You use essential oils as a moisturizer by combining them with a carrier oil and applying the mixture to your skin.
Using essential oils as a moisturizer requires proper dilution with a carrier oil before application. Essential oils are highly concentrated and should never be applied directly to the skin undiluted, as this can cause irritation or sensitization.
The Basic Method
As referenced, using essential oils as a moisturizer is quite straightforward. It involves:
- Selecting your essential oils of choice: Choose oils known for their skin benefits (e.g., lavender, frankincense, chamomile).
- Choosing a suitable carrier oil: These are base oils like jojoba, coconut, or almond oil that dilute the essential oils and also provide moisturizing benefits themselves.
- Creating the mixture: Simply adding your essential oils of choice to your carrier oil in the correct dilution ratio.
- Applying to the skin: Spreading the mixture onto the skin will soothe the dryness. This mixture is also a wonderful option for locking in hydration right out of the shower.
Why This Works
When essential oils are blended with carrier oils, the resulting mixture acts as an effective moisturizer for several reasons:
- Carrier Oils Provide the Base: Carrier oils themselves are rich in fatty acids and act as emollients, helping to soften and smooth the skin. They create a protective barrier that helps reduce water loss.
- Locking in Hydration: Applying the oil blend to damp skin, such as right out of the shower, helps trap the existing moisture in the skin.
- Beneficial Compounds: The mixture is full of vitamins, antioxidants, and fatty acids derived from both the carrier oil and, depending on the essential oil, certain beneficial compounds. These properties can help nourish the skin and support its health.
- Soothing Dryness: The combination helps to replenish lipids in the skin's barrier, which can be depleted in dry skin, thereby helping to soothe the dryness.
Choosing Your Oils
Selecting the right oils depends on your skin type and desired benefits:
Popular Carrier Oils
- Jojoba Oil: Mimics skin's natural sebum, good for oily or acne-prone skin.
- Sweet Almond Oil: Lightweight and easily absorbed, suitable for most skin types.
- Coconut Oil (Fractionated): Stays liquid, non-greasy, good for various skin types.
- Argan Oil: Rich in Vitamin E, good for dry and mature skin.
- Rosehip Seed Oil: Contains fatty acids and vitamins, good for scarring and anti-aging.
Common Essential Oils for Skin (when diluted)
Remember to choose your "essential oils of choice" based on your needs and perform patch tests.
- Lavender: Calming, soothing, good for sensitive or irritated skin.
- Frankincense: Rejuvenating, helps reduce appearance of fine lines.
- Chamomile (Roman or German): Soothing, anti-inflammatory properties.
- Geranium: Balances oil production, good for both dry and oily skin.
Important Tips for Safe Use
- Dilution is Key: A common dilution is 1-2% essential oil, meaning 6-12 drops of essential oil per 1 ounce (30ml) of carrier oil. For sensitive skin, start even lower.
- Patch Test: Always perform a patch test on a small area of skin before applying a new blend all over.
- Avoid Sunlight: Some essential oils (especially citrus oils) can cause photosensitivity. Avoid sun exposure after applying blends containing these oils.
Using essential oils diluted in carrier oils provides a natural way to moisturize and nourish the skin, leveraging the beneficial properties of both types of oils to lock in hydration and soothe dryness.
