Your skin is your biggest organ of your body and your first layer of defence against invading pathogens. Whatever you put onto your skin, absorbs into your skin- and into your bloodstream. Therefore it's very important that you knowingly decide what you put onto your skin- both to support your skin and your whole body, but also be wary of things you should not put on your skin.
I started to use essential oils on my face around year and a half ago. Around that time I also stopped using make-up on a daily basis. I still use mascara here and there, a blush and a moisturising lip-gloss- but all from mineral cosmetics to reduce burden on skin and liver. I also stopped using daily facial creams, and now only use very basic all-natural creams when the weather is cold or skin needs protection from the sun. I love what the essential oils have done to the skin (in combination of consuming non-inflammatory diet). It's soft and subtle. I do have some age-spots, but I am in the process of finding out whether a particular essential oil helps with them. Will let you know.
I pick my essential oils for skin depending on my mood. They all have different ways they support the skin and help with different skin issues you might have.
Frankincense
This must be one of my favourites. I love the smell of it, but it also has several healing properties, such as reducing the appearance of stretch marks and scars. But it also helps to reduce wrinkles and fine lines and improves overall skin elasticity. I mix 1 to 2 drops of it either into jojoba oil, fractionated coconut oil or if my skin needs extra moisture during cold season, then mix into pure shea butter and then apply on my face or other parts of the body that need moisturising.
Frankincense also aids with anxiety and stimulates the immune system.
Lavender
Besides this being a known essential oil to calm the nervous system and aid with good-night sleep, lavender also triggers the production of several antioxidants: glutathione (your body's main antioxidant), superoxide dismutase and catalase. When you body's cells are under stress it's glutathione that comes to the rescue. Lavender oil also aids with would healing as it triggers protein synthesis.
Pomegranate seed
It offers powerful protection against sun-damage and inhibits UVB-induced damage, thereby protecting collagen
Myrrh oil
Is known for its powerful anti-inflammatory properties, as it contains sesquiterpenes and terpenoids, which fight free radicals and control inflammation. It supports youthful and glowing skin and protects against sun damage.
Jojoba as a carrier oil
Jojoba can be used by itself as it is closest to our skin's natural sebum and is hydrating containing ingredients like vitamin E and B complex, zinc, copper, chomium and silicon. Or it's a great carrier oil to use with essential oils when applying to skin.
Rose-hip oil
It's high in vitamin C, which is important in collagen production. Rose-hip is also a rich source of essential fatty acids such as palmitic, oleic, linoleic and gamma linoleic. Apply the oil on areas of your skin that require strengthening and support.
Essential-oils for specific purpose for your skin
Healthy Skin Complexion
Frankincense
Helichrysum
Melaleuca (Tea tree)
Rose
Skin Irritations
Lavender and Geranium mixed together
Sensitive Skin
Lavender
Roman Chamomile
Frankincense
Anti-Aging Skin
Lavender
Frankincense
Neroli
Skin Toning and Purification
All citrus oils (lemon, orange, bergamot, lime and grapefruit)
Caution: do not put essential oils directly on your skin without diluting them as they might cause allergic reaction. Also keep away essential oils getting into your eyes.