Ah, the dreaded signs of aging – wrinkles, sagging skin, fine lines. Unfortunately, the skin is the organ of the body that is visibly affected by age and environmental factors. Collagen production decreases, which leads to dryness and dullness; and the breakdown of elastin can lead to a loss of firmness and elasticity (14). And if you’re like most, you want to do something about it.The good news is, you don’t have to accept your fate and resign yourself to looking older than you are – there are natural solutions out there that can help reduce the appearance of those pesky wrinkles and lines. Essential oils can help you reverse some of the signs of aging and make your skin look firmer and younger. From powerful antioxidants to nourishing vitamins and minerals, essential oils have a multitude of benefits when it comes to restoring skin’s natural elasticity and keeping it looking youthful for years to come.
Essential oils are derived from plants and herbs, which means that they’re filled with natural compounds that can soothe, nourish, and rejuvenate the skin. Below we’ve rounded up some of the best essential oils for skin tightening.
Lavender essential oil is known for its calming and soothing properties, which make it the go-to aromatherapy option (10). When applied topically, this oil improves skin elasticity, making it more toned and youthful looking. There are several explanations as to why this works.
First, the antioxidants present in lavender essential oil are thought to help tighten and tone the skin by protecting it from environmental damage caused by free radicals. This benefit is realized if the oil is included in a regular skincare routine over a period of time.
The second way lavender essential oil can help to tighten skin is through its anti-inflammatory properties (7). When applied topically, it can reduce inflammation and puffiness in the skin, resulting in a more toned and youthful appearance.
Finally, this oil can also help to boost the skin barrier, i.e. the natural protective layer of the skin. This barrier helps to protect our skin from environmental aggressors, like UV rays, pollutants, and bacteria. When our skin barrier is strong and healthy, our skin looks tighter, firmer, and more toned.
Bear in mind that it’s calming and soothing properties can help relieve stress and promote good sleep. Destressing and sleeping well are two factors that can highly contribute to how healthy and glowing your skin looks.
Read More: Foods For Clear Skin: Eat Your Way To Smoother, Younger Looking Skin
Rosehip seed oil is derived from the seeds of wild roses, and it’s jam-packed with antioxidants and fatty acids that are beneficial for the skin (13). It contains:
Geranium essential oil is derived from the flowers of a rose-like plant (Pelargonium graveolens). It has a rich floral scent that makes it an ideal choice for mood-boosting aromatherapy.
If you need an essential oil treatment for tightening skin that actually contains collagen, then geranium essential oil is a great choice (12). This oil contains geraniol and citronellol, which both have anti-aging properties that help to firm and tone the skin.
The natural collagen present in this oil can help to reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines, giving you a more youthful look.Other components of geranium essential oil that can benefit the skin include antioxidants, which help to protect it from environmental damage, and anti-inflammatory compounds that soothe and calm skin irritation.
Frankincense essential oil is derived from the resin of a tree (Boswellia carterii) native to Somalia and Ethiopia. It has a woody and earthy scent with some citrus notes, which makes it a calming addition to aromatherapy (8).
It’s also an effective essential oil for tightening skin as it contains:
This oil is especially useful because it has small molecules that can penetrate deep into the skin, giving it an extra boost of rejuvenation (3). When applied topically, it also helps to keep your skin oxygenated (which is important for youthful and healthy skin).
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Jasmine essential oil is derived from the flowers of a genus of shrubs native to tropical regions (Jasminum sambac). It has a sweet and exotic scent that is often used in aromatherapy to reduce anxiety (11).
Its main benefit for aging skin is promoting blood circulation. Jasmine essential oil contains compounds (such as benzyl acetate, cis-3-hexenol, and linalool) that help to increase circulation in the skin, which encourages more vitamins and nutrients to be absorbed (2). This can increase the turnover of skin cells and give you a brighter, more youthful complexion.
