As we grow, our body experiences several changes. These changes are really what transition us to adults. Skin is the most exposed organ of our body and goes through a lot, which is shown in fine lines, wrinkles, hyperpigmentation, and dullness.
The world of aesthetic medicine has advanced to a great extent in skin rejuvenation. Nowadays, there are methods to help you attain beautiful, healthy, wrinkle-free skin such as lasers, lotions and lights. Perhaps you are not keen on going to the doctor for your skin, whether it is because of stories you have heard online or from friends, or because you like doing things the natural way. Perhaps you just like having fun with do-it-yourself, experimental and natural.
As medical professionals, we are not entirely convinced that essential oils applied alone can eliminate or even reduce wrinkles, but we did some research into what's out there. So here is our little guide to help you try to experiment with achieving a level of youthful-looking skin with essential oils. Let's dive right in!
What are Essential Oils?
Plants have been used for decades for cosmetic benefits. Their uses are diverse; from attaining food to medicine. Essential oils are obtained from plants. Essential oils, commonly called volatile liquids, are extracted from parts of the plants such as leaves, stems, flowers, seeds, and even roots. These essential oils are manufactured by the plants, and they serve as their immune system and fragrance-givers. Plants go through several processes before these oils are obtained.
Essential oils obtained from chemical procedures at factories are less pure and apparently do not provide effective benefits. This is why those who take their oils seriously take the trouble to know how they are extracted and obtained before they buy an essential oil. These oils possess a powerful fragrance as they are enriched with active substances. The fragrance of the oil depends on the plant they are extracted from.
How are they Extracted?
There are various ways to extract essential oils. The manufacturing method is said to dictate the quality of the oil. This is why it is considered essential to opt for an oil that is extracted in the best way. The following are some of the most popular ways of extracting these oils:
Distillation
Steam or water distillation is the most popular and widely used method. In this method, the plant is passed through hot boiling steam or water, which ultimately causes the cellular components of the plant to break down. Later on, the oils are carefully extracted and placed in a container. During distillation, it is important to keep the temperature optimum.
Cold Pressing
This method involves mechanical work as the plant is gently pressed or squeezed, which causes the release of essential oils. This method is usually applied to seeds as they are covered with a very hard coat. After the extraction, the oil is filtered to eliminate extra pulp and coat fragments. This method has been in use for decades, but now the procedure is well executed with machinery.
When the extraction is done, the extracted ingredients are then mixed with a complementary oil, which serves as a carrier to give them a liquid nature. This mixing reduces the oil's purity, and now they are given the term of "mixtures."
Are they Effective for Skin Care?
Since these oils are all natural, some people prefer using them to cosmetic products. Essential oils are said to be beneficial in several ways. They are often used for cosmetology purposes and can be found in skincare products as well as perfumes, body creams and body washes. If you are suffering rough textured skin, essential oil advocates would suggest some oils for you. Here is a list of benefits essential oils are said to include:
Reduce Wrinkles And Fine Lines
As we age, our skin suffers from a list of changes. Essential oils are said to be beneficial for people with scars, wrinkles, and fine lines as the natural ingredients present in the oil penetrate the skin tissues and soothe the surface.
Essential oils are said to have aromatic and antiseptic properties; this is why they are considered by some to be good for reducing signs of aging. If you want smooth, healthy skin, your essential oil advocate friend would point to these oils to help you.
Soothes Skin Texture
Many environmental and lifestyle factors make our skin's texture rough and uneven. But for those who believe in essential oils, help is at hand. Essential oils like Lemon and Bergamot are said to be beneficial for achieving smooth, bright skin.
Reduces Skin Irritation
Essential oils are said to possess anti-inflammatory properties. The oils' natural active ingredients are said to help irritated, itchy skin. The oil adds nourishment and hydration to the skin. Some even claim they reduce acne and scarring by controlling sebum production.
The essential oil advocates say that the great thing about essential oils is their diverse range. They believe that oils are available for every kind of skin, even sensitive skin, making them popular.
10 Best Essential Oils for Wrinkles
Wrinkles are the natural indicators of aging. But sometimes wrinkles start appearing early due to stress and other environmental factors. The essential oil advocates claim that these oils are effective for reducing these wrinkles.
Here are the top 10 most popular essential oils that are said to work for people with wrinkled skin. Let’s have a look.
Lemon Oil
Lemon is a well-known citrus fruit that is richly filled with Vitamin C. They are not only good for the body’s immune system but beneficial for the skin as well. Lemon and other citrus fruits serve great benefits for people with wrinkles and aged skin. Many studies have concluded that lemons are helpful in eliminating wrinkles caused by oxidation.
Some other benefits of Lemon oil are:
Reduces acne-scarring
Adds glow
Helps to treat acne
After application, it is important to avoid going out under the Sun as citrus fruits make the skin more sensitive towards sunlight. The best time to apply this oil is said to be before going to sleep. In Kin Mun Clinic, citric acid, found in lemons, is an ingredient in this anti-acne body spray.
Pomegranate Oil
Pomegranate seed oil is a favorite for anti-aging. The oil is rich in antioxidants which promote blood flow and reduce inflammation. Besides this, pomegranate seed oil contains a generous quantity of folic acid, which is an antidote for dry skin. Folic acid adds hydration and nourishment to the skin.
