For centuries, essential oils have been widely used in natural health practices and beauty rituals all around the world. For sensitive skin types, finding the right skincare products isn’t always the easiest task.
Essential oils are best known for their dynamic range of healing properties, which have the ability to support better skin health while promoting a greater sense of overall well~being. For all skin types, it’s important to practice safe dilution and to always read the label so you can follow the right precautions.
Looking for a natural remedy to treat sensitive skin? The best essential oils for sensitive skin are soothing and they also contain anti-inflammatory properties that can be useful for improving other common skin problems. Here’s some useful information to help you choose the best essential oils for sensitive skin!
What to Look for in Essential Oils for Sensitive Skin
High-quality oils from a reputable source
Before making your purchasing decision, there are two very important things that you must consider: The quality of the oil and the source. Only buy essential oils that are of high quality and from a reputable source! We love Rocky Mountain Oils – find out why.
Learn to spot the difference between essential oils and fragrance oils. Fragrance oils are synthetic and diluted with artificial ingredients. On the other hand, essential oils are highly concentrated and they share the same beneficial qualities as the plant they’re extracted from.
Calming and Soothing Properties
Everyone’s skin reacts differently but sensitive skin types can benefit the most from essential oils that contain calming or soothing properties. They work great for helping you achieve healthy glowing skin without irritating skin or aggravating existing problems. The best essential oils for sensitive skin may provide anti-aging benefits, along with having the ability to nourish dry skin, and soothe redness or irritation.
What Essential Oils to Avoid
Highly Acidic Oils
Highly acidic oils are never a good idea – for all skin types. If you have sensitive skin, you definitely need to stay away from highly acidic oils like lemon and lemongrass. Other citrus oils to steer clear of? Lime, mandarin, grapefruit, tangerine, and bergamot.
Mint Oils
Mint oils can be super harsh for all skin types! These oils are extremely potent and fragrant, which means that they have the potential to cause allergic skin reactions or other forms of irritation in skin.
How to use Essential Oils Safely
Although essential oils are best known for their dynamic range of natural healing properties, keep in mind that they’re also chemically active and these substances can be incredibly harsh on skin!
It’s always a good idea to check in with an expert or medical professional before using essential oils. As mentioned, essential oils are highly concentrated. For this reason, you should never apply them directly onto skin. Before topical use, always dilute an essential oil in a carrier oil like coconut, argan, sweet almond, or jojoba oil.
Always administer a patch test! This is the best way to figure out how your skin reacts, and if it could cause any sort of irritation or allergic reactions. Avoid contact with the eyes and make sure you read the label carefully so you can follow all necessary precautions. Lastly, make sure that you’re using a high-quality oil from a trustworthy source.
Best Essential Oils for Sensitive Skin
Chamomile
Chamomile tea is best known for relaxation. Chamomile works wonders for calming nerves and easing the mind – all of which, are particularly beneficial when it comes to reducing anxiety and improving sleep.
Its calming effect also extends to its wide range of beauty benefits. Chamomile essential oil is great for soothing redness or irritation in the skin, especially for sensitive skin types. It also contains anti-inflammatory properties, which is helpful for treating common skin problems associated with conditions like dermatitis, acne, or eczema.
Benefits of chamomile essential oil:
- Helps calm nerves and reduce anxiety
- Anti-inflammatory
- Soothes redness or irritation
- Calming effect is beneficial for dry skin and acne
Geranium
Let’s clear things up first. Geranium essential oil and rose geranium essential oil are extracted from the same plant species so their properties are pretty much the same. But as the name suggests, rose geranium essential oil has a stronger rose scent. In aromatherapy, geranium essential oil has a calming effect that’s effective for reducing anxiety.
In skincare, geranium oil contains powerful anti-inflammatory properties that can help soothe skin irritation or even breakouts. It also contains natural antiseptic, antimicrobial, and antibacterial qualities that promote healing in the skin. It’s suggested that geranium oil can encourage the healing of scars, reduce excess oil production, and improve an uneven skin tone.
Benefits of geranium essential oil:
- Anti-inflammatory properties
- Soothes irritation and encourages healing
- Improves uneven skin tone
- Restores balance to oil production
Lavender
Lavender essential oil is known for its versatility – and of course, the lovely floral scent that’s unmistakable. Lavender oil is jam-packed with antioxidants, which is essential for maintaining youthful-looking skin. Antioxidants have an anti-aging effect on skin, and they protect cells from the damage caused by free radicals. Other suggested beauty benefits include reducing redness, and improving skin discoloration in the form of dark spots or hyperpigmentation.
Benefits of lavender essential oil:
- Anti-inflammatory
- Antibacterial – can help reduce blemishes
- Restores balance to skin’s moisture barrier
- Full of antioxidants
Rosemary
Rosemary essential oil is popular for reducing fatigue and enhancing mental clarity. In skincare, rosemary oil contains strong anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties that can help purify skin and encourage healing. Rosemary oil is also believed to restore balance to oil production and promote circulation – both of which, are helpful for achieving healthy skin.
Benefits of rosemary essential oil:
- Anti-inflammatory
- Encourages healing in skin
- Purifies skin and promotes circulation
- Restores balance to oil production
Conclusion
When it comes to achieving optimal skin health, it’s not always about spending a fortune on the latest and greatest skincare products. If you have sensitive skin, it’s never a bad idea to learn more about basic or natural skin-supporting ingredients (like essential oils) that have the ability to promote healing or soothe skin. But of course, essential oils are highly concentrated substances and you need to make sure you’re following all the right precautions before introducing them into your skincare routine!
We always love hearing from you! What are your favorite essential oils for treating sensitive skin? Let us know in the comments below if you have any tips or recommendations to share – and of course, if you have any questions.
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