Skincare enthusiasts are primarily obsessed with two things. One is to experiment with all the beauty hacks to achieve that coveted glow, and the other is to quietly admire (Read: Envious) their favorite stars, admiring their flawless, glowing skin. Let’s be honest, who wouldn’t want to reveal celebrity skincare secrets and try them out for themselves?
in a recent interview ElleShraddha Kapoor reveals her go-to skincare arsenal: essential oils. She shared that not only does she love using them, but she also enjoys blending her own personalized oils from time to time.
Over the past 10-20 years, essential oils have become a staple in the beauty world. But there’s a catch. These are incredibly powerful and must be used correctly to work their magic without risking harm to your skin.
What exactly are essential oils?
“Essential oils are compounds extracted from plants. The oil captures the aroma and taste, or essence, of the plant. Distinctive aromatic compounds give each essential oil its characteristic essence,” says Sir Ganga, Delhi. says Dr. Rishi Parashar, head of dermatology at Ram Hospital. india today.
He explains that essential oils are obtained by mechanical methods such as distillation (with steam and/or water) or cold pressing. Once the aromatic chemicals are extracted, they are mixed with a carrier oil to create a ready-to-use product.
Dr Shireen Furtado, senior consultant in medical and cosmetic dermatology at Aster CMI Hospital in Bangalore, says essential oils are often used in aromatherapy, skin care and holistic health practices due to their potential therapeutic benefits. I’m adding.
“When it comes to skin care, essential oils offer a variety of benefits, including moisturizing properties, anti-inflammatory effects, and the ability to address certain skin conditions,” she says.
Please be careful
Dr. Furtado emphasizes the importance of proper use, as some essential oils can cause irritation or allergic reactions if applied directly to the skin without proper dilution or guidance.
Dr. Parashar also notes that just because a product is natural doesn’t mean it’s safe. Plant and herbal products contain many bioactive compounds that can be harmful to your health, and essential oils are no exception. However, most essential oils are considered safe when inhaled or mixed with base oils for topical use.
Experts also warn that it’s important to be aware of potential side effects. These can range from mild to severe, depending on the individual’s sensitivity, the type of oil used, and the method of application. Common side effects include skin irritation, rashes, headaches, allergic reactions, and respiratory problems, especially if the oil is applied directly to the skin or inhaled in concentrated form.
“The oils most commonly associated with side effects are lavender, peppermint, tea tree, and ylang-ylang,” Dr. Parashar says, adding, “Oils high in phenols, such as cinnamon, can irritate the skin; It should not be used without proper treatment,” he added. Additionally, mixing citrus oils with base oils can make your skin more sensitive to sunlight and cause burns. ”
Choosing the right essential oil
When choosing essential oils for your skin (whether dry, oily, or combination), it’s important to choose one with properties that suit your skin’s needs.
- Oils such as lavender and geranium are often recommended for dry skin due to their moisturizing and soothing properties that restore moisture and balance.
- For oily skin, tea tree and rosemary essential oils are often recommended. These essential oils have natural astringent and antibacterial properties that help regulate sebum production and prevent breakouts.
- If you have combination skin, it’s important to find an oil that provides a balance of hydration and oil control. This helps nourish dry areas while preventing excess sebum production in the T-zone. Lavender, geranium, tea tree, frankincense, and chamomile are good choices.
- Chamomile and frankincense are great choices for sensitive skin due to their soothing and anti-inflammatory properties, making them perfect for reducing irritation and promoting skin health.
How to use essential oils
Dr. Furtado explains that there are several ways to use essential oils, depending on the results you want to achieve.
It can also be diffused. This means that the oil can be spread into the air to create a pleasant aroma. Another method is topical application. In this method, essential oils are mixed with a carrier oil (such as coconut oil or jojoba oil) and applied to the skin.
Once you have diluted the essential oil, first do a patch test on a small area of your skin to check for sensitivity. Gently massage the diluted oil onto clean skin, avoiding sensitive areas like the eyes. Always use sparingly and avoid over-application.
Make sure to apply essential oils to the targeted areas where you want to feel the effects. for example:
- Tea tree oil for acne-prone areas (T-zone, pimples, etc.).
- Lavender or chamomile oil soothes and soothes irritated or dry skin.
- Frankincense oil is perfect for aging skin and promoting skin regeneration.
before adding anything to the routine
If you’re planning to add essential oils to your skin care routine, it’s important to first identify the skin issue you want to address. It’s important to understand the unique properties of each essential oil, as each has a different impact on mood, health, and well-being.
Consider the extraction method, purity, and quality of the oil before purchasing, as these factors greatly affect the effectiveness of the oil. Consulting with a professional can help you make an informed choice and ensure that the oil not only meets your needs, but also complies with safety standards for use.