Jasmine essential oil is also an effective anti-aging treatment because it contains:
Myrrh essential oil is derived from the resin of a tree native to North Africa and the Middle East (Commiphora myrrha). It has a rich and earthy scent with notes of spice, and aromatherapy with it can be used to reduce stress and anxiety.
Myrrh essential oil is an effective tightening agent for the skin because it contains a combination of antioxidants, anti-inflammatory agents, and collagen boosting compounds (4). These components help to reduce the appearance of wrinkles, fine lines, and other signs of aging.
Additionally, myrrh essential oil is an excellent moisturizer because it contains natural emollients that help to lock in moisture and keep skin looking hydrated. It can also promote circulation, which helps to give you a brighter complexion.
Grapeseed essential oil is derived from the seeds of grapes and is a light, non-greasy moisturizer. It also has a slight nutty scent, which adds to its therapeutic properties (9).
It’s quick-absorbing, light texture makes it an ideal choice for oily skin, as it won’t leave behind any greasy residue. For skin tightening, this oil is an excellent choice because it contains:
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Neroli essential oil is derived from the flowers of a bitter orange tree (Citrus aurantium). One compound makes it worthy of mention here; it’s called citral.
Citral is a powerful antioxidant that helps to reduce the signs of aging caused by pollution, smoke, and UV radiation (6). More importantly, citral plays a role in skin cell regeneration (which helps to reduce wrinkles, fine lines, and other signs of aging).
Neroli essential oil also contains a high concentration of monoterpenes, which are known to help reduce inflammation and neutralize free radicals. This makes it a very effective treatment for skin that is prone to acne and other forms of inflammation (5).
Helichrysum essential oil is derived from a flowering plant native to the Mediterranean region. It’s known for its amazing regenerative and revitalizing properties, making it a great choice for skin that needs some extra TLC (1).
A closer look at the oil reveals that its skin-friendly properties come from a combination of powerful compounds, such as antioxidants, carotenoids and phytosterols. More specifically:
When used topically, helichrysum essential oil must be used with a carrier oil, as it can be quite potent. When applied regularly, this essential oil might be the answer to achieving younger-looking skin.
Follow these steps to use essential oils for skin tightening:
Essential oils are very concentrated and should be used in small amounts. The best way to do this is to blend the oils with a carrier oil, and we recommend the following:
There are no hard and fast rules when it comes to blending essential oils with carrier oils. The National Association for Holistic Aromatherapy recommends a dilution rate of 2.5% for adults. For a simple blend, try adding 15 drops of essential oil per oz of carrier oil. Of course, the ratio can be adjusted as needed to suit your skin type.
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Regardless of which essential oils you’re using, it’s always a good idea to do a patch test before applying the blend all over. There are three reasons why patch testing is a good idea;
To patch test, apply a small amount of the blend to your inner arm. Leave it for at least 24 hours and check for any signs of irritation. If you experience any redness or itching, discontinue use and try another blend.
Once you have confirmed that the essential oil blend is suitable for your skin type, it’s time to start massaging it into your skin. Using gentle circular motions, massage the blend onto your face or body. Make sure to cover all areas and be generous with your application. Your skin must be clean and exfoliated in order for the blend to be effective.
After massaging it into your skin, leave the blend on for at least 10 minutes. This will help to penetrate deeper layers of the skin and allow its nourishing properties to take effect.After 10-15 minutes, you may rinse the blend off with lukewarm water. Gently pat your skin dry with a soft towel, and you may also apply a moisturizer to soothe the skin.
You may also leave it on the skin overnight and allow the nourishing ingredients to continue working while you rest.
It’s advisable to use essential oil for skin tightening at night, due to potential phototoxicity. Phototoxicity is when the skin becomes more sensitive to UV rays due to a reaction with essential oils. Therefore, it’s best to avoid prolonged sun exposure after using essential oils.
When used correctly and safely, essential oils can be a great addition to your skincare routine. They help to nourish and hydrate the skin, as well as reduce inflammation. It’s important to always do a patch test before using any essential oil blend on your face or body, and to take note of any phototoxicity risks.
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