Exploring the use of essential oils for skin care
One of the primary differences between self care and skin care products is that often we overlook the importance of self care; a product like a massage tool or a stretching band for example can end up sitting on the shelf for months. When it comes to prioritizing skin care, most of us are much less willing to neglect our routine for weeks or months, and therefore we are more inclined to use our products daily or weekly, thus creating a routine or a healthy habit.
The inclusion of essential oils in skin care is not new; in her book “The Essential Guide to Oils”, author Jennie Harding includes a section called ‘Skin Enhancers’ in which she dives deep into the various essential oils that are indicated in aromatherapy to help soothe and smooth the skin. Harding says, “The skin-enhancing oils provide a variety of properties that will clear, revitalize and rejuvenate the complexion. The rejuvenating effects of these oils come from the fact that they work in the various layers of the skin to encourage healthy cell renewal”.
In this article, we’re sharing some of our favorite essential oils and skin care preparations to help you have your brightest, clearest and healthiest skin.
Cleansing and tonifying essential oils for skin care
Some of the essential oils for skin care that are renowned for their cleansing and tonifying properties include lavender, sandalwood, tea tree, frankincense and grapefruit. Because of the nature of applying essential oils to the delicate skin on our faces, it’s important that essential oils are always used in small amounts and are blended correctly with base ingredients and carrier oils to ensure safe and effective application to the skin. At Saje, every ingredient we use is 100% plant-based, which means many of the bases of our skin care products are comprised of skin softening and nurturing ingredients. For cleansing and toning the skin, we’re sharing a few of our favorites:
Claritea Blemish Care roll-on: say hello to your clearest skin yet! This roll-on treatment was formulated to help ease the symptoms and appearance of skin that is oily and blemish prone. Designed to restore balance to the skin, bring harmony and provide cleansing benefits, this product is intended to be used for targeted application to problem areas. The essential oils in this formulation include earthy and herbaceous patchouli, fresh and cleansing tea tree and renewing and balancing black cumin seed. After cleansing, toning and moisturizing, roll directly onto desired areas of skin to balance and soothe, up to twice daily.
Radiance Mode Clay Mask: if you’re looking to unveil clearer skin, this purifying face mask is an excellent addition to your weekly skin care regimen. Designed to help restore a healthy glow, this rejuvenating blend contains a number of ingredients used to help unclog pores and reveal softer skin. Kaolin is a purifying clay mineral that is used to reduce excess oil and soothe the skin, charcoal powder is gentle yet absorbent, drawing out impurities like dirt and oil from clogged pores and frankincense essential oil restores skin’s vitality by replenishing moisture. Apply a thin layer to clean, dry skin 1-2 times per week and rinse after 10-15 minutes.
Hydrating and nourishing essential oils for skin care
Some of the essential oils for skin care that are renowned for their hydrating and nourishing properties include rose, roman chamomile, geranium, patchouli and sandalwood. One of the most prevalent concerns when it comes to skin care is the appearance of dry, dehydrated and dull skin. Whether it’s caused by the elements, too much sun exposure or not drinking enough water, dry skin can be not only unsightly but also uncomfortable. Some of the symptoms of dry skin can include itchiness or irritation, which is why it’s important to address dry skin sooner rather than later to help restore balance and harmony. We’ve added the following hydrating products to our daily routine:
Rose Mist: the queen of all flowers, one of the most sought after essential oils in the world, rose is soothing, balancing, restorative and hydrating. Rose Mist is an excellent addition to a skin care regimen for anyone who is looking to replenish their skin with deep moisture. This product, blended with distilled water and pure rose otto essential oil, can be used anytime you’re looking for a refresh for the skin, body and hair. We love to use Rose Mist as a facial toner after cleansing the skin, and then throughout the day to feel uplifted and balanced.
Rejuvenating Elixir: dry skin can often appear dull and as though it's lost its sparkle. Elixirs or serums are a great way to add a final step to a skin care routine that is both nourishing and rehydrating, adding additional barrier protection to the skin that can help prevent the loss of moisture. This formula is blended with carrier oils of rosehip, evening primrose, grapeseed and apricot kernel, and includes essential oils like supportive neroli to improve skin’s texture, replenishing rose to reduce the signs of aging and deeply restorative sandalwood for skin soothing and smoothing. Apply 3-4 drops to freshly cleansed and hydrated skin and press gently into the face.
