Top 5 Essential Oils for Anti-Aging and Getting Rid of Wrinkles
Why Do Wrinkles Exist?
The process of getting wrinkles is gradual and unnoticeable, that is until you look at an earlier picture of yourself. But why does this happen? Well, your body produces amino acids that make up elastic fibers. These elastic fibers are what let the skin bounce back smoothly every day after anything that makes the muscles in your face move: smiling, laughing, yelling, crying, smoking, squinting, etc. Over time, the body can’t produce enough amino acids to keep up, so wrinkles begin to form. This is also known as free-radical damage, a theory that helps explain why cells age. Essentially, to prevent further damage, antioxidants reduce and reverse signs of aging. While this is only another natural part of life, we have the ability to stop and think if we even want these wrinkles. And when the options are affordable, all-natural, smell great, and best of all they work, then you might as well invest in a bottle...or four.
What Are Essential Oils?
Essential oils are all-natural products that people have been using for thousands of years. They are hydrophobic (meaning they don’t dissolve in water) concentrated plant extracts with aromatic scents. Used throughout history for their medical and health properties, they are making a comeback as an inexpensive and safe method to help treat all types of mental and physical illnesses.
A few disclaimers...
* Please note that when buying essential oils, make sure they are 100% pure and organic, otherwise you may end up with something in the bottle that you don’t want.
* I always recommend doing a small patch test first. Dilute a drop of the essential oil with a carrier oil and apply a coin size over your inner forearm. Wait 24 hours and see if you have any adverse side effects.
* If you have any side effects at any point, wash out the oils immediately.
* Too much of anything is not good. Overusing any oils may cause oil build-up and may lead to other unwanted issues.
5 Anti-Aging Essential Oils Against Wrinkles
Carrot Seed Essential Oil
You’ve heard of carrots and oil, but have you heard about carrot seed essential oil? This anti-aging 100% pure essential oil reverses and reduces facial wrinkles. Great for oily skin as it reduces and even works to properly regulate oil production in the skin. The oil contains plenty of carotenoids which have strong antioxidant properties that have even been shown to be anti-aging, anti-degeneration, and even anti-cancerous. A 2019 study conducted on carrot seed oil found that it has beneficial properties that may rejuvenate skin at a cosmetic level. This oil is also great for preventing premature grey hair. Check out this hair blog to find out more about how to do that. Find the essential oil here.
-Geranium Essential Oil
Dated back to Egyptians who used this to promote radiant and smooth skin, you are now able to buy geranium essential oil for your own beautification routine. This essential oil has the ability to constrict skin, therefore reducing wrinkles and tightening pores. This oil has healing properties that promote blood circulation and allot melanin for an even skin tone. Together, these work to help with the healing of scar tissue such as stretch marks and acne scars. This essential oil is great for dry and oily skin types alike, and will help other skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis. Unlike other essential oils, geranium has the ability to bring hormonal balance to the skin. You may find that using this during breakouts caused by stress or PMS will lessen those pesky skin imperfections. An added benefit is that this essential oil smells floral and sweet, almost like a fragrant rose. Find the essential oil here.
Rosehip Oil
Rosehip oil is not technically an essential oil and may be used as a carrier oil, however, it still deserves a spot here for its phenomenal anti-aging and overall healing properties. Available premade as a face serum, rosehip is packed with antioxidants and fatty acids that contribute greatly to its anti-aging and skin healing properties; enough to make anyone want to have this in their beauty supply. Rosehip oil easily gets absorbed through the skin and it takes all its benefits and nutrients with it. The oil then rapidly gets to work and with its astringent qualities, it rebuilds scars, age spots, burns, stretch marks, and uneven pigmentation. When massaged in with a carrier oil, this essential oil heals capillaries which in turn reduces redness and inflammation. The effects of this oil are outstanding, as found in a 1988 study when there was a significant increase in the appearance of those with premature aging as well as those with skin scars. Find the serum here.
Lavender Essential Oil
Lavender essential oil contains tons of antioxidants, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory properties. These elements promote healthy skin overall, but this is especially great for people trying to reduce symptoms of aging. It was found in a study done in 2012 that lavender contains a significant amount of antioxidants and anticancer properties. The antioxidants help balance with those free radicals I mentioned above. This promotes the cells to work as they did in their younger days. The face is also constantly covered in bacteria which fills your pores and creates acne, however, the antimicrobial properties in lavender essential oil will help clean that right up when used daily. Due to the anti-inflammatory contents, you may also notice a decrease in any puffiness or redness. Find the essential oil here.
