The appearance of wrinkles represents the most obvious sign that we are aging. It happens to all human beings at some point, but the longer we can avoid them, for many the better.
Before discussing the essential oils that can be used to treat wrinkles naturally, it is important to remember that sunlight is the main cause of skin aging , as it damages skin cells much faster than physical aging. normal does. Other causes include smoking, unhealthy diet, genetics and more, you can read more about it in our article on premature aging of the face.
Why does the skin wrinkle with age
As we age, our skin becomes thinner, drier, and less elastic. This means that the skin is more fragile, it can be injured very easily, and its ability to protect itself from damage is reduced.
The skin also tends to loosen as components such as collagen and elastin (which provide skin firmness and elasticity) are reduced . In addition, our oil-secreting glands are reduced, leaving the skin with less oil than it needs to stay hydrated. Moisture means flexibility to shrink and stretch, as it is supposed to do when we smile, frown, and so on.
Essential oils can help with wrinkles by keeping skin hydrated , thereby preventing some of the damage that results from a lack of elasticity.
The best essential oils for wrinkles
The following essential oils are healthy for the skin and can protect it from wrinkles:
Lemon oil
Lemon, neroli, and all other citrus oils are packed with vitamin C, a powerful antioxidant.
Antioxidants directly protect your skin from aging by repairing free radicals that break down your skin cells. Most of its skin-protecting properties are found in citral, the chemical that gives all citrus oils their distinctive fragrance. The lemon essential oil is very versatile.
Sandalwood oil
Sandalwood is high in sesquiterpene compounds, which stimulate the pituitary glands and hypothalamus to secrete more growth hormone.
Growth hormone secretion decreases as we get older, and it supports the skin, promoting cell growth.
Sage oil
Sage makes skin look firmer and smoother by tightening open pores.
This not only partially hides wrinkles by making your skin appear smoother, it also prevents new wrinkles from forming by closing the gaps where the skin can begin to collapse.
Frankincense oil
Frankincense oil protects existing cells and promotes the growth of new cells . Since new cell growth is crucial for slow skin aging, it therefore helps reduce wrinkles , sagging, and even scars. It is also one of the best oils for treating eczema .
Carrot seed oil
Carrot seed oil similarly promotes the growth of new cells, which makes it a good oil for lightening spots and fighting wrinkles.
Lavender oil
Lavender oil is one of the best essential oils for healthy skin. It is a great moisturizer , and increases blood flow to skin tissues. This increases the supply of nutrients and oxygen to the skin and improves its appearance. Lavender oil is one of the most versatile essential oils.
Geranium oil
It protects old cells from damage and stimulates new cell growth, facilitating blood flow to the area where it is applied. It also draws water from your body to the skin, which hydrates even more.
Argan oil
Argan oil is extracted from a unique tree that grows only in Morocco. Effectively reduces fine lines, sagging skin, blemishes and wrinkles. It is a rich source of vitamins E and A, and can be used to cleanse the skin and massage at bedtime. You should also consume a tablespoon of this oil in edible form, every day.
Neem Oil
Neem oil has strong anti-aging, antibacterial, antiviral, antioxidant, antifungal, and antimicrobial properties. It is also abundant in polyunsaturated fatty acids and vitamin E, which restore the skin’s natural elasticity and rejuvenate skin cells.
Additionally, vitamin E reduces the appearance of age spots, wrinkles, and fine lines. Add a tablespoon of it to 1/3 cup of warm olive or coconut oil, and use the mixture to massage your skin before going to bed. Leave it on for 10 minutes, and do not wash it off.
Patchouli oil
Protects skin cells against bacteria, fungi, yeast, and inflammation. It also helps new cells form to keep your skin dense for as long as possible.
Myrrh oil
It is an anti-inflammatory and antioxidant, so it can prevent your skin cells from dying prematurely. This will keep your skin strong and thick in middle age.
Ylang ylang oil
Helps regenerate skin cells, improving skin elasticity and smoothing fine lines.
Rose oil
It keeps the skin hydrated and firm, renews cell membranes and regenerates the skin. It is good for rejuvenating aging skin and smooths wrinkles.
Best carrier oils for wrinkles
Grapeseed oil – This oil contains a high amount of lipids that are essential for the cell membrane, it is rich in phenol and many essential fatty acids that strengthen and nourish cells and maintain moisture. Grapeseed oil is an excellent cosmetic ingredient for controlling skin moisture. It is rich in vitamin E and proanthocyanidins, both powerful antioxidants to save your skin from premature aging.