Gentle and irritation reducing essential oils for skin care
Some of the essential oils for skin care that are renowned for their gentle and irritation reducing properties include lavender, roman chamomile, patchouli and frankincense. Many people experience sensitive skin and its related symptoms, like redness, irritation, stinging or burning sensation after using certain skin care products and a higher likelihood of experiencing rashes or breakouts. Many people also find that they are able to manage or even alleviate symptoms of sensitive skin by carefully adding or removing certain ingredients from the skin care products they use. Common culprits include alcohol and artificial fragrance, which people with sensitive skin should look to remove from their skin care products whenever possible. We want to recommend two gentle products for consideration in your skin care routine:
Sensitive Elixir: this calming skin serum was formulated specifically for those who tend to feel dry or easily irritated. This delicate, nurturing blend of essential oils will protect even the most sensitive of skin types, and has been formulated with restorative and rejuvenating geranium, delicate and soothing roman chamomile and balancing and gentle ho wood. This product can be used daily if desired, as the last step in your skin care routine.
Herbal Balm: formulated as a lash and nail salve, this little jar of wonder can be used for so much more! Supporting strong, resilient nails and helping to condition eyelashes, this product can also be used as a gentle eye makeup remover, as a lip balm and as a general balm anywhere you’re looking to soothe irritated skin. Blended with hydrating and replenishing calendula, calming and smoothing St. John’s wort and comforting and soothing patchouli, this little jar should be a part of everyone’s wellness routine.
Accessories to complement essential oils for skin care
Of course skin care isn’t just about essential oils, it’s also about the products we can use to complement them as part of a healthy and balanced routine. Two of our favorite accessories to take your skin care routine to the next level are as follows:
Clear Quartz crystal roller: improve the look and feel of your skin with this ancient skin care ritual. Crystal rollers are designed to be gentle facial massage tools, to help increase circulation and blood flow to the skin, which can result in the appearance of a clearer and more balanced complexion. When you’re looking to soothe, smoothe and rejuvenate your skin, this massage tool can be used on clean skin and with light pressure. For an extra treat, add a few drops of your favorite elixir and roll in an upwards and outwards motion towards the frame of your face.
Yam Konjac Sponge: this 100% natural, undyed, untreated sponge is made from a vegetable fibre called konjac that has then been infused with yam extract. Every time you wash your face with this gentle but effective cleansing sponge, your skin will be treated to a light exfoliation and a dose of minerals that can help protect skin from the elements. The Konjac Sponge can be used with or without cleanser and simply needs to be thoroughly wet under running water to soften for use. Massage face in a circular motion, rinse as needed and hang to dry between uses.
How are you adding essential oils for skin care to your daily routine?
There are a number of ways you can add essential oils to your daily skin care routine, including through the use of bath and shower products, body care products like deodorants and lotions and of course as part of a balanced skin care regimen. If you’re interested in learning more about essential oils for skin care, here are some of Jennie Harding’s recommended oils for skin-enhancing as part of her book “The Essential Guide to Oils”:
- Roman Chamomile: a soft and sweet essential oil that can be supportive in healing inflamed or irritated skin, blending nicely with essential oils like neroli and lavender
- Frankincense: a rejuvenating and warming essential oil that can improve the appearance of skin’s tone and texture, blending nicely with essential oils like rose otto and rose geranium
- Bergamot: a refreshing and nurturing essential oil that can help to clear and cleanse oily or problematic skin, blending nicely with sandalwood and orange
- Lavender: a soothing and reassuring essential oil that can help to calm irritated skin and help soothe sunburn, blending nicely with roman chamomile and vetiver
- Tea Tree: a bracing and refreshing essential oil that can help assist the healing process for oily, combination and blemish prone skin, blending nicely with lemon and geranium
Have fun experimenting with and exploring the different ways you can incorporate essential oils into your skin care routines and rituals!
