Antioxidant rich essential oils have been found effective in reducing wrinkles and other skin blemishes. These oils work by negating the rummaging activities of the reactive and harmful free radicals.
Studies show incorporating essential oils into your regular anti-aging skin care regimen can ease the aging process and help you maintain smooth, youthful and healthy skin throughout the body. According to the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) the most effective essential oils for wrinkles include: (1)
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How Do Essential Oils Work To Reduce Wrinkles?
The aging process is genetically imprinted in the DNA and modulated by the environment. The appearance and structure of the skin often change as a result of loss of elasticity, skin breakdown, skin thinning, skin drying and the emergence of wrinkles. Studies show wrinkles may also develop due to hydration issues, smoking, poor dietary choices, alcohol, lack of proper skin care, facial expression and prolonged exposure to the sun, pollutants and wind. Several anti-aging products have been developed to combat wrinkles.
However, the use of skin conditioning creams and lotions purchased from department stores and drug stores is putting a strain on the budgets of many people. This coupled by the inefficiency of some skin products has forced many people to turn to cheaper, organic cures like essential oils.
The essential oils used in aromatherapy have relevance in areas like massage therapy, cosmetic, curative and olfactory applications. Essential oils will not eliminate wrinkles, but can effectively mitigate the risk factors by:
- Reducing inflammation
- Preventing oxidative stress
- Boosting the production of collagen
- Enhancing skin complexion
- Evening the skin tone
- Protecting the skin against environmental damage
Best Essential Oils For Wrinkles
1. Rose Essential Oil
The use of topical Rose essential oil (Rosa gallica) as part of cosmetic application dates back several centuries. A 2011 study published in NCBI found Rose to possess antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. These properties have made Rose an essential ingredient in the production of body lotions, face creams and soaps.
The inbuilt skin moisturizing ability of Rose oil helps the skin retain elasticity and even tone. The anti-inflammatory effect is useful in rejuvenating stressed skin while the antibacterial properties make this essential oil highly effective in the treatment of acne.
Instructions for Use
- Cleanse your face and apply Rose oil concentrate imbued with water
- Alternatively, add 10 drops of the essential oil on your bath water and soak your skin for a few minutes to enjoy skin regeneration benefits of Rose oil.
- Apply Rose oil regularly to achieve even skin tone and smooth skin.
2. Frankincense Essential Oil
Frankincense oil (Boswellia carteri) has been used to prevent wrinkles for eons. The ancient oil works by stimulating blood circulation to different parts of the body, including the surface of the skin thereby preventing the occurrence of wrinkles. Frankincense oil also has the potential to boost skin regeneration.
The essential oil’s ability to improve the skin’s natural defense mechanism is critical in fighting harmful bacteria that collates in the outer body. According to the NCBI database, the essential oil is also effective in aromatherapy as it has been found useful in fighting psoriasis, ulcers, colds, fungal infections and age spots.
Instructions for Use
- Mix the essential oil with suitable carrier oil such as almond oil.
- Apply the mixed blend gently on your face and other parts of the body.
Additional instructions
- Besides the topical application, frankincense can be inhaled using a sanctioned vaporizer or aromatherapy diffuser.
3. Carrot Seed Essential Oil
Carrot seed oil (Daucus carota) can repair damaged skin caused by aging, infection and sunburn. The extraordinary levels of antioxidants in carrot seed oil make it highly ideal in promoting the growth of new skin cells and curtailing the effects of oxidative stress.
The potent antioxidants include beta-carotene and lycopene. Carrot oil’s ability to offer protection against the sun makes it a popular ingredient in cosmetic emulsion products targeted at protecting the skin against dryness, UV damage and pollution. A 2012 study published in NCBI carefully analyzes the anti-oxidative effects of Carrot seed oil.
Instructions for Use
- Dilute the essential oil with preferred carrier oil such as jojoba oil and almond oil to minimize photosensitivity and the effects of inflammation.
Additional instructions
- To achieve more effective results, apply the Carrot seed oil on your face and stay indoors, away from the glare of the sun.
4. Geranium Essential Oil
This essential oil is obtained from a hairy shrub called Geranium (Pelargonium odoratissimum) that grows to about one meter high. The plant is native to South Africa, North Africa and Central Europe. The chemical constituents in this natural perfume include geranic, sabinene, eugenol and terpinol. Geranium oil has robust moisturizing attributes that help promote blood flow and new skin cell reproduction.
These effects can prevent wrinkle induced skin thinning. According to the NCBI database, Geranium is also effective in the treatment of acne, thanks to its skin cell renewal and moisturizing ability. The anti-inflammatory properties of Geranium have also been found useful in the treatment of bronchitis and sinusitis.
Instructions for Use
- Mix 5 drops of Geranium oil with 1 tablespoon of coconut oil or other preferred carrier oil blend.
- Massage or mask the oil gently around the eyes, neck and other facial features.
Additional instructions
- For effective outcome, make the blend a part of your regular facial health regimen.
- Geranium can also be used as flavoring in alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages.
5. Ylang Ylang Essential Oil
The Yling Ylang (Cananga odorata) is a popular ingredient in several over the counter skin cosmetics, lotions and creams. The chemical constituents found in this small tree include farnesene, linalool, benzyl acetate and eugenol. Studies show that Yling Ylang can hasten the skin regeneration process, thereby preventing thinning, which causes the skin to lose its elasticity and sag.
