Unfortunately, aging is a natural part of life and there’s no way to completely stop it from happening, but there are certain steps we can take to thwart its physical effects. Premature aging, skin damage, crow’s feet, and wrinkles are just a few of the most bothersome signs of aging that many people would like reverse or eradicate altogether. All-natural essential oils for wrinkles and other issues could help you gain control of the situation by reversing the signs of aging and revitalizing the look and feel of your skin.
And there are numerous elements that can take a major toll on your skin, including overexposure to the sun; genetics; long-term smoking, drug, and alcohol use; unhealthy diet; stress and anxiety; and poor sleeping habits. As we age, our skin continuously loses its natural elasticity and capability to retain moisture, which causes skin cells to decompose at accelerated rates. All of the abovementioned contributing factors exacerbate the problem.
Best Essential Oils for Deep Wrinkles
Sometimes, it’s better to take an all-natural or holistic approach to reduce the look of fine lines, deep wrinkles, and crow’s feet and relieve dry skin. The following are some of the most effective essential oils for wrinkles, as well as some of their other benefits.
1. Lemon Oil and Neroli Oil
These are both versatile types of citral oil that are sourced from bitter orange trees. They each contain high levels of vitamin C, which gives them strong antioxidant and antiseptic properties. These qualities could potentially help ward off and treat various skin conditions such as acne and eczema.
Lemon Oil is said to reduce the amount of excess oil on the skin, remove dead skin cells, cleanse the pores, and keep the skin looking fresh and radiant.
Neroli Oil may fight off skin infections, smooth out fine lines and wrinkles while also toning sagging and loose skin. Its aroma is soothing to the senses and also helps to relieve anxiety and stress.
2. Sandalwood Oil
Sandalwood, geranium, patchouli, myrrh, coconut, and rose oils all have anti-inflammatory properties that could reduce the look of redness in the skin and diminish scarring. These essential oils also contain agents that promote and facilitate the growth of new cells and the regeneration of old ones to maintain a healthy, youthful, and vibrant appearance. Daily application can diminish the look of deep wrinkles and fine lines that originate below the surface of the skin.
They also help prevent and treat common skin conditions like overactive acne, dermatitis, and eczema by regulating the skin’s natural oil production and distribution. Many of them also provide effective protection against harmful UV rays and help to heal skin cells that are significantly damaged while clearing out or restoring dead skin cells to their former glory.
3. Clary Sage Oil
Clary Sage, frankincense, carrot seed, lavender, ylang ylang, and rose oil also have restorative properties to reduce the look of wrinkles and rejuvenate the skin. Some essential oils such as Neem oil also contain polyunsaturated fats, omegas, and vitamins that can moisturize and protect skin from external elements. Combined or on their own, these essential oils could also be ideal for smoothing, tightening, preventing premature aging, enhancing skin tone, and improving overall skin elasticity as we grow older.
4. Argan Oil
Argan Oil is carefully derived from kernels in argan trees that are common on the southwestern coast of Morocco. It has a high vitamin E content and is also full of important fatty acids omega-3, 6, and 9, which promote healthy skin functions.
Of course, none of these essential oils are applicable in their natural state. They each require a few minor alterations, such as being mixed in with carrier essential oils prior to use.
Best Carrier Oils for a Wrinkle-Free Face
Carrier oils like vegetable oil are bases that are used to dilute essential oils before they are topically applied or ingested (which should be done minimally and only under the supervision of a healthcare professional). It is extremely ill-advised to use any essential oils for wrinkles without first implementing the proper preparation processes, which will be further discussed below. Even though essential oils are technically used for holistic healing purposes and there are many different ways they can be used in anti-wrinkle recipes, they should be treated with the same caution as prescription medications.
You should always consult with a healthcare professional or holistic expert before starting any skincare regimens or treatments involving essential oils for face wrinkles. They should be able to pair essential oils with appropriate carrier oils for your skin. In essence, carrier oils are called such because they literally and figuratively transport essential oils from their containers to your skin. Some of the most popular types of carrier oils are:
1. Pomegranate Oil
Pomegranate oil is rich in numerous minerals and vitamins including E, D, K, and A, as well as antioxidants that enhance the healing and protective functions in any essential oil with which it is paired.
2. Grapeseed Oil
Grapeseed oil may alleviate acne and other blemishes by managing your skin’s natural oil levels and enhancing the anti-inflammatory properties of other essential oils. It purportedly works best on dark spots under the eyes.
