Essential oils have been used in wellness for nearly 6,000 years and are primarily known for their aromatic capabilities for improving a person's mood. Carefully extracted from plants through methods like distillation or evaporation, these vital oils also contain a wide range of medicinal and therapeutic properties that make them perfect for improving skin and hair health. While there are hundreds of essential oils to choose from, with benefits ranging from reducing wrinkles, exfoliating skin, healing scars, clearing acne to helping hair growth with strength and shine, the key is to use them properly. It can be either added to your skincare routine by mixing drops of essential oils with a cream, moisturiser, or a carrier oil like jojoba, coconut or argan oil. Here are certain tips and tricks of using essential oils on your scalp and skin depending on your needs:
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How To Use Essentials Oils For Skin And Hair Care
Here's a list of essential oils and how to use them:
1. Lavender Essential Oil
Known for generating the growth of cells and reducing stress, this miracle oil can expedite hair growth. It also carries antimicrobial and antibacterial properties that can improve scalp health. Make a concoction by mixing a few drops of lavender oil into 3 tablespoons of carrier oil, like olive oil or coconut oil, and apply it directly to the scalp. After leaving it for nearly 10 minutes, wash the tresses with shampoo and repeat several times a week.
Enriched with anti-inflammatory properties, lavender oil has the potential to reduce skin irritation, skin discolouration and restore the natural skin tone. Mix 2-3 drops of lavender oil with 5 tablespoons aloe vera gel and apply the mixture on the face, focusing on the affected areas. Wash it off after 20 minutes and do the same once daily.
2. Peppermint Essential Oil
The cold and tingling feeling of peppermint oil increases blood circulation in the scalp and this can help promote hair growth. Mix 2 drops of peppermint essential oil with any carrier oil including mustard oil and massage it into your scalp. Don't forget to use a conditioner afterwards.
3. Rosemary Essential Oil
Considering the ability of rosemary oil in improving cellular generation, it can help in improving both the volume and growth of hair. Mix a couple of drops of rosemary oil with olive or coconut oil, and apply it to the scalp twice a week. Rinse with a shampoo after leaving the mask for 10 minutes.
Enriched with oxidative defences that can protect the skin from environmental damage, rosemary oil helps in boosting facial blood circulation and reducing inflammation. Use it for thorough cleansing. Mix 6 drops of the oil with 1 tablespoon aloe vera gel and massage your face with the mixture. Leave it on for 15-20 minutes and then wash.
5. Lemongrass Essential Oil
Dandruff can affect hair health and lemongrass oil can effectively reduce the flakiness in the scalp if used daily. So, next time onwards, mix a few drops of it into your shampoo or conditioner and massage your scalp with it while washing your hair.
6. Tea Tree Essential Oil
With its powerful cleansing, antibacterial, and antimicrobial properties, tea tree oil can help unblock hair follicles and increase hair growth. So either mix 10 drops of tea tree essential oil into your shampoo or conditioner and use it daily or make a mask by mixing 3 drops of the oil with 2 tablespoons of a carrier oil. Apply it for 15 minutes before rinsing it out.
It is also useful in controlling acne, keeping the skin clear and averting further breakouts. Mix 5-6 drops of tea tree oil with a tablespoon of honey and apply the mask on your face for 15-20 minutes. Wash it off and repeat the regime once daily.
7. Rosehip Seed Essential Oil
Rosehip oil comprises antioxidants and essential fatty acids that can help in cell regeneration and elimination of fine lines and crow's feet. You can make a mask with 1 teaspoon rosehip oil, 3 teaspoons aloe vera gel, 5 drops of lavender oil and 5 drops of lemon oil in a glass bottle. Massage the blend before sleeping around your eyes and wash it off in the morning. Follow this skincare regime everyday for best results.
8. Lemon Essential Oil
According to a study, it was found that lemon oil has properties to reduce the effects of oxidative and nitrosative stress on the skin. It can prevent the reactions of free radicals that cause signs of aging. One can use it by mixing 20 drops of the oil with one and half cup of safflower oil. Blend them both and store them in a glass dispenser. Apply it regularly before sleeping on the face, neck and even other body parts. Wash it off the next day.
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9. Ylang Ylang Essential Oil
Known as a skin preserver for multiple reasons, ylang ylang oil carries antioxidants that stimulate skin renewal by restoring the skin lipids and proteins. The antioxidants in this oil can prevent signs of aging and hence, the oil can be found in many anti-aging cosmetics. To include it in your skincare regime, mix 2-3 drops of ylang ylang oil with 1 teaspoon coconut or jojoba oil and massage your face and neck with it. Do this before sleeping and wash it off the next day.
About the author:A cosmetic engineer, an entrepreneur and a business leader, Dolly Kumar is the Founder and Director of Cosmic Nutracos Solutions Pvt. Ltd., the parent company of FMCG brands Gaia and Skinella. Gaia is a health and wellness brand, while Skinella is a skincare brand.
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