Though essential oils have been used for so many things for centuries, they're popularity has experienced a huge resurgence in the past several years. They are particularly popular in the natural beauty world. When used regularly, certain oils can work wonders for your skin and hair. Plus, they smell pretty awesome so they're a nice addition to beauty products and at-home routines for that reason alone.
More from MamásLatinas: 6 Amazing beauty oils you must incorporate in your beauty routine
Initially the modern uber-pure, food-safe, organic versions were primarily being hocked by people involved in multi-level marketing companies–and lots of us took the bait and purchased the expensive oil sets and pretty diffusers. But soon, mainstream cosmetics companies and retailers caught on and started infusing their products with essential oils and selling the pure oils at much more affordable prices.
I'm a huge fan of lavender, peppermint and eucalyptus oils and use those regularly for myself and for my kids, but I also like grapefruit oil and tea tree oil for certain purposes. As essential oils continue to become more affordable and readily available, I'm excited to incorporate more into my beauty routine. They can have some pretty incredible benefits. Check them out in our gallery.
Lavender is a multi-purpose oil.
Lavender oil isn't just good for helping you catch some Zs. It has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties and is incredibly soothing when applied topically.
Lavender: Use it to soothe eczema and dry skin.
If you're prone to dry skin patches, applying lavender that has been diluted in a carrier oil like coconut oil or almond oil can help balance the moisture levels in your skin and smooth out dry areas.
Lavender: Try it to help prevent wrinkles.
The lavender plant is rich in antioxidants, which means using lavender oil on your skin could help protect it against environmental factors that contribute to fine lines and wrinkles.
Lavender: It's a natural antiseptic.
Because lavender naturally has antiseptic properties, you can use it to help minor skin injuries including those caused by acne. And since it's also antibacterial, it can put a stop to breakouts as well.
Tea tree oil can be used for both skin and hair.
Tea tree oil is a common ingredient in many hair products because it has lots of benefits for the scalp, but it's also pretty useful for skin issues as well.
Tea tree: Tea tree oil is a first defense against dandruff.
Tea tree has long been known as a natural remedy for treating dandruff. Many commercial dandruff shampoos use tea tree oil, but you can also treat your scalp with tea tree essential oil. Simply add some to your regular shampoo.
Tea tree: Help your hair grow longer and stronger.
Tea tree oil can help unclog hair follicles which will lead to healthier growth patterns. Just mix several drops with a carrier oil like pure olive oil or coconut oil and apply to your scalp for a minimum of 10 minutes or as long as overnight. Do this at least once per week.
Tea tree: Treat oily skin and acne.
Tea tree oil when applied to skin can actually help combat excessive oiliness. You can add a few drops to your favorite moisturizer, which can also help calm acne. To treat breakouts, you can add tea tree oil to your toner.
Juniper oil speeds up healing and can help repair damaged skin and hair.
Juniper oil has tons of beneficial properties. It's full of antioxidants and has long been known as a healing plant. It's also very moisturizing and can act as a natural toner.
Juniper: Juniper can reduce the appearance of cellulite.
Juniper oil is said to be very powerful in helping to prevent cellulite since it can help detoxify the body including its fat stores. Juniper is also said to improve circulation which helps reduce the appearance of existing cellulite.
Juniper: Reduce hair loss and encourage growth.
Because juniper improves circulation and blood flow, when massaged into the scalp it can not only halt hair loss but encourage hair growth simulataneously.
Juniper: Juniper can cleanse skin and reduce redness.
Juniper oil is a natural astringent, so it can be used as a toner to clear pores and firm up your skin. It also causes blood vessels to constrict, which can help reduce redness and inflammation.
Rosemary essential oil is excellent for hair.
Rosemary oil supports nerve growth and improves circulation, so it can have several benefits related to your hair and scalp.
Rosemary: Rosemary oil promotes hair growth.
Rosemary oil has been used in traditional cultures to reduce hair loss and promote hair growth, and is often found in commercial hair products. You can use rosemary essential as an additive to your favorite hair conditioner and/or dilute it in water to use as a hair rinse.
Rosemary: This oil can slow the greying process.
Rosemary oil has many regenerative properties and his known to slow down the process of greying hair in the early stages.
Rosemary: It's also good for those prone to dandruff.
Because it increases circulation, rosemary is also good as a preventative treatment for people who are prone to dandruff. Mix it into your shampoo or conditioner or use it as a hair rinse.
Peppermint oil is potent, but when used properly very useful.
