The Best Essential Oils for Skin

I’m skin obsessed. I’ve used every high-end lotion and potion on the market, gone for numerous treatments at organic spas, and have quite the collection of serums and masks. Yes, they make my skin feel fabulous and I absolutely love it all.

But the one thing that takes my skincare regime to the next level is essential oils. They can be used for every skin type from irritated to dry. As a Board Certified Essential Oil Practitioner, let me tell you…they are a Godsend.

How to Use Them

You’ll want to dilute your chosen essential oils before use. This allows for an even application and reduces the possibility of sensitivity. When diluting, mixing 6-12 drops of your chosen essential oil into one ounce (30mL) of your face cream, body lotion, or cleanser. Essential oils can even be used in your favourite face mask or toner. I shared my favourite DIY Acne Fighting Toner recipe below.

Citrus oils like lemon are considered photosensitive. Avoid direct sun exposure for at least 12 hours after application.

Tip: I mix my lotions into a small glass jar for easy mixing, storing, and use.

How I Use Them

I often mix up the oils I’m using based on what’s happening with my skin that day. But here’s my usual go-to routine.

AM

• DIY Acne Fighting Toner with Lavender and Tea Tree Essential Oils
• Natural Face Cream with Frankincense + Copaiba Essential Oil
• Jasmine Essential Oil diluted in coconut oil and rolled under the eyes and on any fine lines.

PM

• DIY Acne Fighting Toner with Lavender and Tea Tree Essential Oils
• Natural Face Cream with Lemon + Yarrow | Pom* Essential Oil
• Rose Essential Oil diluted in coconut oil and rolled under the eyes and on any fine lines

*I am currently obsessed with Yarrow | Pom which is a blend of Yarrow essential oil and cold-pressed pomegranate seed oil. It’s a blend specific to doTERRA and can help promote youthful, healthy skin. It also helps reduce the appearance of blemishes.

Quality Matters

When it comes to using essential oils for skin care, it’s important to choose pure high-quality essential oils. Unfortunately, many oils available have been adulterated and won’t provide therapeutic effects.

I only use doTERRA’s essential oils in our home and in my skincare routine. They are the highest quality and purest oils available. Shop for them here.

Overall Best Essential Oils for Skin

There are many essential oils that are great for the skin, especially anything floral. My top 13 essential oils for the skin can be used in a variety of ways, too. You’ll notice oils like frankincense, copaiba, geranium, and lavender are listed for numerous skin types. So if you have dry, sensitive skin try something like frankincense.

1. Copaiba – promotes clear, smooth skin and reduces the appearance of blemishes.
2. Cypress – energizing aroma and helps reduce oily skin.
3. Frankincense – helps reduce the appearance of skin imperfections.
4. Geranium – promotes the appearance of clear, smooth, and healthy skin.
5. Helichrysum – reduces the appearance of wrinkles and blemishes while promoting a glowing, youthful complexion.
6. Juniper Berry – acts as a natural skin toner to promote a clear, healthy complexion.
7. Lavender – soothes occasional skin irritations.
8. Lemon – helps reduce acne, nourishes damaged skin and hydrates the skin.
9. Myrrh – soothing to the skin while promoting a smooth, youthful-looking complexion.
10. Rose – helps balance moisture levels in the skin, reduces the appearance of skin imperfections, and promotes an even skin tone and healthy complexion.
11. Sandalwood – promotes healthy-looking, smooth skin, and reduces the appearance of imperfections.
12. Tea Tree – cleanses and rejuvenates the skin.
13. Yarrow | Pom – helps promote the look of young and healthy skin while to reducing the appearance of blemishes.

Let’s Break It Down By Skin Type

Normal

• Frankincense
• Geranium
• Lavender
• Copaiba

Dry

• Sandalwood
• Frankincense
• Myrrh
• Rose

Oily

• Lemon
• Cypress
• Tea Tree
• Wild Orange

Combination

• Lavender
• Copaiba
• Geranium

Sensitive

• Lavender
• Geranium
• Frankincense
• Copaiba

Acne-Prone

• Tea Tree
• Juniper Berry
• Lavender
• Lemon

Aging

• Frankincense
• Copaiba
• Rose
• Yarrow | Pom

Scarring/Hyperpigmentation

• Lemon
• Lavender
• Helichrysum
• Frankincense

DIY Acne Fighting Skin Toner

A simple toner for your skin that can help combat blemishes and breakouts. It's also super soothing for irritated skin.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time: 5 minutes minutes

Total Time: 5 minutes minutes

Author: Katie Stewart Wellness

Ingredients

• 2 oz. glass spray bottle
• 10 drops lavender essential oil
• 10 drops tea tree essential oil
• Alcohol-free Witch Hazel

Instructions

• Combine all the ingredients in the spray bottle.
• Shake well before each use.
• Spray after cleansing and before moisturizing morning and night.