Best essential oils for smooth skin and hair, and how to use them
While spa experiences are refreshing, you can also recreate the magic at home if you know how to use essential oils. Essential oils are highly concentrated, volatile, and aromatic liquids extracted from fruits, seeds, flowers, bark, stem, roots, leaves or other parts of a plant. These should not be used directly on hair or skin. Listed below are some popular essential oils and the right way to use them.
LAVENDER
Well-known as a sleep-inducer, lavender essential oil also has analgesic, antifungal, and antiseptic properties. Put a few drops on your pillow for sound sleep. Mix 1-2 drops with coconut oil to soothe skin irritations. Add 2-3 drops to olive oil for nail care.
ROSE
Rose essential oil can be used to achieve young, healthy, and glowing skin. Add to any skin cream/lotion to increase its absorption. To treat acne, add 4-5 drops in 1 tsp coconut oil and apply thrice a day.
TEA TREE
Often used to inhibit viral and bacterial infections, it can also expedite the healing of scars. Add 2-3 drops to olive oil for lip care. For acne, mix a few drops of the essential oil with 2 tsp of aloe vera gel. Apply on the affected area and leave for 3-4 hours or overnight. Rinse with water and pat dry. Use regularly for effective results.
ROSEMARY
This oil helps with wrinkles and under-eye bags, lightens scars, and conditions damaged skin. Its anti-inflammatory properties are useful for puffy skin as well as in healing burns. Mix rosemary essential oil with any carrier oil and massage gently on skin. For hair growth, add 4-5 drops of the oil in 1 tsp of coconut oil. Apply on hair and scalp, and leave it overnight. Wash off with lukewarm water and pat dry without using heat.
YLANG YLANG
Ylang ylang essential oil was used as a hair growth remedy in Victorian England and is still used to treat fine, limp hair. Add 2-3 drops of the oil to coconut oil for deep hair conditioning. You can add it into an Epsom Salts bath for relaxation.
PEPPERMINT
Easily recognised by its invigorating aroma, this oil stimulates the mind and clears the sinuses. For clear skin, whisk 4-5 drops of it with 2 tbsp each of grated cucumber and green clay (also known as illite or French green clay). Apply the paste as a face mask. Let it dry and wash with lukewarm water. Repeat this twice or thrice a week.
ESSENTIAL OILS SHOULD NOT BE USED DIRECTLY ON SKIN OR HAIR. MIX THEM WITH CARRIER OILS, SUCH AS COCONUT OIL, BEFORE APPLICATION