18 Best Essential Oils For Wrinkles, How To Use, & Precautions

How Do Essential Oils Work To Reduce Wrinkles?

Essential oils help reduce the appearance of wrinkles around the mouth, under the eyes, corner of the eyes, forehead, chin, and neck. Here’s how essential oils work:

• Provide Antioxidant Support: Antioxidants are crucial in fighting the damage caused by free radicals. Essential oils are rich in antioxidants that can help control the scavenging activity of free radicals and reduce oxidative stress on your skin. This helps in keeping your skin youthful.
• Moisturize And Rejuvenate: Moisturization is another factor that controls wrinkles and fine lines. With age, the collagenⁱ  XA structural protein that supports the integrity of connective tissues like skin, tendons, bones, and cartilage. levels drop and your skin loses its elasticity. This leads to the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines. Massaging essential oils helps restore the skin’s elasticity by providing hydration to the skin. This reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and brightens tired-looking and dehydrated skin.

Note: Essential oils will not make the wrinkles vanish completely. They will reduce the appearance of wrinkles and rejuvenate the skin when applied regularly.

Now, let’s go through a list of essential oils that can help reduce fine lines and wrinkles.

17 Best Essential Oils For Reducing Wrinkles

1. Lemon Essential Oil

Lemon essential oil is rich in antioxidants that protect the skin from oxidative stress by neutralizing free radicals. It contains ascorbic acidⁱ  XAn antioxidant (also known as vitamin C) that promotes connective tissue health and collagen synthesis. , alpha-tocopherol (an anti-aging ingredient), and glutathioneⁱ  XA naturally occurring antioxidant the liver cells produce with the help of amino acids like glutamine, glycine, and cysteine. that boost your cellular defense against sun damage (1). Applying lemon oil to the skin strengthens your skin’s defenses and prevents premature aging and development of wrinkles (2). It also helps even out the skin tone.

2. Rosemary Essential Oil

Rosemary oil has antibacterial properties that can heal skin conditions like dermatitisⁱ  XA collective term for ailments that induce skin inflammation and are mainly characterized by itching, redness, and rashes. , eczema, and rosacea. It is also good for maintaining the overall health of your skin (3). It prevents oxidative stress, which is another cause of skin aging. Rosemary extracts exhibit strong antioxidant activities that prevent alteration of the natural lipids of your skin surface and delay skin aging (4).

Fun Fact

The medicinal uses and properties of rosemary oil are mentioned in classic literary works like Don Quixote and Hamlet.

3. Sandalwood Essential Oil

Sandalwood is a part of Ayurvedic healing practices. Sandalwood has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. It has free radical-scavenging capacity that can reduce oxidative stress and keep your skin healthy. In clinical trials, sandalwood oil was found to be effective in healing wartsⁱ  XInfectious, little, painless, fleshy lumps on the skin induced by the human papillomavirus. , psoriasisⁱ  XA non-contagious autoimmune disorder where skin cells pile up and result in scales and dry, itchy patches. , acne, and eczema (5).

4. Rose Essential Oil

Rose essential oil is one of the most expensive essential oils in the world (3000 parts of the flower produce only one part of oil). Rose oil helps maintain overall skin health. Rosa Damascena or Damask rose extracts have antioxidant and antibacterial properties. Rose oil is a by-product of the manufacturing process of rosewater. Even rosewater contains 10-50% of rose oil. Hence, rose oil may help keep your skin healthy and youthful (6).

5. Clary Sage Essential Oil

This natural antidepressant is an effective antioxidant and can reduce the skin-damaging effects of harmful free radicals (7). Free radicals can damage the skin’s DNA and speed up the aging process (8). Using clary sage essential oil can minimize this and keep your skin looking youthful.

6. Lavender Essential Oil

Lavender essential oil is extracted from the lavender flowers. It has anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antioxidant properties (9). Using lavender essential oil can help make your skin smoother, protect it from bacterial and fungal infections, and reduce scars and sunburns (3). Lavender oil is also great for reducing stress due to its aromatherapeutic properties (10). This, in turn, has a positive effect on your skin .

Brianna Stanko, a vlogger, spoke about the different essential oils she used for skincare routine and how lavender essential oil helped keep her skin in her vlog. She said, “That big ole pimple that I had faded so much quicker (i)”

Trivia

The word “lavender” is derived from the Latin word “lavare.” It means “to wash,” and the oil used to be an important part of bathing rituals in Ancient Rome.

7. Ylang-Ylang Oil Essential Oil

Ylang-ylang essential oil has antioxidant and free radical-scavenging properties (11). This promotes skin renewal and helps in rebuilding your skin by reducing the effects of harmful free radicals.

8. Pomegranate Essential Oil

Pomegranate seed oil is a potent topical antioxidant. It is rich in active ingredients that have anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, and antimicrobial properties. According to a study, it promotes the regeneration of the epidermis (the top layer of the skin) by stimulating the keratinocytes (the epidermal cells that produce keratin). It also boosts the elasticity of the skin and the key proteins that maintain its firmness (12). Even the fruit and its various extracts are good for your skin. It can protect your skin from photoaging (skin aging induced by UV rays) (13).

