Top Essential Oils For Every Skin Type

Today more and more people are incorporating essential oils in their skincare routines — and with good reason. Derived from nature and coming with many cleansing, revitalizing, and soothing benefits, they are a great choice and cleaner alternative to many other skincare products on the shelf. From oily skin to dry skin, essential oils can help alleviate a range of ailments. Read on to discover which essential oils are best for your skin type.

How to Use Essential Oils on Skin

Before we dive into the types of essential oils that can benefit your skin, it’s important to understand how to use them topically.

• First and foremost you should never apply essential oils directly to skin. Essential oils need to be added to a carrier oil or an unscented moisturizer before applying to skin to prevent irritation. 
• As a rule of thumb, add 1-3 drops of any essential oil per teaspoon of carrier oil or unscented cream if using on your face. Or 3 to 6 drops per 1 tablespoon of carrier oil if using on your body. Essential oils can also be added to baths to soothe skin. Be sure to blend with bath salts or 1 teaspoon of honey before adding to the bath water to prevent irritation.
• It’s best to patch test the blend on a small area on your skin and wait 24 hours before applying it everywhere. 
• Prior to using any essential oils, be sure to consult your dermatologist. 

Essential Oils for Every Skin Type

Best Essential Oils for Oily Skin

Oily skin is caused by the skin producing too much oil, and can make skin appear shiny, clog pores, and trigger breakouts. If you have oily skin, we recommend using the following essential oils:

 Frankincense: Used for centuries as a wound healer, frankincense is derived from the resin or sap of the boswellia tree. Research has shown that frankincense essential oil has anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties, along with the ability to promote tissue regeneration and balance oil levels. 

Rosemary: You’ve probably heard of using rosemary in the kitchen, but one a place you may not have encountered it is on the beauty scene. Rosemary essential oil works wonders when it comes to combating oily skin. It’s cleansing capabilities help to keep skin fresh and prevent breakouts.

Pair with: Jojoba oil 

Best Essential Oils for Dry Skin

If you have dry skin, you’ve probably experienced chapping and itchiness. Dry skin can be caused by a range of factors from cold weather to an overuse of astringent skincare products. Luckily, there are essential oils that can help nourish and soothe dry skin, including:

Ylang ylang: Derived from the tropical canaga tree that is native to the  Philippines, ylang ylang essential oil has a sweet, flowery aroma. Its sweetest is  matched in its ability to soothe and restore dry skin. Similar to frankincense, it  can also help support the skin’s natural ability to regenerate, promoting a more  vibrant appearance.

Geranium: A great essential oil for balancing out and calming dry skin, geranium essential oil is steam distilled from the flowers, leaves, and stems of the geranium plant. It has a delicate, floral aroma and can be used daily when combined with a carrier oil to moisturize skin. 

Pair with: Tamanu oil

Best Essential Oils for Acne-prone Skin

Similar to oily skin, acne-prone skin is caused by the skin producing too much oil. When your pores are blocked by excessive oil and dirt and grime it leads to inflammation and blemishes. There are many essential oils that can help support clear skin, but here are two of our favorites:

Tea tree: Probably one of the most well-known essential oils for treating acne, tea tree essential oil is naturally antibacterial and anti inflammatory. It works to keep skin clean and clear, while evening skin tone. For best results, it’s recommended to use it everyday until your skin clears.

Palmarosa: A mainstay in ayurvedic medicine for centuries, palmarosa essential oil is part of the lemongrass family. It has a soft, rosy and citrusy scent, and is a powerhouse when it comes to maintaining your skin’s oil levels and preventing acne due to its antibacterial properties.

Pair with: Rosehip oil

Best Essential Oils for Sensitive Skin

Those with sensitive skin usually have to steer clear of the majority of traditional skin care products due to harsh chemicals. Thankfully there are numerous essential oils that are both gentle and effective on sensitive skin. If you have sensitive skin we recommend avoiding essential oils that are spicy or acidic, such as cinnamon, peppermint, and lemon. Instead opt for soothing varieties, including:

Lavender: Lavender essential oil is best known for its calming and relaxing properties in aromatherapy, however these benefits extend to skincare, too. Whether you have red spots or itchiness, the soothing nature of lavender essential oil can provide some much-needed relief.

Cedarwood: Extracted from the wood of the cedar tree, cedar wood essential oil has a beautiful woodsy aroma. Thanks to its naturally occurring anti inflammatory properties it’s great at soothing irritated skin. 

Pair with: Jojoba oil 

Best Essential Oils for Mature Skin

Fine lines, wrinkles, and dryness can all come with age. Essential oils can restore moisture and vibrancy for glowing, youthful-looking skin. Here are some of our favorite picks for mature skin:

Geranium: Beloved by ancient Egyptians, geranium oil comes from the geranium plant, a perennial shrub with colorful flowers. While geranium essential oil is great for all skin types, it’s especially beneficial for mature skin since it’s calming and balances skin tone and vibrancy. 

Patchouli: extracted from the patchouli plant, a bushy herb that is part of the mint family, patchouli essential oil tightens and tones skin, promoting a smooth and glowing complexion. Additionally, it may improve the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines.

Pair with: Argan oil

Ready to start incorporating essential oils into your skincare routine? Try using one or all of the recommendations we shared based on your skin type. When searching for essential oils be sure they are organic and come from a trusted source. Cliganic products are cruelty-free and are made from natural, pure and preferably organic ingredients. To learn more about how essential oils can benefit your body, beyond skincare, take a look at this article: 7 Ways Diffusing Essential Oils Can Improve Your Wellbeing.