Aromatherapy oils are more than just a calming scent. They also offer a natural remedy against common skin conditions, such as acne, bites & stings, eczema and athlete’s foot. With their antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties they can soothe irritated skin and reduce flare ups.
From bergamot to tea tree oil, here are our top ten aromatherapy oils for treating skin conditions.
1. Bergamot oil
With its lovely citrus smell, bergamot oil is recognised for its antibacterial properties and can be used to help alleviate mouth ulcers, cold sores, spots and pimples.
Try it yourself: Mix with a carrier oil, such as olive oil or sweet almond oil, and apply straight to the affected area.
2. Chamomile oil
This gentle aromatherapy oil is great for spots and acne on sensitive skin, while the Roman Chamomile version is useful for easing both eczema and ear infections.
Try it yourself: Add two drops of chamomile oil and lavender oil into a spray bottle of purified water and spritz over irritated skin.
3. Cinnamon oil
Cinnamon oil is an incredible essential oil for treating bacterial infections. It contains a powerful compound called cinnamaldehyde (unique to cinnamon) which makes it effective against a wide range of skin conditions, including rashes and acne.
Try it yourself: Mix cinnamon oil with a carrier oil, such a coconut oil, and apply to the skin to soothe the affected area.
4. Clove Bud oil
Clove bud essential oil contains eugenol and has anti-microbial and anti-fungal characteristics.
In addition to helping alleviate skin problems, it’s useful for helping coughs, colds, sinusitis and asthma. Chewing on a clove bud itself, rather than the oil form, is known to help ease sore throats.
Try it yourself: Add two drops of clove bud oil to your skincare products to quicken the healing process.
5. Eucalyptus oil
This oil deserves a special mention as an anti-bacterial warrior. It’s often used for first-aid due to its healing properties, treating cuts, bruises and minor wounds. It’s also effective at relieving acne and chicken pox, boils, wounds and insect bites.
Try it yourself: Mix with an equivalent amount of apple cider vinegar and dab to treat insect bites, boils and wounds.
6. Lavender oil
Lavender oil, whilst renowned for its calming aroma, also provides an antibacterial and antiviral remedy.
Keep a bottle on hand for stings, bites, scrapes and small cuts; it helps guard against infection and also speeds the healing time. It can also be applied neat without a carrier oil, unlike many other essential oils.
Try it yourself: Mix lavender oil with coconut oil and apply to burns or eczema to hasten the healing process.
7. Lemongrass oil
Lemongrass is a gentler and sweeter oil than pure lemon, and it works well as an antibacterial essential oil. It can inhibit the growth of bacteria on the skin and will often be found in ready-made skin creams. It is also a fungicide oil.
Try it yourself: Blend with your favourite bath products or add it to warm bath water to reduce fungal infections such as athlete’s foot
8. Oregano oil
Oregano oil is a useful oil for antifungal skincare, but it’s very strong so you will need to use a carrier oil alongside it. Try coconut oil or sweet almond oil as a base. This mixture can then be used to treat bacterial infections on the skin or to help heal minor wounds.
Try it yourself: Treat athlete’s foot by adding five drops of oregano oil into a foot bath and bathing your feet for at least ten minutes
9. Peppermint oil
Peppermint is a used as a freshening ingredient in dental care products. However it’s also good for skin treatments due to its strong anti-bacterial, anti-fungal and anti-viral properties.
Try it yourself: Treat cracked lips by applying lip balms containing peppermint oil to the affected area
10. Tea Tree oil
Tea Tree is one of the most popular aromatherapy oils for treating skin problems. You can add it to bathwater, skin toners, or facial spritz. Try mixing it with coconut oil or aloe vera gel for an all-natural approach to soothing and treating troubled skin.
It can be used on the face, body, and scalp – a truly head to toe aromatherapy oil.
Try it yourself: Make a face wash by mixing five drops of tea tree oil with carriers such as aloe vera gel, coconut oil and lavender oil, before applying gently to the skin
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