When I first started to detox
many of my beauty and anti-aging products I remember thinking to myself..”well guess I just won’t age as gracefully but at least may be I won’t get cancer from all these toxic chemicals.” I am in my 30s so I am not quite ready for some of the more aggressive options but I definitely want to be doing something that is preventive and promotes a slowing down of the aging process! On my journey to a healthier, toxin free lifestyle I have often assumed I have to sacrifice one thing for another…you gotta give up something to get something right? But really I have found nature often provides many of the natural benefits we want minus all the synthetic ingredients infiltrating our culture today. As I dove further into my research of essential oils I was pleasantly surprised to find there are actually many, many natural oil regimens that are fantastic to promote healthy skin and combat the inevitable effects of the breakdown of our DNA…aging.
My initial discovery about how essential oils could combat undesirable skin issues actually arose with a friend whose daughter was suffering from a common contagious skin virus that caused skin eruptions. I found a research study using melaleuca (tea tree oil) and iodine and directed her to it. It worked. I was pleasantly shocked as a medical provider that a natural alternative worked.
Next up was research on the BEST essential oils to prevent those unwanted skin changes and promote healthy skin elasticity, collagen stimulation and promote moisture retention which are all the things that help our skin to remain youthful looking! But I also wanted something that would offer a solution to our common skin problems.
In an effort to age as gently as possible and keep my skin looking great, here are the six essential oils my research has revealed that are great additions to a non-toxic beauty regimen to keep your skin looking amazing! You always want to dilute essential oils in a carrier oil and Jojoba oil is a great option for the skin because it has a ton of nourishing qualities and is non-comedogenic. I love to make my own but doTERRA also has an amazing serum made of only oils called the Verage serum. And remember not all essential oils are created equal. You will want to make sure they are therapeutic quality. Another great way to use these oils is to add a drop or two of the ones that meet your needs to your preferred non-toxic facial or skin lotion.
Lavender Essential Oil
Lavender is well known for it healing properties and exhibits antibacterial properties is well. Some research suggests that lavender helps with free radical scavenging by exhibiting antioxidant properties. We have so many free radicals in our environment today and this contributes greatly to the aging process. It helps that it smells amazing too!
Frankincense Essential Oil
A highly prized oil that is very diverse in chemistry Frankincense comes from the resin of a tree and has been used for centuries for it’s healing properties. It is actually great at reducing the appearance of aging spots or discolorations in the skin. It also has astringent properties which can help smooth and tighten skin.
Helichrysum Essential Oil
An amazing oil from a flower that boast anti-inflammatory properties, antioxidant effects and skin healing benefits. It is well known for its positive benefits in healing the skin and helping soothe inflammation in the skin.
Geranium Essential Oil
A top pick for skin that is oily in nature and needs help in soothing inflammation. Geranium oil comes from a flower and has incredible antioxidant and antimicrobial properties which keep unnecessary skin eruptions and blemishes at bay (which is so important because over time these eruptions cause scarring of the skin) and can reduce the redness and inflammation associated with those eruptions.
Rose Essential Oil
Typically if you get the good stuff it is quite expensive and difficult to obtain. But it is a powerhouse of antimicrobial qualities which is amazing for those occasional skin issues that arise. It has also been found to promote permeability of the skin meaning it helps the skin absorb more nutrients that are applied to the skin. This can be a harmful to skin if use along with toxic chemicals because we don’t want to promote absorption of those ingredients.
Tea Tree Essential Oil
This oil, also known as melaleuca oil, and is highly prized for it’s antibacterial and anti-fungal properties. Many studies support use of this essential oil for blemishes or imperfections in the skin. And the good news is it doesn’t have any toxic chemicals that many products used to treat blemishes do!! And the best part…IT WORKS to help create that clear, smooth skin we all want!
Who says living a natural lifestyle means I have to sacrifice my beauty? Not this lady!
Contributor - Eliza Bacot
Hover Box Element
Eliza Bacot, RN, NP’s journey of understanding, research, practice and change has led to reaching a greater state of wellness which she shares here! Take care of the one and only body you have been given. Subscribe to The Organic South blog to learn to live in true wellness related to food, reduction of toxic load, essential oils and lifestyle.
If you are looking for more information about essential oils, you are at the right place. The right essential oils can have enormous impact on your health and overall wellbeing. My medical background, love of science, extensive research and personal use led me to gaining a deep knowledge and understanding of how essential oils work.
Shop all Essential Oils
Shop all Essential Oils
Essential oils are the aromatic compounds in seeds, stems, flowers, and other parts of plants. They are what make one plant smell different from another — a rose from lavender, for example. Human beings have used the healing and medicinal powers of essential oils for thousands of years to treat everything from stress to sleep issues to the common cold. These oils can bolster our immune systems, ward off unwanted microbes in the air, and even help support our bodies through major illnesses and chronic conditions. They can also be used as alternative skincare products to keep the skin vibrant and clear and as non-toxic household cleaning solutions.