If you work in an office and don’t have an outdoor activity planned you should be fine! Not trying to frighten anyone, but the citrus oils speed up the sunburn process if you are out in the sun! No one needs a sunburn! Orange oil is powerful for the skin. It helps boost the immune system and therefore the skin. It is a great oil to use on blemishes as well, without being as drying at tea tree oil. Orange is also an ingredient in the blend I use each night- peace and calming!
The bottom line of essential oils for dry skin
- Dry skin is a sign of a poor immune system in the skin and body. This is no surprise, as the skin is a very large organ and it shows your body’s weaknesses.
- Anything you do to support your immune system will help with your skin. The beauty of an essential oil is they can help the appearance right away and also support your immune system for longer lasting changes!
I only use and trust one brand of essential oils. The brand where I can walk onto the farm and see the process myself, and see the care and love put into each and every bottle. Learn more about these oils here.
I hope this list helps you support your skin! All I know is, supporting my immune system with oils known to help skin, has turned my skin around from adult blemishes, and dullness, to a wonderful glow I am happy to see in the mirror each day!
Cheers,
Heather
P.S. Learn about the first 5 in my top essential oils for skincare post!
Paid Endorsement Disclosure:
In order for me to support my blogging activities, I may receive monetary compensation or other types of remuneration for my endorsement, recommendation, testimonial and/or link to any products or services from this blog.
However, I’m never going to recommend, or say anything that I don’t Love or completely believe in. Please rest assured that my deepest desire is to empower you to make the best choices for health and healing possible.
Medical Disclaimer:
Our content is not intended to replace professional medical diagnosis, treatment or advice. Information obtained from this site should never cause disregard or delay seeking advice or treatment from a medical or healthcare provider. We do encourage everyone do their own research before making informed decisions. Use of any information from the content of this site solely at your own risk.
Leave a Reply