9. Rosehip Essential Oil

Rosehip oil has anti-inflammatory effects on your skin. It contains linoleic acidⁱ  XAn important fatty acid largely present in plant oils that plays a role in the formation of cell membranes. , carotenoidsⁱ  XA group of naturally occurring pigments that render many plants their characteristic yellow, orange, and red hues. , and tocopherol (vitamin E, which has anti-aging benefits). Rosehip seed oil also contains high amounts of phenolic acid that prevents inflammation and oxidative stress, both of which speed up the skin’s aging process (14).

10. Carrot Seed Essential Oil

Carrot seed oil is best known for its sun protection factor (SPF). It is widely used in cosmetic formulations for its antioxidant activities. A study conducted in India found that carrot seed oil-based cosmetic emulsions can rejuvenate the skin by preventing the breakdown of healthy skin cells (15).

11. Frankincense Essential Oil

This oil improves the natural defense mechanism of your skin against harmful bacteria. It also tones your skin and maintains its elasticity. A study shows that frankincense oil has anti-inflammatory properties. It promotes tissue growth and prevents inflammation. It can promote wound healing by reducing the appearance of stretch marks and scars on the skin (16). Therefore, it may have the same effect on wrinkles as well.

12. Rose Geranium Essential Oil

This essential oil has multiple benefits for your skin. It has potent antiseptic and wound-healing abilities. Rose geranium oil does not cause irritation or have side effects. Moreover, it can heal dermatological issues, such as eczema and dermatitis, and reduce excessive oiliness. It has antioxidant properties that keep your skin healthy and youthful (17).

13. Neroli Essential Oil

Neroli essential oil is extracted from the flowers of the bitter orange tree. It is quite expensive because 850 kgs of neroli flowers are harvested to produce 1 kg of neroli oil. It has antimicrobial, antiseptic, and relaxing properties. It helps rejuvenate tired skin and add a natural glow to it (18).

14. Helichrysum Essential Oil

Helichrysum essential oil is extracted from helichrysum, a plant found in Southern Europe and the Mediterranean region. This essential oil has antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, wound-healing, antioxidant, and anti-acne properties (19), (20), (21), (22). These properties of helichrysum essential oil make it one of the best natural anti-aging skin care products that take care of multiple problems.

15. Myrrh Essential Oil

Myrrh essential oil is obtained through steam distillation of the gummy resin from the small and thorny myrrh tree. Two studies have found that myrrh and frankincense oils, when used together, help improve skin permeability and blood flow in the skin. Both of these factors are essential for keeping your skin hydrated, wrinkle-free, and youthful (23), (24). Myrrh essential oil is also effective against fungal infection, thereby making sure to keep your skin infection-free (25).

16. Cypress Essential Oil

Cypress essential oil has been used since ancient times for its medicinal properties. Its main aromatic component, cedrol, helps stimulate collagen production by enhancing fibroblast activity (26). This, in turn, helps reduce wrinkles and fine lines. Cypress oil also has anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, which are important for maintaining healthy and glowing skin (27), (28).

17. Patchouli Essential Oil

Patchouli essential oil is derived through steam distillation of the leaves of the patchouli plant, an aromatic herb. A study conducted in China found that applying patchouli essential oil helps reduce wrinkle formation in mice exposed to UV rays. Thus, it prevents photoaging (29). Patchouli essential oil also has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties that reduce redness and help keep your skin infection-free (30), (31).

18. Apricot Oil

Apricot oil has several natural properties which make it a promising contender for addressing wrinkles. It is packed with essential fatty acids and antioxidants such as vitamin E, lutein, beta-carotene, and zeaxanthin (32). Apricot oil functions as a potent moisturizer, hydrating the skin to reduce the appearance of fine lines. It also contains good amounts of vitamins A and C which contribute to skin health (33). These components also help stimulate collagen production which is essential for skin elasticity (34), (35). This non-comedogenic oil can be gently massaged onto the face and neck, either alone or combined with your moisturizer, as part of a regular skin care routine.

These are the 18 essential oils for reducing wrinkles. Factors such as pollution, UV damage, dryness, and loss of the skins natural barrier speed up the aging process of your skin. Essential oils can slow down the skin aging process by promoting skin repair. However, you cannot use them directly on your face. You must dilute them in a carrier oil first. Scroll down to find out which oils are safe to use as a carrier oil.

