Essential oils appear in skin and hair care products, toothpastes, and lotions and are used for everything from improving sleep to reducing anxiety. These oils are made from plants that naturally contain health benefits, including some that nourish and revive the skin. Keep reading to get the lowdown on essential oils for the skin and a few of the SkinResourceMD products that include essential oils in their ingredient lists.
What are essential oils?
The National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences defines essential oils as concentrated plant extracts that retain the natural smell and flavor of their source. They’re made through either mechanical pressing or distillation. Distillation involves a process of steaming to release extra liquid that creates the oil. Pressing purges the plants of their “essence” that are then concentrated into oils.
How can essential oils help the skin?
Topical skincare products nourish the skin from the outside in. Many plants have properties that benefit the skin. Each essential oil has distinct properties to add. Some heal, while others rejuvenate or soothe.
For example, plants with antibiotic properties can produce essential oils that reduce acne-causing bacteria. Others may contain antioxidants that protect the skin from free radicals or anti-inflammatory properties that calm irritated skin.
Common Essential Oils in Skincare Products
Tea Tree
Tea tree oil comes from the Melaleuca alternifolia, a plant native to Australia. It contains antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties that have been shown to reduce acne. This natural oil is gentler than some of the alternative acne treatments, like benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid.
Coconut Oil
Coconut oil, at its most basic, is saturated fat. While you have to be careful of saturated fats in your diet, they can be helpful to the skin. This oil’s moisturizing properties are what make it a wonderful skincare ingredient. In the right amounts, coconut oil retains the skin’s natural moisture and provides protective antioxidants.
However, watch out for anyone claiming coconut oil is a magical solution for all skin problems. Coconut oil does contain lauric and capric acids, both of which can prevent bacterial growth. At face value (pun intended), it looks like coconut oil would be a good way to get rid of acne-causing bacteria. However, coconut oil is highly comedogenic and can cause irritation or clogged pores if not used in a carefully balanced skincare product.
Jojoba Seed Oil
Jojoba seed oil from the Simmondsia chinensis acts as a humectant, which basically means it prevents your skin from losing its natural moisture. That alone can help reduce irritation and even acne. However, jojoba seed oil also adds natural antibacterial agents that reduce irritation from acne and antioxidants that protect from free radicals.
Interestingly, jojoba seed oil’s makeup is very similar to that of your skin’s natural oil, called sebum. This essential oil is considered non-comedogenic because the skin usually considers the jojoba seed oil as part of its own structure. Consequently, the oil is less likely to clog pores or cause skin irritation.
Chia Seed Oil
Chia seed oil comes from the Salvia hispanica plant. With this oil, it’s the omega-3 fatty acid that works wonders for the skin. This particular type of fatty acid is an anti-inflammatory agent that reduces general irritation. Chia seed oil is also a powerful hydrator. First, it calms dry skin, then the oil moisturizes it.
Essential Oils in SkinResourceMD Skincare Products
A SkinResourceMD, we seek the very best ingredients for our skincare products, including those provided by nature. Here’s where you can find a few of our favorite essential oils.
Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil is a vital ingredient in all of our acne treatment and prevention products, including:
- Tea Tree Deep Clearing Facial Cleanser
- BHA Treatment Gel
- Shine-Free Solution
- Pore Purifying Astringent
Coconut Oil
Soothe, calm, and moisturize your skin with our coconut-containing products:
Jojoba Seed Oil
Give the skin a moisturizing, non-comedogenic boost with:
- Crystal Clarity Exfoliating Scrub
- Ultra Rich Biolipid Cream
- Total Skin Moisturizer
- Total Antioxidant - Vitamin C Facial Serum
Chia Seed Oil
Add another layer of moisture with:
The Takeaway
Your skin’s unique chemistry determines the products you need and what will work best for you. Our blend of premium ingredients with essential oils can help clear acne, moisturize dry, irritated skin, and help all of the skin types in between. Begin by determining your skin’s most pressing need. Whether that’s moisturizing, oil control, or general hydration, we’ve got dermatologist-designed and approved products to help.
