Benefits of essential oils for hair, skin, and overall wellbeing

Did you know that essential oils like lavender and ylang-ylang are highly effective in moisturising and treating a dry scalp, a perennial winter nuisance? Essential oils go a long way in treating common problems that have us hounding convenience stores for synthetic products. Experts suggest ditching chemicalladen products in favour of essential oils, which are full of antioxidants and vitamins. Check out these benefits that essential oils have to offer:

■ Lavender essential oil:

THE ASTRINGENT PROPERTIES OF ROSEMARY ESSENTIAL OIL CLEANSE, HYDRATE, AND REJUVENATE YOUR SKIN, MAKING IT FIRM AND GORGEOUS

Known for its calming effect, it is suitable for all skin types. Its anti-inflammatory properties fight acne and inflammation. It relieves itching and irritation, lightens scars and marks, soothes insect bites. It also boosts blood circulation, thus strengthening hair roots, and helps get rid of dry scalp and split ends.

■ Ylang ylang essential oil: This is great for treating oily or acne-prone skin, along with stimulating cell growth to fight the effects of ageing. It helps in regeneration of skin cells, smoothening of fine lines and improving skin elasticity. It works well in rejuvenating dry scalp, controlling hair fall, strengthening hair roots, balancing sebum secretion and boosting hair growth.

■ Eucalyptus oil: This essential oil is great to soothe inflamed or sore skin and give relief from insect bites.

■ Tea tree essential oil: This oil has antifungal and antibacterial properties. It helps ward off acne-causing bacteria and lightens blemishes, pimples and makes the skin soft, supple and glowing. It also helps in cleansing clogged hair follicles.

■ Rosemary essential oil: The astringent properties of rosemary essential oil cleanse, hydrate and rejuvenate your skin, thus making it firm and gorgeous. It helps with reducing wrinkles and eye bags; damaged skin, lightens scars. It also stimulates hair follicles and makes them strong, healthy and long. Peppermint essential oil: The refreshing smell of peppermint has a quintessentially freshening quality to it. It is used as a massage oil for aching muscles. Peppermint essential oil works to exfoliate and brighten dull skin, controls excess oil secretion, and cleanses pores. It helps with its astringent properties and has a very soothing and refreshing aroma. This essential oil helps control sebum secretion and cools your scalp. It moisturises, helps in hydrating, and conditioning a dry scalp for beautiful hair and problemfree scalp. It prevents scalp itching, as well. Lemongrass essential oil: It works great for toning the skin and fights body odour. It has antioxidant properties, and helps clear toxins from the body. It provides deep hydration, fighting acne, inflammation, and other forms of skin irritation. Frankincense essential oil: This is very helpful for regenerating cells, skintightening, and reducing micro-wrinkles.

PHOTO: GETTY IMAGES Young woman having an ayurvedic shirodhara treatment.