Is your skin ageing prematurely? There are many reasons for this, including the environment, your lifestyle changes and bad skin habits. These may not seem like a big deal, but over time they can take a toll on your skin and leave your skin looking more mature than the way it is supposed to look.
Want to know how you can avoid premature skin ageing?
Read on as we present in this article some the facts that you need to know about skin ageing, along with an infographic that shares 15 of the anti-ageing essential oils that you should start using.
FACTS ABOUT SKIN AGEING
Your skin makes up the most part of your body, taking up more than 15 percent of your total body weight. But, did you know that it is also a major part of your immune system? In fact, your skin surface nurtures beneficial bacteria that keep harmful microbes in check.
As you age, the structure of the skin changes affecting its appearance. It loses elasticity and becomes thinner and drier. Fine lines, wrinkles and dark spots also become more noticeable.
However, age is not the only reason for ageing skin. Even at a young age, signs of skin ageing may become apparent and these occur as a result of several factors. Below, you will be able to identify some of the reasons behind premature skin ageing.
WHAT CAUSES PREMATURE SKIN AGEING?
- Genetics – generally, non-Caucasian skins are less prone to ageing due to its increased elasticity.
- Bad Habits – smoking, alcohol consumption and unhealthy diet speeds up the ageing process.
- Sun Exposure – exposure to UV light and free radicals accelerates the formation of age spots.
- Environment – drier environments result in dry skin, manifesting in fine lines.
- Facial Expressions – repeatedly smiling or squinting can wrinkle your face at a younger age.
- Using too Many Products – trying out a handful of products may only dry out your skin.
- Hormones – hormonal changes may also signal increased dryness and skin problems.
- Chemical changes – these changes that come with ageing cause skin to lose collagen and elastin.
The good news? It’s not yet too late. Fortunately, with the use of right essential oils, simple lifestyle changes and habits, you may be able to delay the formation of fine lines and wrinkles at a young age.
Essential oils not only restore lost moisture, they also aid with skin repair. It can slow down the ageing process by increasing collagen production and even reverse some of the signs of ageing. Furthermore, there are various types of essential oils that you can use to deal away with the worries brought by skin ageing.
Furthermore, there are various types of essential oils that you can use to deal away with the worries brought by skin ageing.
Below is an infographic that presents 15 of the anti-ageing essential oils that can greatly reduce the signs of ageing.
15 ESSENTIAL OILS THAT REDUCE THE SIGNS OF AGEING
#1. Geranium Oil – was used by the ancient Egyptians for promoting beautiful and glowing skin. An ideal oil for all skin types, it can minimize the visibility of wrinkles as it tightens the skin and slows down the effects of ageing. It also acts a humectant that retains moisture in the skin’s surface.
How to Apply: Add two drops of geranium oil to your face lotion and apply it twice a day
#2. Coconut Oil – is one of the few essential oils with various benefits. It primarily contains one of the healthiest oils for your skin, triglyceride lauric acid. It is also rich in vitamin C that does not only reduce signs of ageing but also protects the skin from cellulite and helps fade stretch marks. Applying coconut can also protect your skin against sun damage and treat skin infections.
How to Apply: Apply a few drops of coconut oil to skin and massage gently for five minutes. Leave it for a few minutes or overnight and rinse with water.
#3. Frankincense Oil – is a powerful antioxidant that can prevent premature ageing and improve the appearance of pores, wrinkles and even scars. It also has astringent properties that make it ideal for healing and anti-ageing purposes. It promotes skin cell growth and protects them from damage.
How to Apply: Massage your face with two to three drops of oil in gentle circular motions. It’s best to apply the oil at night before bed.
#4. Argan Oil – is composed of about 80% fatty acids which are essential for hydrating skin, restoring elasticity and improving lines and wrinkles. It also contains vitamin E that makes your skin appear healthier and plumper. It is mostly recommended for a problematic and acne-prone skin.
How to Apply: Massage a few drops of argan oil onto your face and neck. Also, apply a drop beneath your eyes and distribute in a gentle tapping motion to keep this delicate area moisturized.
#5. Avocado Oil – is proven to have high anti-ageing properties capable of providing protection against free radicals. It is a great source of vitamins A and E, as well as collagen-boosting plant sterolins. It also moisturizes and protects your skin from damaging UV rays.
How to Apply: You can apply the oil directly to your skin or use it in combination with other oils or skin products.
