10 Skin-Tightening Essential Oils That Are Like Nature's Botox

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Even with all the care and products we put into our skin, there's always a reminder that we are in fact human, and aging skin is just a natural and unavoidable reminder of getting older. External factors like UV and sun damage, stress, pollution, and yes, genetics, can all speed up that process.

But there is a solution to delaying it. Radiant skin doesn't have an expiration date, as long as you can keep it healthy and protected. Starting with the tried and true, essential oils can be used in a variety of ways in your beauty, body, and home wellness routines. It even has skin-tightening benefits for youthful-looking skin.

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When chosen and used correctly, essential oils can be invaluable skincare ingredients, but there are just a few things to keep in mind. "Since essential oils are not regulated, anything and everything can be found in that bottle. Be careful of where you buy it from. Also, non-organic sources can contain oil sprayed with pesticides and contaminants," says Julie Botton, an Institute for Integrative Nutrition–certified health coach and DoTerra wellness advocate. And when using topically, make sure to safely diffuse the essential oil in a carrier oil like fractionated coconut oil, jojoba seed oil, or sweet almond oil to avoid any irritation.

"Essential oils have been used for centuries to address and support physical, emotional, and spiritual concerns. They are the volatile molecules found in the cells of aromatic plants—the lifeblood of plants. We extract them by steam distillation and physical expression of raw plant matter," shares Tara Pelletier, co-founder of Meow Meow Tweet. "The right amount of them can balance congested skin, soothe a headache, stimulate uterine contractions, or ease anxiety. The wrong amount can cause skin irritation and other adverse or unwelcome side effects. They are powerful and should not be underestimated!"

Whether you have dry, dull, or mature skin, you might be surprised at how potent these essential oils can be in bringing out the very best of your skin, no matter your concern. Here are our favorite 10 essential oils that will keep your skin looking tight, balanced, and nourished.

1. Sweet Orange

Just as orange brightens up your palette and mood, it does the same to your skin. Acting as a protective antioxidant, skin brightener, and collagen production stimulation, the vitamin C in orange essential oil is a great option to achieve glowing skin. Extracted from the rind of an orange, the concentrated oil is beneficial for maintaining the health, appearance, and texture of skin by promoting clarity, radiance, and smoothness.

2. Juniper Berry

Detoxifying and full of antioxidants, juniper berry essential oil is known as a natural healer. It works to repair and strengthen the epidermis, allowing it to defend itself from impurities that can damage the skin and cause premature aging.

3. Geranium

Used cosmetically or topically in general, geranium essential oil is reputed to effectively eliminate dead cells, tighten the skin, promote the regeneration of new skin, and diminish signs of aging. Because geranium oil is a natural antioxidant and anti-inflammatory oil, it actively boosts the skin's health and natural glow. By helping the skin stay conditioned, and soothing irritated or breakout-prone skin, it fights against harsh weather conditions or environmental stressors.

4. Plum Seed Oil

This fully sustainable face oil derived from organic plums upcycled from the founder's fourth-generation family farm captures the many antioxidant and healing benefits of the all-powerful plum.

5. Pine Needle

Pine essential oil is a derivative of pine tree needles, which are known for their strong aroma and centuries-old use in traditional medicine. It acts as an anti-inflammatory, immune-boosting ingredient, and when used topically, it has skin-tightening benefits.

6. Sage

The antibacterial properties of sage provide balance and hydration to skin; diminish the appearance of blemishes; and address stretch marks, sores, and swelling. Its moisturizing and conditioning properties help soothe dryness and irritation.

7. Camellia Seed Oil

One of the several benefits of camellia seed oil is that it’s loaded with skin-perfecting nutrients such as Omegas 3 and 6 that help to preserve the youthful glow of your skin and combat aging signs. As an important source of plant collagen and squalene, it's an essential part of the skin’s hydration and protection system, especially since collagen decreases with age.

8.  Ginger Root

Miami-based board-certified dermatologist and founder of Dr. Loretta Skincare, Loretta Ciraldo, MD, FAAD, shares that as an antioxidant, ginger "lessens pore size at the skin surface and increases blood circulation."

9. Frankincense

Dubbed as the king of all essential oils, frankincense is a natural astringent. From acne to wounds, to stretch marks and scars, this oil can heal imperfections and rejuvenate damaged skin.

10. rosemary

Disclaimer

This article is provided for informational purposes only and is not intended to be used in the place of advice of your physician or other medical professionals. You should always consult with your doctor or healthcare provider first with any health-related questions.