We’ve all heard of acne, rosacea, eczema, or psoriasis. Statistics say one in three Americans struggle with skin conditions. Although skin conditions typically aren't serious, many seek medical attention to get them under control. What can you do if medication isn't working or simply isn't your go-to solution? That’s where essential oils may come in.
We’ve all heard of acne, rosacea, eczema, or psoriasis. If you’re reading this, chances are you or a loved one struggle with some type of skin condition, if not one already mentioned. Statistics say one in three Americans struggle with skin conditions, so know you’re not alone (1).
As a teenager, I had perfect skin. A pimple would appear once in a blue moon, but I never broke out. Not until years of birth control destroyed my hormones, that is! Now, as an adult, I’ve struggled with hormonal acne. No matter what medication I’ve been prescribed (including permanent antibiotics before I knew better), the blemishes just don’t stay away.
I’ve tried many skincare routines focusing on waterless skincare regimens, but still, the blemishes always come back, even when I am eating insanely clean. My acne was one of those things that, for a while, really dampened my self-esteem (and sometimes still does), but I am taking charge of my skin health and am learning how to manage it. At this point, the only steps left to try are getting to the root cause by balancing my hormones (I want to start seed cycling for that reason) and making homemade skincare products.
Of course, I could try premade options, but I have an aloe vera allergy, making it very difficult to find clean skincare products I can use. Plus, let’s face it, not everything on the market will work for all skin types. I have tried Earthley’s Skin Care Line and loved it, especially the seasonal Blue Bliss Blend, which is great for pore congestion. Unfortunately, with a very busy life, I just can’t keep up with a four-step regimen, no matter how great it works!
So, instead, I will try to curate my own skincare regimen. The first step to a successful outcome is research, so, of course, I started researching essential oils and herbs for skin health (we’ll save the herbs for another day).
Please remember to successfully remedy an ailment with essential oils; you must use them properly, so let’s discuss some quick essential oils dos and don’ts.
✅ DO dilute all essential oils as directed on the bottle.
❎ DO NOT ingest essential oils.
✅ DO use essential oils topically, but always dilute them accordingly.
❎ DO NOT apply neat (directly on the skin).
✅ DO use caution around pets and children.
❎ DO NOT disregard safety information.
This is just a brief rundown; I recommend checking out my blog, How to Safely Use Essential Oils, for more details and a dilution chart!
I trust, use, and recommend Plant Therapy and Earthley Wellness essential oils. Plant Therapy’s Kid-Safe Essential Oils are specifically formulated for children ages two and up, and Earthley follows their essential oil safety guidelines.
Now, let’s discuss why you’re here: essential oils for skin health.
#1 Blue Tansy Essential Oil
Blue tansy essential oil has two components known for anti-inflammatory properties – sabinene and camphor (2,3). Its anti-inflammatory properties, paired with camphor’s wound-healing and anti-wrinkle properties (identified in mice studies post-UV radiation exposure), make it great for skin health (4). Blue tansy’s skin health benefits have been successfully used by radiologists treating radiation-induced skin burns in cancer patients (5).
Trusted aromatherapist Wendy Robbins cautions that blue tansy may interact with drugs metabolized by CYP2D6 (6). Plant Therapy recommends a 2 to 4 percent dilution and lists blue tansy as safe for kids, breastfeeding, and nursing but unsafe for pets.
You can purchase blue tansy essential oil on Amazon or through Plant Therapy.
#2 Lavender Essential Oil
Lavender essential oil is best known for its calming and soothing properties, but it’s so much more than that. Studies suggest lavender essential oil may have analgesic or pain-relieving effects and reduce inflammation (7), which may help improve symptoms of irritated skin by reducing pain and swelling.
Trusted aromatherapist Wendy Robbins indicates no special precautions when using lavender essential oil (8). Plant Therapy recommends a 2 to 5 percent dilution and lists lavender as safe for kids, pregnancy, nursing, dogs, and horses.
You can purchase lavender essential oil on Amazon or directly through Plant Therapy.
If you’ve heard rumors surrounding lavender being unsafe for pre-pubertal boys, I recommend reading my lavender herbal profile to learn the truth (it’s not what you may think).