A study conducted in 2014 concluded that pomegranate seed oil helps reduce wrinkles caused due to oxidative stress. Other potential benefits of this oil:
Diminishes sun-spots
Limits the growth of cancerous cells
Reduces Inflammation
Pomegranate Seed Oil is one of the oils present in this Moisturising Sunscreen and this Antioxidant-Rich Cleanser.
Sandalwood Oil
Sandalwood oil's benefits are said to be numerous for the skin. Apparently, sandalwood was used even in ancient times, for skin ailments like acne and psoriasis. The oil is well known for its sweet and earthy fragrance. The oil offers anti-inflammatory properties and is said to be good for reducing wrinkles, dark spots, and dark circles.
The oil also adds hydration and moisture to the skin. The other potential benefits of this oil:
Removes dead skin cells
Treats several skin ailments
Reduces dryness
Clary Sage Oil
Clary sage is a sweet-smelling essential oil known for its antioxidant effects. It is said to be a great choice for reversing aging, to reduce wrinkles and fine lines. When used with a good quality moisturizer, the oil is said to work well to reduce fine lines.
The other benefits apparently offered by this oil are:
Helps tighten pores
Makes the skin firmer
Prevents DNA and protein damage
Rosemary Oil
Rosemary is said to be the queen of essential oils, known for several effective benefits. The oil is said to possess antibacterial properties and helps reduce skin inflammation and wrinkles. Rosemary oil is said to help promote blood flow and gives the skin a glow.
The beautiful blend of natural ingredients gives the oil a sweet fragrance. Other supposed benefits of this oil are:
Improves skin’s elasticity
Skin tightening
Makes skin tissues firmer
Lavender Oil
Lavender oil is loaded with antioxidants which help eliminate wrinkles from the skin. The oil is derived from the lavender plant and has been known for its anti-inflammatory properties too. A few drops of the oil twice a day are said to be great for having tight smooth skin.
An important thing to be aware of is that most people are allergic to lavender; this is why an allergy check should always be done prior to use. Some other purported benefits are:
Skin tightening
Treats acne
Helps soothe inflammation
Frankincense Oil
Frankincense is said to be a champ when it comes to treating wrinkles. The oil contains TGF-B that is apparently quite useful in reducing wrinkles and other signs of aging. The oil has been in use since ancient times for the treatment of several skin problems like eczema etc.
A few drops of the oil twice a day are said to be effective in attaining beautiful, healthy skin. Other reported benefits of this oil are:
Wound-healing
Clears sun-spots
Improves skin tone
Jojoba Oil
Jojoba oil enriched with vitamin E, B, and zinc is extracted from the Jojoba plant. The Jojoba plant is found in Southern California. The seeds of this oil have been used for decades and are quite useful. As for the oil, it is said to be helpful for reducing wrinkles around the eyes and other regions of the face. Other potential benefits of jojoba oil are:
Increases collagen production
Treat inflammation
Treats skin lesions
In my practice, jojoba oil is one of the ingredients in this luxurious anti-hairloss conditioner.
Avocado Oil
Avocado oil is said to be a game-changer for people suffering from wrinkles, scarring, and fine lines. The oil is rich in antioxidants that enhance collagen production and improve skin texture by reducing wrinkles. The oil is loaded with vitamin A and omega fats, which nourish the skin. Other benefits apparently offered by the oil are:
Reduces irritation
A good moisturizer
Increases collagen production
Argan Oil
Argan oil extracted from Argan trees is said to be great for eliminating wrinkles. The oil is apparently best for anti-aging. A few drops of the oil for weeks will purportedlyl improve the skin texture significantly. Other amazing benefits provided by the oil are:
Protection against sun damage
Moisturizes skin
Treats other skin problems
How to Apply Essential Oil?
Each individual has a unique skin texture. But due to the great variety of them, there are different essential oils for different skin textures.
The National Association for Holistic Aromatherapy has conducted research and concluded the following recommendations;
Sensitive Skin: People with sensitive skin have to be very careful when it comes to putting anything on their faces. Normally, 3-6 drops of essential oil are enough for them to treat their wrinkles.
Normal Skin: As for people with normal skin, 6-15 drops are said to be sufficient for the oil to start its magic.
Whatever your skin texture, it is critical to test the oil first for 24 hours on your hand prior to use. If you feel any sort of irritation, do not use the oil any further and consult a dermatologist to get a recommendation. If you don’t experience any irritation, you are free to continue using these oils.
Conclusion
Essential oils have been in use for decades, and are still popular. Many people like them as they are natural and organic. Filling our lives with fragrance gives joy and pleasure.
From a scientific point of view, essential oils used alone have quite a way to go in studies, research and development for anti-aging purposes and to eliminate wrinkles. You should tamper your expectations for what to expect if you use them on their own.
To get the best of both worlds, you can use for clinically-proven anti-aging ingredients in combination with these oils into your skincare products. For instance, as mentioned, Pomegranate Seed Oil is present in this Antioxidant-Rich Cleanser.
Whether used alone or in combination, what is clear is that essential oils are here to stay.