Gisele Bündchen, Donna Karan and Gwyneth Paltrow all swear by essential oils.
Why? Because these hard working oils are free from toxins, keep you looking young and they smell amazing.
Every essential oil has multiple uses – some are anti-bacterial, others help prevent acne, most are antioxidant and all have anti-inflammatory properties (bye bye redness).
So lets get to know these tiny bottles of plant medicine by focusing on what they can do for your skin.
#10 Black Pepper
Black Pepper is one of the lesser known oils but it’s a good one to keep in your beauty bag.
Decleor says, “High in antioxidants, Black Pepper Oil fights the free radicals that can harm your skin and cause signs of premature ageing, to leave your skin looking more youthful.”
“Potent anti-bacterial properties make Black Pepper Essential Oil an effective skin-purifier. By eliminating impurities, toxins and bacteria from the surface of the epidermis, pores can breathe again to allow your skin to thrive.”
Best for: anti-ageing and cleansing
#9 Eucalyptus
Yes you can use it for cleaning floors and bench tops, but eucalyptus is a royal skin tonic that’s just as comfortable in the beauty cabinet as it is in under the kitchen sink.
Proven to assist with abscesses, athlete’s foot, bacterial dermatitis, blisters, boils, burns, cold sores, insect bites, shingles, sores, ulcers and wounds, this is one poil that’s truly essential.
Best for: antibacterial skincare
#8 Peppermint
A true all-rounder, peppermint oil is useful for so much more than just your digestion. Adding a drop to a simple moisturiser or steam bowl can help to clear blemishes and lift your mood.
Decleor says, “Peppermint Oil has strong antimicrobial properties that act as an effective natural element to combat acne … Not only does it cleanse skin and unclog pores, it also provides the epidermis with the optimal environment in which to thrive.”
Best for: pimples and blemishes
#7 Ylang Ylang
Not just a pleasant floral scent, ylang ylang is said to lower blood pressure and promote relaxation as well as having aphrodisiac properties.
When it comes to your skin this essential oil is one of the best. Research shows that ylang ylang is good for acne, balancing sebum, dermatitis, eczema, general care, greasy and oily conditions, insect bites and even works as a toner.
Best for: all round skincare
#6 Jasmine
The heady aroma of Jasmine makes is a popular perfume choice, but it’s an incredible skin oil too.
Studies show it can help improve the texture of aged and dry complexions and has been approved as being good for general skincare, as well as relieving inflammation, oily skin and psoriasis. It’s even said to have revitalisation properties.
Eco Modern Essentials agree saying Jasmine oil is good for people with dry skin conditions so add a few drops to your night cream and you might wake up looking fresher than you hoped.
Best for: dry skin
#5 Tea Tree
Want to get rid of skin tags? Some say tea tree oil is your go-to.
Better known for its anti-fungal properties, this Australian plant oil has a drying effect on athlete’s foot and pimples.
The Body Shop says, “People have been using tea tree oil in traditional and folk medicine for centuries and tea tree is believed to be effective in helping to target skin blemishes and absorbing excess oil, helping to purify skin.”
Best for: pimples and acne
#4 Lavender
The skin healing properties of lavender were founded in 1910 by French perfumier, René-Maurice Gattefossé. After a fire broke out in his factory he stuck his hand in a vat of lavender oil and experienced reduced pain and very little scarring.
“Lavender is frequently used to reduce the appearance of skin imperfections,” says Dotarra.
Best for: burns, itchy skin, scars
#3 Myrrh
Another ancient oil that was used by the Egyptians, myrrh can be added to any moisturiser or serum to help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
“It is also soothing to the skin—promoting a smooth, youthful-looking complexion—and promotes emotional balance and well-being when used aromatically,” says Doterra.
Best for: wrinkles
#2 Frankincense
The earthy aroma of frankincense is nothing compared to its potency for skin regeneration.
Aromatherapy company Doterra says, “Its soothing and beautifying properties are used to rejuvenate skin and help reduce the appearance of imperfections when applied topically.”
Australian Wholesale Oils add that frankincense assists in alleviating blemishes, wrinkles, stretchmarks, scars and minor wounds. Plus it’s known to help balance both oily and mature, dry skin.
Best for: anti ageing, rejuvenation
#1 Rose
Making rose oil is labour intensive hence the super high price tag on brands like Hysses’ Rose Absolut (RRP $928).
As with all essential oils, their purity is what counts – the more pure the oil, the more potent its efficacy. When it comes to rose, pay as high a price as you can afford.
Studies show it one of the most beneficial oils for treating acne and according to Hysses, a few drops of rose oil encourages cell renewal and improves blood circulation – voila glowing skin.
Best for: acne and cell renewal
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