Natural skin care is more popular than ever now that people are cutting back on chemicals in all aspects of their lives. Sound like you? Consider adding oils to your regimen. "Skin oils have hydrating, anti-inflammatory, anti-aging, and antimicrobial properties," explains dermatologist Jennifer Chwalek, M.D., of Union Square Laser Dermatology. "Despite the fact that some essential oils have been around for hundreds of thousands of years, we're just scraping the surfaces of all their uses."
Not to mention, even if you're not actually applying them to your skin, the aromatherapy benefits of certain essential oils can decrease stress levels, which can help with stress-triggered skin conditions like psoriasis, acne, and eczema, says dermatologist Mona Gohara, M.D., an associate clinical professor at Yale School of Medicine.
Word to the wise: While essential oils can sometimes be used without dilution for an acute, short-term skin issue (like a bug bite or a burn), derms almost always recommend diluting essential oils for everyday skin care to protect against irritation and sensitivity. (It will also allow the essential oil to absorb over a larger surface of your skin!)
Known for its antibacterial and antimicrobial effects, tea tree oil has been studied for its ability to treat bacterial and fungal infections. Paired with its anti-inflammatory properties, it can also help with conditions like acne and rosacea, says Dr. Chwalek. Tea tree oil has wound-healing properties, too, making it helpful for cuts and burns.
Want hydration? Rose essential oil should be your go-to—it helps your skin to retain water, Dr. Chwalek says. This makes it a great essential oil to add to any DIY lotions, especially if you're dealing with dry or chapped skin. Even better: When applied to the face, rose oil can improve skin texture and fine lines and wrinkles, she says. It's one of the best oils for youthful skin.
While not all oils are necessarily hydrating, coconut oil is known to be the best hydrator and skin softener of the group, Dr. Gohara says. It actually helps improve skin water loss, which means it's a great solution for those dealing with dry skin, or even eczema and psoriasis, Dr. Chwalek says. (Coconut oil can also repair brittle nails; try this DIY.) And, thanks to a fatty acid called lauric acid, it also has an antimicrobial effect, helping reduce the risk of any skin infection or irritation, she says. (Bonus: Unlike the essential oils, coconut oil can be applied to your skin directly without needing to be mixed with another oil first.)
On top of the stress-relieving benefits that come from taking a whiff of this essential oil, lavender can also do wonders for your skin. It's widely known for its antimicrobial properties and for helping speed the healing of burns, cuts, scrapes, and wounds, Dr. Chwalek explains. This oil also increases collagen production, making it a great anti-aging regimen for wrinkles, she says.
Learn more about the benefits of essential oils from doTERRA Health Advocate Amy Snyder at http://my.doterra.com/amysnyder
No comments:
Post a Comment