Because peppermint oil is so strong, it shouldn't be used directly, but always combined with a carrier oil. However, it is full of nutrients and properties that are beneficial for hair and skin.
Peppermint: Add shine to your hair.
If your hair looking a little dull, try peppermint oil. Peppermint oil is full of fatty acids that soothe dry scalp and add shine to hair.
Peppermint: Use peppermint oil to clarify your hair.
Add a few drops of peppermint oil to your bottle of shampoo to help clarify and deep clean your scalp and hair of buildup that causes it to appear dull and limp.
Peppermint: It can also brighten your skin!
Just like it can lift dull hair, peppermint oil can also bring the glow back to dull skin. The fatty acids it contains are excellent for plumping, plus the menthol improves circulation. Just be sure to dilute it.
Rose oil doesn't just smell good, it has real beauty benefits.
Rose oil is particularly wonderful for your skin thanks to its anti-inflammatory, antiseptic and astringent properties. It's also good for hair health.
Rose: Rose oil is incredibly moisturizing.
Rose oil is full of antioxidants, vitamins and minerals that make it an excellent moisturizer for skin and hair. Try mixing it into your night cream, hair conditioner or hair cream.
Rose: Use it to heal damaged skin.
Rose oil is an anti-inflammatory so it can work wonders for healing skin conditions like psoriasis and eczema or even just chapped, irritated skin.
Rose: Rose oil helps protect your skin from UV damage.
Add a few drops of rose essential oil to your regular sunscreen to boost its UV-blocking powers, for better protection from sun damage.
Ylang ylang is also a wonderfully fragrant oil with lots of beauty-related uses.
Ylang ylang oil comes from a beautiful, exotic flowering tree and smells fantastic, but it also has tons of properties that benefit your skin.
Ylang ylang: Keep breakouts at bay.
Ylang ylang oil also has antiseptic properties that can help prevent and relieve breakouts for people who have moderate acne or occasional breakouts.
Ylang ylang: It helps skin cells regenerate.
Ylang ylang contains properties that help regenerate skin cells so applying it mixed into a carrier oil can help minimize scarring, reduce wrinkles and improve elasticity.
Ylang ylang: Deep treat with ylang ylang for hair growth.
Add ylang ylang essential oil to your hot oil treatment or deep conditioner regularly to encourage hair growth and reduce shedding.
Frankincense has always been a prized oil for good reason.
Frankincense has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, which makes it especially helpful for those with acne-prone skin.
Frankincense: Use as a toner for clear, smooth skin.
Frankincense is an excellent natural toner that can help minimize pores and even skin tone, for a clear, beautiful complexion.
Frankincense: This oil promotes new cell growth.
Frankincense contains properties that promote the growth of new cells which means it can help reduce scarring and the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. It may even be able to help with stretch marks.
Frankincense: Apply frankincense to reduce split ends.
When combined with a liquid carrier oil like olive oil, coconut oil or almond oil, frankincense makes an excellent hot oil treatment that can work wonders on split ends.
If you have a Latina grandmother, you probably already know how great chamomile is.
With its antiseptic, anti-inflammatory and regenerative components, chamomile oil is excellent for both skin and hair.
Chamomile: Chamomile oil can reduce the appearance of under-eye circles.
Applying chamomile oil to the under eye area can help reduce the appearance of dark circles by evening skin tone and strengthening the thin, fragile skin that is often the cause of dark circles.
Chamomile: Give your highlights a boost with chamomile oil.
If you lighten or highlight your hair, you can do a chamomile oil rinse every so often to give your color a boost and add lots of shine.
Chamomile: Use chamomile oil to tame frizz.
Chamomile is very soothing to the hair follicle and is effective at softening dry, brittle hair and taming frizz by helping the hair retain moisture. Try adding it to your conditioner or styling product.
Neroli oil has nearly countless benefits.
Neroli oil has antibacterial, antiseptic, emollient and deodorizing properties among many more. It's excellent to use on both skin and hair.
Neroli: Neroli is ideal for sensitive skin.
Neroli oil is super-moisturizing but also very gentle, so it's ideal for people with sensitive and/or dry skin or scalp.
Neroli: This oil can help heal scars and stretch marks.
Moisturizing with neroli oil can also be beneficial for those trying to heal scars and get rid of the stretch marks and loose skin that many women face after childbirth and as we age.
Neroli oil: Treat cracked heels with neroli.
Neroli oil can also be used to effectively treat dry, cracked heels. Just massage the oil into the damaged areas regularly. Use with a moisturizing carrier oil for even more effectiveness.
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