Whether from sun damage, toxic damage or just plain old age, the appearance of visible wrinkles is due to the same root cause, the loss of moisture in our skin and tone in our cartilage. As we age we begin to produce less sebum ( an oily/waxy excretion from our sebaceous glands). This oily/waxy substance works to trap water from evaporating out of our skin. It also provides a layer of sun protection. When we lose this, we end up with dry skin unable to support its own structure with less sun protection (speeding up and compounding the damage sun exposure can cause). On the other end of the spectrum, when we are young our raging hormones cause our sebaceous glands to produce too much sebum (resulting in acne). Balancing this throughout our life is key to radiant, healthy looking skin when we are both young and old. Though we live in a world where the sun, toxins and age are unavoidable, there are natural tools (many that have been used for thousands of years) we can use to fight back.
The following are the top 5 essential oils you should be using on a daily basis to fight back against aging, oxidative stress due to toxins and dry skin.
1). Jojoba Oil. Though technically not a essential oil, Jojoba oil is most definitely essential for healthy looking skin as we age. Rich in vitamins E and B complex, it also contains silicon, chromium, copper and zinc. Jojoba oil is also rich in iodine (as most people are deficient in this) which fights the bacteria that leads to acne. Jojoba oil also is noncomedogenic (does not clog pores). Jojoba oil works much like our natural sebum (more so than any other oil including coconut) to trap in water from evaporating out of our skin.
2). Lavender Essential Oil: Lavender essential oil is probably the best source of three very important antioxidants; glutathione, catalase and superoxide dismutase. It also works to generate blood flow to the skin and increases oxygenation. Lavender Essential oil is also the best for treating cuts and burns. For sunburn mix 10 drops of Lavender essential oil with 1 once of Aloe. Apply regularly.
3). Frankincense Essential Oil: Used since ancient times, frankincense has long been cherished for its healing properties and ability to improve skin elasticity.. Known for its ability to visibly reduce skin spots due to aging or sun exposure, it also balances the skins pH levels and induces new cellular growth. Frankincense is also a powerful astringent that can reduce acne. Use Frankincense mixed with a carrier oil such as coconut or jojoba oil to reduce visible stretch marks due to weight loss or pregnancy.
4). Myrrh: Mentioned in the bible 152 times, this essential oil has been prized for thousands of years. Myrrh is a heavy waxy substance that was once used to stop bleeding. It also has antiseptic properties which make it ideal for treating wounds. Myrrh has also been used in the past to treat individuals who had consumed parasitic water. You can also use it to treat Athlete’s foot. Due to its rich antioxidant properties and thick texture that traps in moisture, it is a great oil for anti-aging.
5). Geranium Essential Oil: A powerful astringent this essential oil is great for both young and old as it regulates sebum production, is a powerful astringent and increased cellular growth and blood flow. It’s heavy antimicrobial properties make it ideal for creating cleaner and clearer skin.
To create your own anti-aging serum mix 1 once of Jojoba oil with any or all of the above essential oils combined (per 1 oz of Jojoba oil add 2-5 drops of the other essential oils). Remember essential oils can be use in combination and most specialists recommend you do so!
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