A Guide to Using Essential Oils for Skincare

Making your own oil for skin care is super simple and fun, with great results! These are all plant-based recipes using pure oils only. (100% Natural and Vegan)

Mix a 1-2 drops of essential oil with a carrier oil and apply these to your face. I recommend applying them at night allowing them to sink into your skin for the greatest effect. Please always spot test. Essential oils are highly potent botanical extracts so apply with care. If sensitivity occurs immediately rub a neutral carrier oil on the skin to dilute and wash face.

Carrier oils:

Selecting a carrier oil that is suitable for your skin type is the first step. Select a carrier oil based on the ratio of linoleic acid and oleic acid.

If you have acne prone or oily skin, select oils which have a higher ratio of linoleic acid to oleic acid, or select oils which are high in linoleic acid. Often when our skin is deficient in linoleic acid, our skin’s natural oil (sebum) becomes thicker and may clog pores resulting in acne.

If you have skin which has a tendency to be dry, select oils which have either a high level of oleic acid, or a higher ratio of oleic acid to linoleic acid. This helps seal in moisture and keep the skin supple.

Another thing to take into account is that coconut and palm oils contain a fatty acids chain called caprylic triglyceride which can trigger acne for some skin types.

Oils high in linoleic acid (for acne prone or oily skin):

• Safflower oil
• Hemp seed oil
• Evening Primrose oil
• Rosehip oil
• Sesame oil

Oils higher in oleic acid (for dry skin):

• Avocado oil
• Apricot Kernel oil
• Macadamia oil
• Sweet almond oil
• Olive oil

Oils balanced in oleic and linoleic acid (for normal skin):

• Argan oil
• Flaxseed oil
• Coconut oil
• Jojoba oil

Please note that oils contain hundreds of fatty acids, this is only a guide! Please always spot test and experiment with what works for you.

Essential oils:

Fine lines:

• Frankincense
• Geranium
• Lavender
• Orange
• Rose
• Ylang Ylang

Dry Skin:

• Geranium
• Jasmine
• Lavender
• Rose
• Sandalwood

Oily Skin:

• Geranium
• Clary Sage
• Lavender
• Lemon
• Patchouli
• Tree tree

My two absolute favourite oils for my skin are frankincense and lavender. Frankincense not only smells lovely, it helps reduce the appearance of fine lines, evens skin tone, and promotes glowing skin. Lavender is mildly anti-bacterial to keep breakouts at bay. Rose is excellent for aging skin.

As mentioned above, everyone’s skin is different. So please always spot test.

Enjoy xo

Comment below if you have any feedback or suggestions on which oils work best for your skin!

Blog post lovingly provided by Sylvia Soltyk from Perth Vegan Eats