#6. Rose Oil – has ls long history of being part of an anti-ageing treatment. It is often added to organic skincare products to assist in the anti-ageing process for your skin. It is an ideal skin rejuvenator that promotes the production of new skin cell and reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
How to Apply: Massage a couple drops of rose oil to your face and neck twice a day. You can also mix 1 tbsp. rose oil with 1tbsp. aloe vera gel for a boost of hydration.
#7. Sandalwood Oil – is another essential oil whose uses in skin care treatments can be traced back in centuries. It contains a high amount of sesquiterpene, a hormone that boosts skin cell regeneration and repair. It can help soothe damaged or irritated skin and fade scars, lines and wrinkles.
How to Apply: Make a smooth paste using three teaspoons each of sandalwood oil and milk powder, plus a teaspoon of rose water. Apply this paste on your face and let it sit for around 15-20 minutes before washing off with water.
#8. Lemon Oil – is a natural antioxidant that is high in vitamin C. It serves many purposes including eliminating free radicals, lightening dark spots, improving the appearance of lines and wrinkles, and reducing excess sebum. These properties make it a great ingredient for many skin care recipes.
How to Apply: Apply a mix of equal parts lemon oil and olive oil on your face to check fine lines and wrinkles. You can also mix a drop of lemon essential oil in 1 cup of pure water and use it to rinse your face.
#9. Clary Sage – is an essential oil with strong anti-ageing properties that can reduce fine lines, prevent premature wrinkles and tighten pores. It also has antibacterial and antiseptic properties that are advantageous for those who suffer from menopausal acne breakouts. It is a mild oil that is safe to use near the eyes.
How to Apply: Dilute 2 drops of clary sage oil in 1 tsp. of vegetable oil. Always dilute this oil before application.
TIP: You can also make your own anti-ageing cream recipe using clary sage oil. In a high-speed blender, add 2 tbsps. aloe vera gel and ¼ cup of shea butter. Blend until creamy and transfer into a container. Stir in 10 drops of clary sage oil, 7 drops each of frankincense oil and lavender oil. Massage 3 drops on your face nightly.
#10. Carrot Seed Oil – offers antioxidant protection that prevents sun damage. It also stimulates the rejuvenation of skin cells and aid in the detoxification process. It has also been used to improve the effectiveness of skincare products and treat chronic skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis.
How to Apply: Always dilute carrot seed oil with a carrier oil like coconut, olive, sunflower or hemp seed oil before applying on skin. It is best to stay indoors at least 72 hours after application.
#11. Myrrh Oil – provides many benefits to the skin. It works as an antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial that can be used on all skin types. It slows down the signs of ageing and gives skin a smooth, healthy and younger-looking complexion.
How to Apply: You can apply myrrh oil directly on skin or dilute it with carrier oils like olive or jojoba oil. It also blends well with other essential oils like frankincense, lavender and sandalwood.
#12. Ylang Ylang Oil – improves the appearance of ageing skin by helping cells regenerate faster. It has a toning effect that smoothes fine lines and wrinkles, and can also balance the production of sebum. Additionally, it works as antiseptic and sedative that can be used to treat skin irritations.
How to Apply: Ylang Ylang oil can be applied directly to the skin. It also makes good blends with other oils including sandalwood, lavender, grapefruits or bergamot oil.
#13. Lavender Oil – contains antioxidant properties that rejuvenate the skin to combat signs of ageing and appearance of wrinkles. It also acts as a moisturizer and aids in rejuvenation by increasing blood flow to allow nutrients and oxygen to reach skin cells.
How to Apply: Lavender oils can be safely used in almost any skin care recipe. It can also be applied directly to the skin to receive most of its anti-ageing benefits.
#14. Patchouli Oil – has powerful anti-ageing properties that make it highly effective at tightening the skin and combating signs of ageing. It also improves the appearance of skin, making it look plumper and feel younger. It also works against bacteria to improve the appearance of blemishes and prevent acne.
How to Apply: Patchouli oil is gentle on sensitive skin. Apply 1 to 2 drops of oil to your daily skincare routine or topically to acne-prone areas as desired.
#15. Cypress Oil – is an anti-ageing oil that works from the inside. Instead of treating the skin itself, it stimulates blood flow and increases circulation. It also reduces the appearance of cellulite, varicose veins and broken capillaries beneath the skin’s surface. In return, it strengthens and improves skin by minimizing the signs of ageing.
How to Apply: Massage 2 to 3 drops of cypress oil to the area of concern to reduce the appearance of cellulite and varicose veins. It can also be diluted with grapefruit oil and coconut oil and rub on problem areas to give skin a firmer youthful appearance.
