Essential oils have been in use for thousands of years all over the world for their medicinal and healing properties. It is crucial in the practice of aromatherapy, as essential oils have been said to contribute to the improvement of someone’s physical and psychological well-being. One of its lesser-known uses is in anti-aging. Did you know that you can formulate your very own wrinkle-minimizing serum with essential oils? Below are some of our favorites:
Start with an Antioxidant Base Oil
One of the best habits to cultivate in terms of keeping your skin young and healthy-looking is to switch to a healthier diet. Citrus fruits, berries, and leafy green vegetables are chock-full of antioxidants that help fight free radicals and prevent chronic diseases. This same free-radical fighting property can be used when a base oil that is rich in antioxidants is applied topically to the skin, which in turn can lessen the appearance of wrinkles.
Lemon essential oil is derived from the lemon fruit, which is naturally rich in these antioxidants as well as vitamin C. You can find vitamin C listed as one of the ingredients in many popular anti-aging products, too. A study conducted in 1999 states that lemon oil was able to reduce oxidative damage done on the surface of the skin. On top of that, lemon can also protect your skin from sun damage.
Sweet orange essential oil is derived from the orange citrus, which likewise packs a lot of antioxidants in addition to its inherent anti-microbial properties. Besides smelling good, sweet orange essential oil can boost your immune system and keep nasty illnesses from befalling you. This multi-purpose oil can be found in YEOUTH’s Pure Essential Oil Set, six different 10 ml vials of guaranteed 100% pure therapeutic grade essential oils.
Add a Rejuvenating Oil
As we grow older, the skin’s moisture level tends to drop. This is why you’ll find many older people suffering from dryer, flaky skin, and why moisturizing is such a central step in anti-aging skincare. Essential oils are known to be deeply moisturizing, and they can keep the skin hydrated to improve its overall color and complexion. Proper moisturizing is also the first line of defense in smoothing out fine lines and wrinkles.
Flower oils tend to make great rejuvenating essential oils. For instance, oils derived from the damask rose may contain antioxidants and are naturally antimicrobial. The oil from this flower can aid in the turnover of skin cells and promote healthy cell renewal, leading to fresh, invigorated skin. Other variants of rose oil also have anti-inflammatory properties, which reduce redness and rosacea and transform skin that is exhibiting signs of stress.
Lavender oil can also be used in anti-aging. Aside from its relaxing scent that also enhances sleep, it can help soothe dull, stressed-out skin while battling free radicals that cause oxidative stress.
Finish with a Carrier Oil
Carrier oils are vegetable oils derived from the fatty portion of a plant, like the seeds, kernels or nuts. It is used mainly to dilute essential oils, reducing their intensity in order to prevent untoward reactions such as irritation, redness, or burning. From the name itself, it “carries” the oil onto the skin.
A wonderful example of a carrier oil is vitamin E oil, also known as tocopherol. Vitamin E is both a nutrient and an antioxidant that can help repair the skin when applied topically, as well as fight skin cancer-causing free radicals. Combined with other essential oils, it can also serve as a booster, intensifying their rejuvenating and revitalizing effects.
You can also look into argan oil, an essential carrier oil made with argan fruit trees native to Morocco. You’ve probably seen many products on the shelves proudly bearing this miracle oil as an ingredient, and for good reason. Though the price tag is a bit steep, argan oil can help improve skin elasticity while hydrating and softening the skin.
Crafting Your Own Essential Oil Mixture
To mix your new anti-aging serum, dilute your essential oils with your chosen carrier oil in this ratio: about 10 drops of essential oil to every 5 mL of carrier oil. Before applying it to your face, it’s important to conduct a patch test first in order to determine if you might be allergic or have an inflammatory reaction to any of the ingredients. Pick a spot that’s away from your face to apply the newly-mixed serum, like the inside of your elbow, and observe it for 24 hours. If there is no reaction, it should be safe to use. Use this essential oil serum twice daily for the best results.