Apricot kernel oil – This carrier oil has great benefits for the skin. It is rich in omega-6 fatty acids and vitamin A that give it great moisturizing and antioxidant properties. It is used in cosmetics to soften the skin, especially those that are suitable for baby skin, dry and irritated skin, and creams and lotions for the hands and body.
Sweet almond oil – This oil is a good moisturizer, and has been traditionally used by massage therapists to lubricate the skin during a massage session, and is the most common base oil for skin care among the oils of massage and bath.
Sweet almond oil is known for its rich concentration of oleic and linoleic essential fatty acids, which help give unmatched penetrating and restructuring properties.
Avocado Oil – Avocado oil is used for lubrication and in cosmetics, where it is valued for its regenerative and hydrating properties.
This oil is rich in vitamins and essential fatty acids. It is rich in vitamin E, which is an antioxidant, and helps slow aging and protect the skin from sun damage. The oil is easily absorbed and provides deep hydration for dry skin, helping to preserve skin suppleness and delay the appearance of wrinkles.
Rosehip Seed Oil – This oil has passed some clinical studies to determine its ability to lighten scars, age spots, and improve wrinkles. It is high in essential fatty acids and beta carotene.
Evening primrose oil – This oil is rich in gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), which is an essential omega-6 fatty acid. This oil has many benefits for the skin: it hydrates and rejuvenates dry skin, adds elasticity to the skin so it is firmer, reduces the signs of aging and fine lines.
Jojoba oil – This oil has anti-aging effects and is known for its ability to hydrate the skin and reduce fine lines.
How to use essential oils to fight wrinkles
Whatever you decide to do, remember some basic rules:
Dilution – To apply the oils to your face, mix a few drops of essential oil in a teaspoon of carrier oil. A good rule of thumb when making a 2% dilution (which is ideal for most adults in most situations and is a good dilution for daily skin care) is to add 12 drops of essential oil to each fluid ounce (30 ml) of carrier oil.
Skin Test – Before applying the diluted oil to the face, it is first applied to the back of the forearm to ensure that it does not cause any allergic reaction. This is equally sensitive skin, but it can be protected and hidden from others and from the sun under clothing.
Apply small amounts – Essential oils are greasy, so you can use small amounts. They don’t wash off easily, so use only what will fit on your finger. Apply to a small area of your body, and use more if it is not enough.
Protect your eyes – Take special care to protect your eyes from essential oils that are highly concentrated. Since the worst wrinkles usually materialize below and next to the eyes, you should keep them tightly closed to prevent the oil from reaching the eyes.
How to make an anti-wrinkle moisturizing essential oil
If you don’t want to buy a whole collection of oils, pick any one from the list above, mix it with carrier oil, and apply it to your skin as a nighttime moisturizer. However, you can mix several of the essential oils.
Anti-wrinkle moisturizing mist with essential oils
Adjust this recipe and create a hydrating spray to keep skin moist throughout the day.
Instead of using carrier oil like you did before:
- Mix 12 drops of essential oil (or essential oils) to 1 oz (30 ml) of water and put it in a small spray bottle that you can carry in your purse.
- Shake well before each application and spray this hydrating mist on your face several times a day, keeping your eyes tightly closed, of course.
Anti-wrinkle essential oil blend
Make your own oil mixture and keep it in a bottle and apply at night after washing your face. Store in a cool, dark place.
Mix the following:
- 1 oz (30 ml) grapeseed or sweet almond oil as a carrier oil
- 4 drops of carrot seed oil
- 4 drops of sandalwood oil
- 4 drops of neroli oil
Pour into a bottle and then pat a few drops on your face, without rubbing.
Other oils that are beneficial for your skin
Coconut oil – Coconut oil is a natural moisturizer not only for hair, but also for skin. It helps to soften the skin and is especially good for dry skin. It can also help treat eczema due to its anti-inflammatory properties.
Argan oil – Argan oil is extracted from the kernels of the argan tree, which is endemic to Morocco and is especially common in the south-west of the country. The oil is particularly rich in vitamin E and essential fatty acids (omega 3, 6 and 9) and has many cosmetic qualities. It serves as an important component in luxury spa treatments throughout the world.
Cleansing Oil – Cleansing oil uses specific combinations of natural oils to cleanse and balance the skin. It is generally used for the face and can be combined with mild steam.