#3 Neroli Essential Oil
Neroli essential oil is expensive but has many purposes beyond skin health! Neroli is best known for promoting emotional comfort during grief, nervous tension, or mind exhaustion. Neroli also has antimicrobial, antifungal, and antioxidant properties, making it great for skin health (9). Neroli’s anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties can make all the difference when struggling with painful, inflamed skin conditions (10).
Trusted aromatherapist Wendy Robbins indicates no special precautions for Neroli essential oil (11). Plant Therapy recommends a 0.5 to 3 percent dilution and lists neroli as safe for kids, pregnancy, nursing, dogs, and horses.
You can purchase Neroli essential oil on Amazon or directly through Plant Therapy.
#4 Rose Essential Oil
If you read my rose herbal profile, you know how beneficial the herb can be, especially for anti-aging purposes. Rose or rose absolute essential oil has antibacterial and antifungal properties, making it a great candidate for many skin issues (12). Studies also indicate rose essential oil can relieve pain, making it ideal for painful skin concerns, just from inhaling it (13).
Trusted aromatherapist Wendy Robbins indicates no special precautions for rose essential oil (14). Plant Therapy recommends a 2.5 percent dilution, and lists rose absolute as safe for kids, pregnancy, nursing, dogs, and horses.
You can purchase rose absolute essential oil on Amazon or directly through Plant Therapy.
#5 Tea Tree Essential Oil
Tea tree essential oil is well-known for its many health benefits. One study notes that a compound called alpha-sabine in tea tree oil is responsible for its antiviral, antibacterial, and antifungal properties (15). Tea tree oil’s anti-inflammatory properties may also reduce inflammation, which could help painful, inflamed skin (16).
Trusted aromatherapist Wendy Robbins indicates a low risk of skin sensitization when using tea tree essential oil. Wendy Robbins also recommends a dermal maximum of 15% and precautions against using oxidized tea tree essential oil (17). Plant Therapy lists tea tree as safe for kids, pregnancy, and breastfeeding but not for dogs and horses.
You can purchase tea tree essential oil on Amazon or through Plant Therapy.
Another option is essential oil blends. My top two favorite essential oil blends come from Earthley Wellness – Blue Bliss and Scalp and Skin.
#6 Blue Bliss Essential Oil Blend
Blue Bliss Essential Oil Blend is Earthley’s summer signature scent, combining blue tansy, sandalwood, and lavender. Blue Bliss promotes relaxation, better sleep, calm mood, antihistamine, and anti-inflammatory properties. I find it to be the perfect addition to my skincare routine.
Earthley recommends diluting blue bliss to 0.5-2% for topical use (they suggest a neutral, skin-safe oil like jojoba, apricot, or cucumber seed oil) or adding 2-4 drops to a diffuser.
You can purchase Earthley’s Blue Bliss Essential Oil Blend or their Blue Bliss Essential Oil Roller, which is pre-diluted. This blend is only available during the summer months, so I always stock up to last me the year!
#7 Scalp and Skin Essential Oil Blend
Skin and Scalp Essential Oil Blend is designed to encourage soothing and healing. Combining the citrusy notes of geranium and neroli with the richness of sandalwood creates this therapeutic essential oil blend. Use topically to repair dry or damaged skin, soothe a dry scalp, and reduce redness. This blend is calming and relaxing, too.
Earthley recommends diluting their essential oil blend to 0.5-2% for topical use (they suggest a neutral, skin-safe oil like jojoba, apricot, or cucumber seed oil) or adding 2-4 drops to a diffuser.
You can purchase Earthley’s Scalp and Skin Essential Oil Blend directly, year-round.
Remember, many oils are not kid-safe at any dilution. Plant Therapy is a reputable online resource dedicated to practicing essential oil safety. Plant Therapy has a list of constituents in oils that should be avoided with children, plus even more kid-safe oils in their article Essential Oils for Kids: What’s Safe and What’s Not.
⚠️ Warning: The Holistic Hipppie is not a functional medicine practitioner. The FDA has not evaluated these statements. This content is not medical advice and should not be used to diagnose, treat, cure, or replace medical guidance. The Holistic Hipppie assumes no liability for the application of the information discussed.
What's your favorite essential oil to use for skin health?
