There are many great uses for essential oils and extracts. They can help combat aging of the skin as well as keep our skin hydrated and nourished in the cold and dry winter months.
These five anti-aging oils can offer help with wrinkles on the forehead, eyes and mouth in addition to other signs of aging that we may be trying to reduce or avoid.
- Jojoba Oil
Jojoba oilis one of the most hydrating carrier oils for essential oils; it hydrates in a surprisingly non-oily way. The oil contains many beneficial ingredients, including vitamin E, vitamin B complex, silicon, chromium, copper and zinc. Jojoba oil is known to have anti-inflammatory effects that make it a good choice for discouraging skin aging. It can also be helpful for skin infections and wound healing.
Our sebaceous glands are microscopic glands in the skin that secrete an oily or waxy matter called sebum. As we age, our sebaceous glands produce less sebum, which is why we often see an increase of dry skin the older we get. The texture of human sebum is very similar to jojoba oil, which is why it can be so effective at improving dryness as well as overall skin health and appearance.
The main jojoba oil benefit is that it can play the role of sebum and moisturize our skin and hair when our body stops doing it naturally. On the other hand, too much sebum, which happens when hormone levels are high, can result in oily skin and acne. Jojoba oil is also great at removing sticky buildup or excess oil as it keeps our oil levels balanced. That makes it a helpful natural treatment for eczema as well as a home remedy for acne. It is also good for other dry skin conditions and sunburns.
As an emollient, jojoba oil moisturizes our skin and prevents irritations like scaly and rough patches. Dry skin is caused by a loss of water in the upper layer of the skin. Jojoba oil works by forming a protective oily layer on the top of the skin that can help keep in moisture. It works on the face, neck, hands, feet and hair. It can be used anywhere on the body as it is completely natural. As long as the jojoba oil is pure, it contains no questionable chemicals or additives that can irritate the skin.
Jojoba oil is non-comedogenic since it doesn’t clog pores. It is rich in iodine, which helps to fight harmful bacteria growth that can lead to breakouts. The antioxidants present in jojoba oil also help to discourage fine lines and naturally slow down other signs of aging.
The oil can accelerate the healing process for a wound, as indicated in a study done at the Department of Environment and Life Sciences in Italy. The results proved that jojoba oil speeds up wound closures and stimulates collagen synthesis. The study also noted that jojoba oil had extremely low toxic effects when used on the skin.
A 2012 study conducted in Germany examined jojoba oil’s ability to reduce skin lesions and improve overall skin condition for 194 participants. They applied clay masks with jojoba oil to their faces two to three times per week. Fifty-four percent of the participants reported that acne skin lesions were reduced significantly after six weeks of using jojoba oil.
- Hibiscus Extract
One of the most powerful anti-aging plants is the hibiscus plant. It has a magical reputation for increasing skin elasticity to give a natural, youthful skin boost. With the ability to inhibit the activity of the enzyme elastase, which is responsible for breaking down our skin’s precious elastin, hibiscus actively combats the aging process by firming and lifting the skin.
One of the visible signs of skin aging is the appearance of hyper-pigmentation or age spots. Age spots can occur due to a number of different variables, including ultraviolet radiation exposure, excess melanin production and genetics. Due to the slightly exfoliating effect of the organic acids found in the plant—including citric acid and malic acid—hibiscus helps to speed up cell turnover, resulting in a more even-looking skin tone.
Hibiscus is rich in antioxidants, called anthocyanocides. Antioxidants are proven to help fight skin damaging free radicals which spawn when pollutants such as ultraviolet radiation and traffic pollution make contact with the skin; this can result in premature skin aging. Not only do anthocyanocides protect against free radical damage, they also have slightly astringent properties, helping to reduce the appearance of large pores for a smoother complexion.
- Frankincense Oil
Frankincense oil is often used to reduce the appearance of sunspots and age spots. It can help with uneven color on the skin, whiteness in some areas, spottiness and splotchiness. Frankincense oil can help even out skin tone and get rid of sunspots and age spots.
Frankincense essential oil is a powerful astringent that can be used to help reduce acne blemishes, the appearance of large pores and wrinkles. It is also one of the best essential oils for skin tightening. The oil can be used anywhere where the skin becomes saggy, such as the abdomen, jowls or under the eyes.
Frankincense has the ability to strengthen skin and improve its tone, elasticity, defense mechanisms against bacteria or blemishes, and appearance as we age. Studies have shown that it has anti-inflammatory properties and can help to get rid of stretch marks and scars.
- Kalahari Melon Seed Oil
This pure, wild African melon nourishes the skin with superoxide dismutase; vitamins A, B, C and E; minerals; lycopene; and citruilline. Citrulline improves blood flow to the skin, helping flush toxins and providing a healthy glow. It pushes back fat from accumulating under the skin. This antioxidant binds itself directly to collagen, preventing what’s known as collagen oxidation. Collagen oxidation causes your collagen to weaken and break, which results in wrinkles and sagging skin.
- Rosehip Oil
Made from the seeds of rose hips, rosehip oil is a concentrated oil that is excellent for skin health. It’s packed with many of the nutrients known to boost skin health and have anti-aging effects.
Rosehip oil, also called rosehip seed oil, is a rich source of essential fatty acids, including oleic, palmitic, linoleic and gamma linolenic acid. These essential fatty acids can help fight dryness and reduce the appearance of fines lines.
Rose hips are also one of the richest plant sources of vitamin C, which aids the collagen production process. Unfortunately, collagen production naturally slows down as we age. Adding products with vitamin C to a beauty routine can directly help to boost collagen and fend off signs of aging.