Essential oils, also called volatile oils (ätherisches Öl) seduce the nose with pleasant scents, come completely without synthetic toxins and provide the skin with intensive care. Essential oils have long been part of the daily beauty ritual in the USA. But what exactly is behind this new natural cosmetics trend?
What are Essential Oils/Volatile Oils?
Essential oils (aka Volatile oils) are purely natural essences obtained from plants. They smell not only intense, but have due to the many contained biochemical substances also tremendous healing powers. For example, essential oils – by the way called “essential oils” – can help relieve headaches or relieve sleep disorders. But the natural essences also have many advantages for our skin.
On the one hand, essential oils are free of chemical ingredients; on the other hand, they have a wide variety of caring effects depending on the type of oil. They can invigorate and soothe the skin, inhibit irritation and inflammation and, thanks to their high antioxidant content, also prevent wrinkles.
Here’s how to use essential oils properly
Essential oils can either be used pure or diluted with other care products. That always depends on the character of the individual oil, some have very mild properties, while others are highly concentrated and irritate the skin in their pure state. It is best to dilute such aggressive oils with a base of almond oil, jojoba oil or coconut oil and the perfect care treatment is ready. The optimal formula for these DIY mixes is 25 ml per 100 ml of base oil. You can’t go wrong with this dosage. Mild oils, on the other hand, as already mentioned, can be applied pure or in mixtures with higher doses.
The best essential oils at a glance:
1. Makeover: Carrot Seed Oil
Carrot seed oil is obtained from wild carrots and is considered to be very mild. It should have a smoothing effect on the skin, give it a velvety soft finish and stimulate the cell renewal process. So the skin always looks fresh, supple and young.
2. Provides the glow: rose oil
She is the queen of flowers and has special healing powers for our skin: the rose. The essential oil of the plant helps to refine the structure of the skin and conjures up a fresh glow. The reason for this are the antimicrobial and antibacterial properties of the oil, which protect against infections and pathogens. Rose essences also help against dryness.
3. Pimple stop: tea tree oil
Tea tree oil has a powerful antibacterial effect, protecting our skin from the bacteria that cause nasty pimples. It also regulates the skin’s natural oil production, which is also great for preventing impurities. Wound healing also progresses faster with tea tree oil and scars are cared for.
4. All-rounder: ylang-ylang oil
Ylang-Ylang enchants with a floral scent, but the healing powers of the oil are also impressive. Ylang-Ylang moisturizes the skin, stimulates the natural regeneration process and inhibits sebum production – the ideal weapon against pimples and wrinkles. In addition, ylang-ylang oil is said to have a balancing effect on female hormones and thus act like a fountain of youth.
5. Against wrinkles: Myrrh oil
The granules of the Myhrre plant were already used for embalming in Ancient Egypt. Today it is mostly used as incense. But myrrh oil is a great anti-aging treatment because it improves the elasticity and firmness of the skin and is said to reduce wrinkles. Myrrh oil also helps fight damage from UV rays, soothes inflammation and soothes chapped skin.
6. Relax-Treatment: Lavender-Beer
Lavender oil is known for its calming scent, which relieves stress and ensures pure relaxation. The essence is suitable for all skin types and especially soothes sensitive skin. It is best to apply some of it before going to bed and enjoy the fragrant relaxation treatment.