The antioxidants contained in Yling Ylang possess aggressive, free radical foraging properties that promote skin regeneration while fending off the harmful effects. Yling Ylang is also effective in the treatment of eczema, acne and dermatitis.
Instructions for Use
- Add 5 to 10 drops of Yling Ylang on your regular facial cream or lotion to augment the healing attributes.
Additional instructions
- Yling Yling should always be blended before use to achieve optimal results.
- The aphrodisiac properties of Yling Ylang mean it can be used by people with dry and oily skin.
6. Sandalwood Essential Oil
Sandalwood (Santalum album) has long been used in the ancient Ayurveda homeopathic practice because of its poignant healing properties. Topical, antioxidant rich sandalwood oil has an inbuilt ability to stimulate the growth hormones found in the skin cells. One of the powerful antioxidants in sandalwood is sesquiterpenes.
The antioxidant plays an active role in replacing dead skin cells with healthy, glowing cells. The rejuvenation action is critical in reducing the effects of wrinkles while ensuring the skin stays strong and healthy. Clinical tests indicate that Sandalwood is also effective in the treatment of eczema, psoriasis, warts and acne.
Instructions for Use
- Apply a few drops of sandalwood essential oil on your face to eliminate signs of skin sagging and wrinkles.
7. Neroli Touch Essential Oil
Neroli oil (Citrus uranium) is obtained from var. Amara L., an expensive bitter lemon. This topical essential oil contains a host of antiseptic, antimicrobial, sedative, antidepressant and anti-inflammatory compounds.
The oil is also widely desired because of its non-sensitizing, non-irritating and non-phototoxic chemical attributes. The potent terpenoid compounds in Neroli include limonene, linalyl acetate and nerol. The presence of these compounds helps enhance the health of the skin and body.
Today, the fine fragrance produced by the oil is among the most sought ingredients in the production of soaps and perfumes. The presence of vitamin C in Neroli plays a critical role in boosting the production of collagen.
The protein is abundant in connective tissues and helps enhance skin elasticity, which tapers the development of wrinkles. Research published by the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health indicates that Neroli is also useful in the treatment of an array of fungal infections, including athlete’s foot.
Instructions for Use
- Add 4 to 5 drops of the essential oil to your favorite skin lotion or cream and apply gently.
Additional instructions
- Adding Neroli on skin lotions helps enhance moisturing properties of skin products and provides the much needed antioxidant support that helps enhance the facial skin glow.
8. Immortelle Essential Oil
Immortelle (Helichrysum italicum) is a popular aromatic flower with active ingredients for promoting cell renewal. The antioxidants in the topical Helichrysum oil are quick acting when it comes to eliminating oxidative stress on the skin and face. The antioxidants include limonene, alpha-pinene and linalool.
These antioxidants also play a principal role in preventing the destruction of healthy skin cells. According to NCBI, Immortelle is also effective in the treatment of acne, damaged skin and athlete’s foot. The anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties of Helichrysum are being studied to determine the hidden benefits and safety.
Instructions for Use
- Mix your Helichrysum oil with a coconut oil carrier.
- Apply gently over the face
- Alternative, add a few drops of the oil on your favorite cosmetic oil and apply on your face.
How to use essential oils
Essential oils are generally safe to use because most produce little or no adverse effects to warrant serious counter measures. The essential oils used for curative purposes offer various pharmacological actions that help in the treatment and management of common health conditions such as mental exhaustion, pain, anxiety, insomnia and skin issues.
The skin conditions include sores, dermatitis and wrinkles. In spite of the many benefits, extra precaution should be taken to ensure overall safety. According to Medical News Today, when using the essential oil to prevent or manage wrinkle, you need to observe the following precautions:
- Concentrated essential oils may be toxic and may expose the user to volatile compounds. For this reason, appropriate measures should be taken to dilute the oil with suitable carrier oils.
- The essential oils can be blended with a crop of universally mild carrier oils. The most common include apricot oil, jojoba oil, grape seed oil, avocado oil, argan oil, almond oil and coconut oil.
- Essential oils used for topical applications such as the treatment of wrinkles should not be used consumed. The oils should be applied in a responsible manner.
- If you have sensitive skin, add 3 to 6 drops of the essential oil for every ounce of carrier oil used to reduce wrinkles. For normal skin, add 6 to 15 drops of the essential oil for every ounce of carrier oil used.
- You can test the effects of the essential oil by applying small amounts of the oil on a patch of skin and observe the effects. If skin irritation occurs after 24 hours, avoid using the essential oil as it may cause allergy and other undesirable effects. Essential oils with phenols and aldehydes can cause skin irritation and unappeasably affect the eyes and mucous membrane. Studies also show that essential oils with furocoumarins can cause photo toxicity.
- Some of the potential risks to expect when using essential oils include itchiness, rashes, runny nose, hives, sneezing and redness of skin. In severe cases, users may experience anaphylaxis. If you experience breathing difficulties and other serious outcomes, contact your doctor immediately for quick medical attention.
- The FDA does not regulate the use and sale of essential oils. For this reason, always buy your products from a trusted source.
- Before incorporating essential oils in your anti-aging skin treatment, talk to your dermatologist or pharmacist familiar with the oils to avoid the adverse effects and get helpful usage instructions and insights.
