Our skin is unique, and finding the right ingredients that specifically suit us is an essential step in complexion care. But, when the contents list on our favourite mask, serum or cleanser is more complicated than The Canterbury Tales, we start to stumble.
To truly understand what we’re putting on our skin and why, we need to simplify the situation – get rid of the extras and strip back our balms until only the most effective ingredients are left. That’s where essential oils come in.
Drawn from botanicals and boasting benefits to rival even the most complicated cream, essential oils are nature’s answer to straightforward skincare. Just a few drops into a carrier oil (argan, jojoba and grapeseed oil are common choices) and the potent healing, hydrating and oil-absorbing properties are dialled down to a level that’s safe – and deeply beneficial – for your skin.
Want to know more? Go back to basics and learn which essential oils deserve a place in your skincare regime, with our breakdown of the best.
Lavender Essential Oil
Great for acne and blemish-prone skin, lavender essential oil helps to unclog pores, reduce inflammation and kill bacteria. It also has a soothing benefit, making it great for dry skin sufferers as well as oily.
Palmarosa Essential Oil
Drawn from a leafy form of grass found in India, palmarosa essential oil teams its hydrating power with antiseptic and antimicrobial properties. These make it a great for counteracting dry skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis.
Carrot Seed Essential Oil
Scar reduction is just one of the amazing results people experience after using carrot seed essential oil. It’s all thanks to antioxidants, which not only help to repair tissue damage, but protect against free radicals as well.
Tea Tree Essential Oil
Known for its ability to zap zits, tea tree is the essential weapon for oily t-zones. Potent antimicrobial and antiseptic properties help to calm existing pimples, while pore cleansing benefits keep future breakouts at bay.
Sweet Orange Essential Oil
An all round anti-ager, sweet orange essential oil is said to boost circulation, collagen levels and glow while fighting dark spots and blemishes.
Geranium Essential Oil
Those with oily or congested skin, eczema and dermatitis can all benefit from a drop of geranium essential oil. The flower extract is loaded with antiseptic and inflammation-calming benefits, plus the oil has a cicatrizant quality, helping it heal marks and scars.
Rose Essential Oil
Whether acne marks, stretch marks or scarring is your concern, rose essential oil can help to spur on skin healing. It’s a great at nourishing and hydrating, leaving skin looking brighter as well as smoother.