3. Rosehip Oil
Rosehip oil might improve skin elasticity and firmness. It contains retinol, which is a pivotal form of vitamin A that prevents fine lines, deep wrinkles, and unsightly age spots. It also aids in the regeneration older cells and the development of younger skin cells. Its potent anti-inflammatory features could potentially help manage serious skin disorders.
4. Apricot Kernel Oil
Apricot kernel oil is an excellent moisturizer, which is why it’s mostly used by massage therapists to lubricate the skin and limit friction from skin-to-skin contact. The natural oleic and linoleic fatty acids may work to preserve the skin’s radiance.
5. Avocado Oil
Avocado oil is used in a lot of cosmetic commercial skincare products, organic makeup, and in-home skincare remedies because it acts as a natural moisturizer and helps regenerate skin cells. Packed with vitamin E, it is rich in anti-oxidants that may also slow down signs of aging and protect skin from significant sun damage. Avocado oil penetrates through all layers of the skin, retaining its flexibility.
6. Evening Primrose Seed Oil
Evening primrose seed oil contains copious amounts of the omega-6 fatty acid known as gamma-lanoline acid, which is responsible for moisturizing and rejuvenating dry, dull skin. It also reportedly replenishes elasticity and decreases various signs of aging.
7. Jojoba Oil
Jojoba oil is ripe with anti-aging properties that may help keep the skin smooth and soft with regular use.
How to Use Essential Oils for Face Wrinkles
Since essential oils are highly concentrated, it’s incredibly important that you use them with great care and understand the risks of using them incorrectly. If you’re treating specific health or skin conditions, then you should only proceed under the supervision and guidance of a healthcare professional. Here are a few guidelines you should be aware of.
1. Dilution
All essential oils must be diluted with either a carrier oil or water before being used. The general rule of thumb is to only use 10% essential oil and 90% carrier oil for the most optimal results as well as for health and safety reasons. Each type of essential oil has specific stipulations for dilution, so it’s important to do thorough research before engaging in use.
2. Avoid Eye Contact at All Costs
The majority of facial wrinkles tend to be situated around the eyes, so you must be extra careful when applying essential oils in these areas. It’s perfectly fine for your eyeballs to absorb steam aromatherapy, but if the oil itself makes contact with your eye, it can be very hard to remove. The best way to apply an essential oil around your eyes is to close them tightly as you gently dab it on the desired area.
3. Use Miniscule Portions
Once again, keep in mind that essential oils are heavily concentrated, which makes them very thick and viscous. You only need to mix in 12 drops of any given essential oil for every fluoric ounce (30 ml) of carrier oil or water, and only use a small amount on your index finger. Always make sure to thoroughly wash your hands before applying essential oils to your face.
4. Skin Test
Last, but not least, always do a skin test before using any essential oils on your face. This cannot be stressed enough. If you are new to using essential oil treatments, you won’t know how they affect your skin until you apply them. To check for any skin irritation, inflammation, or redness of any kind, try dabbing a small amount on the skin beneath your forearm and wait a few minutes. This way, if you’re allergic to an essential oil, at least the negative side effects will be easier to care for and conceal.
Find the Best Essential Oils for Wrinkles for You
At the end of the day, nobody likes developing wrinkles as they get older, even though they are a normal part of aging. At least now you know there are alternative options to synthetic treatments and cosmetic treatments aren’t the only way to preserve and restore your skin’s youthful vitality. Just keep in mind that it takes some trial and error to determine what kind of essential oil concoctions will work best to diminish the look of wrinkles on your skin. If you’re prone to skin rashes and irritation, then it might be a good idea to have an allergy test taken as a preemptive strike. Nonetheless, there are countless possibilities when it comes to using essential oils, so you’re bound to find at least one that’s perfectly suited for you.
Sources:
Hills, J. “How to Use Essential Oils to Combat Wrinkles Naturally,” Health and Natural World; http://www.healthyandnaturalworld.com/how-to-use-essential-oils-to-combat-wrinkles-naturally/, last accessed May 11, 2017.
“10 Best Essential Oils to Fight Wrinkles, Age Spots and Other Signs of Aging,” Top 10 Home Remedies; http://www.top10homeremedies.com/news-facts/essential-oils-to-fight-wrinkles-age-spots-aging.html, last accessed May 11, 2017.
“The 7 Best Essential Oils for Preventing & Treating Wrinkles,” Uma Oils; https://www.umaoils.com/best-essential-oils-for-treating-wrinkles/, last accessed May 11, 2017.
“Carrier Oil,” Wikipedia; https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carrier_oil, last accessed May 11, 2017.