Did you know your largest organ is your skin? Our skin protects us against environmental threats such as toxins and sun damage. I have to be honest here...I have always had a pretty simple skin care routine. So simple, in fact, that washing my face in the morning was, well, secondary. That was until I read Girl, Wash Your Face by Rachel Hollis where I learned that even that basic action could make a huge impact. I am digressing a bit, but the point I’m trying to make is that there are simple and easy ways to care for your skin. And doing so will provide added benefits of feeling better about yourself and life. Essential oils can be multi-tasking powerhouses supporting a wonderful and healthy way of life.
To understand why skin care is so important, it is helpful to understand exactly what our skin does for us. This miracle protector boasts about 300 million skin cells. Our skin is constantly rejuvenating itself by shedding dead skin cells and making healthy new ones. This is why it’s so important for us to support our skin with healthy routines. One of the easiest ways to do this is using essential oils. The best part? You don’t have to spend a fortune caring for your skin, even if you choose to do so naturally. Certified Therapeutic Grade essential oils are safe for topical use on your skin, which is just one way you can use them for maximum benefits!* Now let’s focus on three main areas where these oils and a healthy routine can come in handy.
Cleanse Your Skin
Washing your face is essential to keeping it healthy and free of toxins and threats. One wonderful oil for your skin is melaleuca oil, popularly known as tea tree oil. Its purifying qualities aid this oil in being a wonderful cleanser for your skin. You can add 1-2 drops to your regular face wash or moisturizer to help purify and support healthy skin.
Another wonderful way to support your skin is by adding 1-2 drops to your favorite body wash. If you are feeling daring, you can also make your own body wash using this wonderful oil. The main takeaway here is to keep your skin nice and clean so that those harsh environmental toxins can’t get into your body. A wonderful bonus is that by using a plant-based skin care regimen, you are providing your entire body with the love and support it needs.
Pro Tip: Washing your face everyday will not only help your skin, but will also give you a refreshing emotional boost.
Hydrate Your Skin
Just like with your body, your skin needs to stay moisturized and well-nourished. Two great oils for this task are Clary Sage and YarrowPom oils. Clary Sage dates all the way back to the Middle Ages and its soothing properties help rejuvenate the skin. YarrowPom is a blend of yarrow essential oil and pomegranate seed oil. Remember when pomegranate was all the rage? Well...it still is! This dynamic duo activates proteins that protect your skin, making it a true powerhouse in supporting aging skin cells. A great way to use this blend is to dilute 1-2 drops with some fractionated coconut oil and massage into skin after a shower or bath. It helps support skin hydration and will make you feel like the true diva you are!
Pro Tip: Experiment with different oils and then alternate every few weeks to keep your skin fresh and maximize the benefits of the different oils.
Support Your Skin
There are several ways you can work on supporting your skin. In addition to lifestyle changes, such as drinking enough water there are a few other ways to really support your skin in a natural and effective way.
Anti-WHAT?
Your skin needs antioxidants to help protect it against damage from free radicals and other threats. Many Certified Therapeutic Grade Essential oils provide antioxidant support. One example of this oil is Oregano oil. This oil is considered a “hot” oil so it is highly recommended that you dilute this oil in a carrier oil before topical use. You can use 1-2 drops in food recipes or apply diluted oil to the bottoms of your feet. You can also apply diluted to skin irritations. Ylang Ylang oil is another that provides antioxidant support. Massage 1-2 drops into your skin twice per day.
Pro Tip: Add 1-3 drops of citrus oils (lemon, lime, orange, bergamot) into your water throughout the day for maximum skin hydration.
Supplement Savvy
Don’t overlook certified therapeutic grade supplements for skin support and health. These, along with consistently applying the oils, can help you to truly enjoy the outdoors and keep your skin feeling healthy. For example, if you find you have spent too much time in the sun and need some help, you can help relieve skin irritations with soothing Lavender oil or the Purify Blend oil blend. These can be applied directly to your skin. Both of these oils can also be used to help soothe irritations from bug bites or stings. Patchouli oil is another great one. This oil helps reduce the appearance of blemishes on your skin. The bottom line here is that adding certified therapeutic grade supplements to your skin care routine will only deepen the support you are providing your skin with oils and lifestyle changes.
Pro Tip: As you use different supplements and oils, keep a journal of how each one made you feel and impacted your day.
Stay Well-Oiled
A couple more essential oils for skin health and care include Ylang Ylang and Frankincense oils. Ylang Ylang oil is another one that has been around for centuries and used to promote the appearance of healthy skin and hair. A bonus point for this oil is that it also may have a calming effect on your mood! Frankincense helps to promote cellular health and support. When our cellular health is optimal, our cells can do an even better job at performing all of the necessary functions to help our bodies run like well-oiled machines! We look healthier and feel our very best.
Pro Tip: Keep your oils with you everywhere you go! They are small enough to stash in your bag or purse. You can even take them on the plane since they are within the size regulations required by the TSA! And we all know how dry airplanes make our skin.
Check out The Herbal Cabinet Facebook Page for more helpful tips on how to use essential oils to support your health and wellness goals. You can also schedule a time to learn more about how to optimize your skin care routine using essential oils.
*You may need to dilute some essential oils with a carrier oil such as fractionated coconut oil to prevent skin sensitivity or irritation.
Featured Writer,
Lynne DeAmelio-Rafferty M.S., M.Ed
