What Is An Essential Oil?
For thousands of years, the beautifying benefits of essential oils have been passed down and celebrated. Extracted from plants or petals, these highly concentrated oils are a must-have for those looking for a transformative skincare fix.
What Do Essential Oils Do?
With hundreds of varieties, we’re the first to admit that the world of essential oils can get a little confusing. But, the benefits are so impressive, you won’t want to miss out – trust us. While certain oils minimize wrinkles or acne, others soothe skin, smooth hair or send you into a deep sleep.
Who Should Use Essential Oils?
Essential oils can be incredibly powerful and should be avoided by those with sensitive skin (sorry guys!), as they may cause severe reactions and even chemical burns.
How To Use Essential Oils In Your Routine
Dilution. Dilution. Dilution. Do we need to say it again? The more you dilute an Essential Oil, the less chance there is of an adverse reaction. Use a carrier oil, like coconut or jojoba oil, to dilute your essential oil to 1%, which is the recommended strength for facial applications. For a 1% dilution, use one drop of Essential Oil per teaspoon of carrier oil, but always do a patch test first. Try to source organic, therapeutic-grade, cold-pressed oils (Amazon has tons), whenever possible. We love Leven Rose for amazing carrier oils and oil concoctions.
If you want to use serums or creams infused with essential oils, then introduce them to your routine one at a time and start with a formula that contains a maximum of two oils. And please, don’t forget to always wear sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or above.
Our Fave Essential Oils:
Lavender: Lavender soothes and moisturizes skin, increasing blood flow and improving its appearance. The oil also protects skin from environmental aggressors, like UV rays and pollution, which cause premature aging.
Frankincense: For those hoping to banish age spots and uneven skin tone, Frankincense is for you. It also helps strengthen and firm skin, and can be applied anywhere sagging occurs (think your eyes, neck or abdomen).
Geranium: Great for balancing oil production, Geranium is a go-to for both dry and oily skin. It also contains antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties, so it accelerates healing and helps fade scars.
Tea Tree: A natural treatment for acne and blackheads, Tea Tree Oil contains a mild disinfectant, which speeds up the healing process without drying out your skin.
Argan: Nicknamed “liquid gold,” this oil is ultra-hydrating for skin and strengthens hair and nails.
Rose: Rose oil cools and tones, repairs broken capillaries and reduces inflammation, itching, and dryness, while also minimizing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
DIY Jojoba Oil Face Serum
We’re obsessed with a bit of DIY Beauty at HB HQ, especially when it comes to essential oils. Combining some of our favorites, this facial serum tackles a trio of concerns: anti-aging, moisturizing and healing. Bonus: it’s suitable for pretty much all skin types! Trust us, you’re going to want to use it every day.
Ingredients
· 2 tablespoons Jojoba Oil
· 1 tablespoon Rose Hip Seed Oil
· 2 drops Carrot Seed Essential Oil
· 2 drops Lavender Essential Oil
· 2 drops Geranium Essential Oil
· 2 drops Frankincense Essential Oil
Directions
- Mix the Jojoba and Rose Hip Seed Oil in a glass dropper bottle.
- Add the essential oils, close and gently shake the bottle to mix.
- Apply 3-4 drops of serum to a clean face and neck, as the final step of your skincare routine. Use at night if you have normal to oily skin. It can be used day or night, for those with dry skin.
For more info on how to DIY your own facial oil, check out this post.
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