Skincare products have become so pricey and full of unknown (possibly even harmful) chemicals, that perhaps it’s time to look to more natural products to care for our skin.

Essential oils don’t cost the earth and are a really natural way of rejuvenating our complexions, and reducing the look of scars and stretch marks. Essential oils are rich in proteins and nutrients that assist to keep the skin supple and firm by encouraging the generation of new cells. They keep the skin hydrated, but don’t clog up the pores. Which ones are safe to use on our skins and what are their benefits?

Rosehip Seed Oil:
This essential oil is rich in Vitamin A, A.K.A. retinol, and is great in boosting your skin’s own ability to regenerate itself. Rosehip seed oil is also high in omega fatty acids and antioxidants, so it’s able to fight off those nasty free radicals that cause premature aging. If you are looking for a product to minimize your pores, Rosehip seed oil can do that job beautifully and doesn’t leave behind an oily residue.

This essential oil also works on scars, eczema, dermatitis, psoriasis and blemishes, so it is perfect to treat skin conditions naturally, as well as to target the signs of aging.

How do you use Rosehip seed oil?: You can use this essential oil undiluted on your face and body twice daily to treat wrinkles, fine lines, stretch marks and scars.

As with all essential oils, do a patch test on the inside of your arm and leave it for 24 hours to check for any allergic reactions before using this product.

Rosehip seed oil should be kept refrigerated as it doesn’t have a great shelf life. It can also be combined with Carrot seed oil and Vitamin E to create an awesome serum for your face.

Rosewood Oil:
This essential oil has marvellous skin rejuvenating properties and has the added advantage of having an anti-cancer benefit. It actually attacks and destroys precancerous and cancerous cells, but leaves healthy cells undamaged. It helps to eliminate age spots, fine lines and wrinkles, whilst maintaining the skin’s firmness and suppleness. Rosewood Oil also works on scars and stretch marks and has an antibacterial benefit, so it is fabulous for acne sufferers as well.

How do you use Rosewood Oil?: Add a few drops to a carrier oil such as sweet almond oil or to your favourite unscented face cream. This oil also has an aphrodisiac effect (do with that what you will!)

Neroli Oil:
This oil is perfect for dry, sensitive skins. It works wonderfully to get rid of yucky, saggy skin on your neck. Neroli contains a natural chemical called citral, which may help to encourage new skin cell growth. Neroli also has a tightening and toning effect on the skin and helps to shrink pores and reduce the production of sebum.

How do you use Neroli Oil?: Add a couple of drops of Neroli Oil to your own unscented facial cream or to a carrier oil. As an added benefit, Neroli oil also acts as a natural mood enhancer and to relieve stress and headaches.

Article by: Maryanne Young