3 Essential Oils to Completely Replace Your Beauty Routine
Have you ever come home with a new beauty product and never ended up really needing it? Maybe it was something on sale, something new, maybe it was just a brand you’ve used before or another perfume to add to the collection. I speak from experience when I say that it can be so easy to end up with a bunch of beauty products that just don’t work the way you want them to.
There's an over-saturation of products on the market, and a vast range of price and qualities, which means it can be really difficult to determine what products are right for you and your skin. On top of all of this, we're facing a plastic epidemic. The truth about plastic waste is out, but many beauty companies STILL package their products in single-use plastic, making it harder for us eco-warriors to protect the world whilst feeling beautiful.Is there’s something out there that is natural, affordable, safe on the environment, and on our well-being, and can have many different uses? Surely this is all too much to ask for!?
But fear not sunshine, we have the answer: Essential Oils!
These natural little beauties can replace almost all of your skincare routine, while contributing to a greater sense of well-being and grounding due to powerful properties in each oil. You'll find peace of mind knowing your essential oils are 100% from the Earth and are proven to benefit not only your physical well-being but also your mental and psychological well-being. Essential oils are basically pure concentrated oils that are extracted from the plant or another source from which it comes from. There are variations in qualities based on the way the oil is extracted and produced, but generally just make sure your oils are 100% organic and 100% pure so that they are safe for the body to absorb or digest and won’t contain any pesticides or carcinogens.
So what are the best oils for healthy, glowing skin?
Lavender - for ageless skin
Lavender essential oil is among one of the most commonly used oils, but the potential for its uses are always being discovered. Lavender is known for its relaxing properties, it is used to help alleviate problems with lack of sleep and create a space that is comfortable and facilitates a clear focused mind. However lavender is one of the best oils to use on the skin due to its moisturizing, anti-wrinkle and skin smoothing properties.
Add a few drops of lavender and a few drops of frankincense oil with a carrier oil such as jojoba to moisturize a clean face before you sleep. The dreamy smells help to drift off to sleep while the oils work to reduce fine lines and create an even skin tone. If you find you have chapped lips, place a tiny bit of this mixture onto your lips and rub in for smooth, plump lips!
Peppermint - cooling and cleaning
Another widely known oil, and probably one of the oldest medicinal herbs, you can find many varieties of peppermint products used for cleaning, freshening and cooling the skin. However, if you have a low-grade peppermint oil, non-organic oil, or peppermint product which does not contain natural 100% pure essential oil, then you won’t get the real power of the oil, and you could potentially find harsh chemicals in your product that try to replicate the smell.
Peppermint oil has antibacterial, anti-fungal and anti-microbial effects, meaning its perfect to clean and freshen. I like to add a few drops of peppermint and lavender oil with distilled water in a spray bottle and spray over soft furnishings such as pillows, throws, carpet etc. to maintain a clean, sanitized and fresh smelling space. A healthy self-care routine always starts with a fresh space, as the air you breathe plays a major role in healthy lung function, blood pressure and overall well-being.
Additionally, peppermint is a perfect solution to headaches and clouded thought for its pain-killing effects. I like to add a few drops to a moisturizer base, or directly drop 1 drop onto the fingers, and rub into the temples and back of the neck, as these are areas best to absorb the oil. Drop an additional drop of the oil onto your hands, rub together, then cup your hands over your mouth and nose and breathe in for an invigorating pick-me-up.
Lemon - revitalizing and refreshing
This is probably an oil I personally use the most, for its wide range of potential uses, plus its amazing uplifting smell! Lemon is a great degreaser, it works fantastically as a pre-wash stain remover, or to use on surfaces to remove sticky substances.
It's also great for focusing and clearing the mind, so its perfect to diffuse if you are studying or working. My favorite use for lemon oil is to add one or two drops to my water bottle before a big day or a gym session because of its uplifting and energizing properties. It tastes great and I find myself drinking more water than I otherwise would!
Essential oils provide fantastic physical, emotional and psychological benefits, all of which assist in creating a positive, fulfilled, awakened life. Surrounding yourself with high vibrating frequencies and positive smells like lavender, peppermint and lemon will not only benefit your daily routines and sense of self but by creating your own beauty products, you contribute to creating a future free of single-use plastic.
About The Author: Lauren Crabtree (@crabbypatty__)