5 Best Carrier Oils To Use With Essential Oils

• Almond Oil: The fatty acids in this oil helps improve your complexion, hydrates the skin, makes it smooth, and may reduce post-operative hypertrophic scarringⁱ  XA thick, elevated scar that develops abnormally from taut skin while a wound heals after a surgery. (36).
• Avocado Oil: Applying this oil boosts collagen production and skin cell turnover (37).
• Argan Oil: Consuming and applying argan oil helps improve skin elasticity (38).
• Jojoba Oil: It helps to maintain the natural skin barrier (14).
• Grapeseed Oil: It works as a vitamin E-extender. This means it helps vitamin E to perform better to protect your skin. It also contains proanthocyanidin, an antioxidant that maintains the elasticity of your skin (39).

Now that you know which essential oils and carrier oils you need to use to fight skin aging, let’s talk about how exactly you should use them.

How To Use Essential Oils

According to the National Association for Holistic Aromatherapy, you must follow these dilution guidelines and steps when diluting your essential oil and carrier oil :

• Use 15 drops of essential oil per 6 teaspoons of carrier oil.
• Mix the carrier oil and essential oil in a bottle.
• Use the blend twice daily on your face.

It is necessary to dilute an essential oil before applying it to your skin. Why? It’s because essential oils, in their concentrated form, pose a few potential risks.

What Are The Possible Risks Of Using Essential Oils?

Although essential oils are the purest form of oils derived from plants, they might not be completely risk-free and may cause allergic reactions. If you are allergic to essential oils, you may experience:

• Rashes
• Redness of skin
• Bumps
• Itchiness
• Sneezing
• Runny nose

That is why it is important to know what to do before applying an essential oil. Check out the next section to learn more about the precautions you need to take.

Precautions To Take

• Do a patch test before applying the oil to your face. Apply one drop of the oil mixture to a small area of skin on the inside of your elbow and wait for 24 hours. If you experience no reaction, you can use the oil mixture on your face. There are a risk factors that you should be aware of before using essential oils.
• Check for photosensitivityⁱ  XIncreased skin sensitivity or an allergic reaction experienced when your skin is exposed to the sun’s UV rays. . Be careful if you are using a citrus essential oil, such as grapefruit and lemon oils, as they make your skin photosensitive. If you are applying citrus oils, make sure to apply sunscreen lotion before stepping out and avoid direct sun exposure for at least 12 hours.

Infographic: Health Benefits Of Essential Oils

Essential oils have various health benefits and uses in aromatherapy, cosmetics, and beauty or facial oils. But the most recognized are their anti-aging properties, which help reduce wrinkles, fine lines, and other signs of aging.

Essential oils are plant-derived organic compounds with powerful therapeutic qualities. Aromatherapy is a holistic treatment that aims to enhance your physical, mental, and emotional health by using essential oils. However, essential oils have numerous more health benefits that can benefit you. Check them out in the infographic below!

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Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team

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Frequently Asked Questions

Which essential oil is like botox?

Matico, ishipingo, and pomegranate essential oils may act like botox by boosting skin elasticity and keeping the skin firm (12), (40).

Which essential oil contains retinol?

Rosehip oil is rich in retinoic acid which is essential for several bodily functions (41).

Are there any other benefits of using essential oils for skin besides reducing wrinkles?

Yes, essential oils also soothe inflammation and irritation, retain moisture, boost overall skin health, and support the skin barrier function and skin repair.

Are essential oils safe for all skin types?

While most essential oils are suitable for all skin types, some may irritate sensitive skin and cause allergic reactions like grapefruit, lemon, and bergamot oils. It is recommended to do a patch test with all essential oils before using them to avoid any reactions.

How long does it take to see results when using essential oils for wrinkles?

With regular application, you may notice results in 2-3 weeks.

Image: Stable Diffusion/StyleCraze Design Team

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Dr. Vindhya L VeerulaMD, FAAD

   

Dr. Veerula (Dr. V) is a diplomate of the American Board of Dermatology, a Fellow of the American Academy of Dermatology and American Society of Dermatologic Surgeons. She is an energetic, proactive, and compassionate medical practitioner with 5 years of experience and a thorough understanding of overall mind-body-spiritual wellness. Dr.V is on a mission to inspire and teach people to...more

Ramona SinhaEditor

 

Ramona is an editor at StyleCraze with 11 years of experience in writing and editing. She has authored over 200 articles on skin and hair care. She graduated from the University of Calcutta, West Bengal, and did her post-graduation from the University of Kalyani, West Bengal. She also did a certificate course in dermatology offered by the Novosibirsk State University...more

Eshna DasAssociate Editor

Eshna is an associate editor and a certified skin care coach. She has over three years of experience, a triple main bachelor’s degree in psychology, English, and journalism from Mount Carmel College, Bengaluru, and a master’s degree in psychology from Sampurna Montfort College, Bengaluru. Her passion for writing and editing and her background in psychology help her create content that...more

Krati DarakAssociate Commerce Editor

Krati is an associate commerce editor, a certified skin care coach, and a beauty enthusiast. She has a master’s degree in advertising and publishing relations from DAVV University and three years of experience in writing and editing for different niches. She has also worked with a number of high-profile beauty brands on a freelance basis to upscale their businesses. Krati...more