Essential Oils: What Can You Use Directly on Your Skin?

When it comes to essential oils, there are some that can be used directly on the skin. Lavender, eucalyptus, tea tree oil, rose, roman chamomile, sandalwood, and cypress are some of the most popular. Essential oils are typically inhaled or applied directly to the body, but it is not safe to ingest them. Before applying any essential oil topically to the skin, it is important to perform a patch test to make sure you are not allergic.

Simple scents like lavender, chamomile, and rose water can help you stay calm and relaxed. Scientists believe they work by sending chemical messages to parts of the brain that affect mood and emotions. Tea tree oil is a great choice for fighting imperfections. It has proven antibacterial benefits and is an effective anti-inflammatory, both key attributes for an acne-fighting ingredient.

It is one of the few essential oils that can be applied directly to the skin without diluting it first. However, if you want to be cautious, you can mix a few drops with your moisturizer to create a homemade spot treatment or use one of the many pre-formulated skin lightening products that contain it. Marula oil is another great choice for moisturizing the skin. It absorbs quickly without leaving a greasy residue and is rich in antioxidants. It also has antimicrobial benefits that make it an excellent combatant of scales.

Lavender essential oil is known for its relaxing aromatherapeutic benefits and can be applied directly to the skin to soothe minor irritations. Lemon oil can also be used topically on the skin with a carrier oil. It helps remove excess oil and bacteria without drying out the skin, which can lead to increased oil production. Eucalyptus essential oil is known for its cooling properties and can help heal painful sunburns. Cypress oil causes hair follicles, skin, and even muscles to contract, resulting in tightening and strengthening. Rose oil is derived from real rose petals and has restorative, cleansing, and antibacterial properties.

Pine oil treats a wide range of skin irritations and is known to resist swelling and redness. Basil oil is another great choice for boosting your skin's health. Make sure you buy pure essential oils from a reputable producer without any added ingredients. Rosehip oil can help even out skin tone and increase skin elasticity. When choosing essential oils for your beauty regimen, consider those that have multiple uses so you get more bang for your buck. Lavender, chamomile, basil, and frankincense generally have a calming effect and can help with anxiety while bergamot and peppermint oils are stimulants and can help people with depression.

Bergamot oil has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties which makes it an excellent treatment for acne problems. Finally, remember that oils that are good on the arms and legs may not be safe to put into the mouth, nose, eyes or private parts.