Frankincense Essential Oil
If you have any uneven color skin tones, such as age spots or redness, frankincense is the perfect essential oil to try out. It is an astringent essential oil, which means that just like the rosehip oil, it naturally works to constrict and tighten skin. This makes it a great choice if you have stretch marks, scars, and large pores. Its health benefits include anti-inflammatory properties, so don’t limit your creativity for this oil to just your face; use it on any part of the body that has blemishes or saggy skin. Don’t just listen to me, a study done in 2016 on frankincense found that it inhibits the lives of tumor cells and even reduces the potential of asthma. Find the essential oil here.
How To Use Essential Oils
Keep in mind that you really don’t more than a few drops of essential oils. They are highly absorbent, so the best way to use them is to mix a few drops with a teaspoon of carrier oil. A carrier oil is an oil that is used in slightly larger quantities so it may dilute the more potent essential oils. Examples of carrier oils are coconut oil, avocado oil, jojoba oil, olive oil, etc.
Using The Essential Oils On Your Face
Pick the essential oil(s) that you like and mix it with a carrier oil. For the last step of your night routine, massage it over the face. If you have oily skin, wash it off after a few minutes with a warm wet cloth. Otherwise, you may leave it on overnight.
You may also apply a mix of the essential oil(s) and the carrier oil in the morning, before any makeup. The oils should absorb quickly and not interfere with the makeup. This can provide an extra glow, however, be sure not to overdo it with the oils.
Carrier Oil Recommendations
Jojoba Oil
Pronounced “ho-ho-ba,” this oil is loved by many for its cosmetic use as it contains several health benefits for the skin. Pure jojoba oil is lightweight, non-greasy, and gets absorbed quickly. This oil is also extremely humectant, meaning it retains moisture very well, making it an excellent choice for those with dry skin or those who want to prevent it in those dryer months. Jojoba oil is rich with Vitamin E which is essential in skin rejuvenation. Vitamin E is a powerful antioxidant that empowers the skin to protect itself against anything that may cause damage or premature aging. An added benefit to using this oil in your routine is that it can act as a healthy alternative make-up remover. Apply a few drops of the oil to your face, let it sit for a minute, wet a cloth with warm water, wipe your face clean, and watch your natural beauty illuminate.
Grapeseed Oil
Grapeseed oil is an incredibly useful carrier oil because it has its own benefits for anti-aging symptoms. It softens the skin by retaining moisture, plus it has elastic properties that allow the skin to bounce back instead of forming wrinkles. With vitamins like E and C, this oil absorbs into the skin with its nutrients fighting to keep your skin healthy and rejuvenated. These vitamins also help protect against further sun damage which causes aging and wrinkles. In 2004, this grapeseed oil was found to balance out skin tones. So, if you have melasma, also known as the mask of pregnancy, consider using this as a carrier oil to help take care of that.
Works Cited
Al-Yasiry, Ali Ridha Mustafa, and Bożena Kiczorowska. “Frankincense--therapeutic properties.” Postepy higieny i medycyny doswiadczalnej (Online) vol. 70 380-91. 4 Jan. 2016, doi:10.5604/17322693.1200553
Hancianu, Monica et al. “Neuroprotective effects of inhaled lavender oil on scopolamine-induced dementia via anti-oxidative activities in rats.” Phytomedicine : international journal of phytotherapy and phytopharmacology vol. 20,5 (2013): 446-52. doi:10.1016/j.phymed.2012.12.005
Singh, Shalini et al. “Formulation and evaluation of carrot seed oil-based cosmetic emulsions.” Journal of cosmetic and laser therapy : official publication of the European Society for Laser Dermatology vol. 21,2 (2019): 99-107. doi:10.1080/14764172.2018.1469769
Valerón-Almazán, Pedro & Gómez-Duaso, Anselmo & Santana-Molina, Néstor & García Bello, Miguel & Carretero, Gregorio. (2015). Evolution of Post-Surgical Scars Treated with Pure Rosehip Seed Oil. Journal of Cosmetics, Dermatological Sciences and Applications. 05. 161-167. 10.4236/jcdsa.2015.52019.
Yamakoshi, Jun et al. “Oral intake of proanthocyanidin-rich extract from grape seeds improves chloasma.” Phytotherapy research : PTR vol. 18,11 (2004): 895-9. doi:10.1002/ptr.1537