Essential Oils for Skin

11 Best Essential Oils for Skin

October 12, 2021 by Dr. Trevor Cates Leave a Comment

Essential oils have exploded in popularity in the last decade. However, they’ve long been enjoyed for their therapeutic benefits, beauty benefits, and aromatherapy benefits. In skin care, essential oils can be an ideal replacement for synthetic fragrances and toxic, artificial ingredients.

At The Spa Dr.®, we use essential oils as natural alternatives for synthetic fragrance, for both their skin-enhancing properties and the added benefit of their light and refreshing scents.

Here are 11 of the best essential oils for skin care, their benefits, and how to use essential oils safely.

1. Tea Tree Oil

Tea tree oil is widely known as one of the best essential oils for the skin. It has antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties and may help reduce acne breakouts for Olivia types with mild to moderate acne. Furthermore, research shows that tea tree oil is known to help soothe seborrheic dermatitis and heal wounds, which can benefit Emmett skin types. Don’t know your skin type yet? Take The Skin Quiz to find out yours.

Tea tree oil also has antifungal and antiviral effects. That means it can help with pesky skin issues such as warts, athlete’s foot, and nail fungus. Keep a tea tree oil blend in your gym bag for this use! However, when using tea tree essential oil, make sure it is diluted. The undiluted variety can burn and irritate the skin when applied directly.

2. Mandarin Peel Oil

Mandarin peel oil is a gentle oil that may help reduce the appearance of pigmentation from stretch marks, scarring, and acne. It has a bright and refreshing citrus scent and because of that, it is used in many natural products for the household and in skin care – including our Step 2: NOURISH Antioxidant Serum. Mandarin peel oil also has astringent properties that help tone skin and smooth pores.

3. Ylang-Ylang Flower Oil

Ylang-ylang flower essential oil has an exotic sweet smell and a euphoric, sedative effect on the nervous system, providing relief from tension and stress. Topically, ylang-ylang oil helps with sebum balance for overly dry and overly oily complexions. It also has an amazing ability to help maintain proper moisture levels by preventing the skin’s water loss. This makes the skin appear resilient and smooth. It also has a soothing effect. It is one of the star oils in The Spa Dr.® Daily Essentials proprietary 100% organic, natural, essential oil blend.

4. Bergamot Fruit Oil

It wouldn’t be a list of the best essential oils for skin care without bergamot fruit oil. This oil has a zesty and citrusy natural fragrance as well as antiseptic and antibacterial properties. It helps regulate sebum secretion and has been known to even out skin tone and promote wound healing. Blemishes of all types benefit from its topical application.

Since this is a citrus oil, it’s important to be careful of sun exposure after using this oil. You can use it in the evenings in small amounts, but some people continue to have sun sensitivity effects 24 hours after use. That’s why in The Spa Dr.® skin care products, we use furanocoumarin-free bergamot oil. Furanocoumarins are a class of plant compounds that make skin more sensitive to sunlight.

5. May Chang Peel Oil

May chang peel oil is widely used in Traditional Chinese Medicine for its anti-congestive, antiseptic, and calming benefits. In skin care, it helps address oily skin and breakouts thanks to its astringent, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory properties. May chang peel oil is known for its deep-cleansing and pore-reducing effects without irritating or drying out the skin. In addition to soothing and healing the skin, it has a bright and energizing scent similar to lemons. This is another essential oil you will find in The Spa Dr.® skin care products.

6. Clary Sage Oil

Clary sage oil contains natural antimicrobial agents, making it helpful in addressing wounds and skin infections. Research shows it can help fight certain staphylococcus infections, which are common bacterial causes of skin infections. Clary sage oil also soothes skin and helps calm skin inflammation. It has a sweet, natural, and herbaceous scent.

7. Lavender Oil

Lavender is well-known as being one of the best essential oils for the skin. People love it for its stress-reducing, soothing, and calming properties as well as for its antimicrobial activities against bacteria, fungi, and yeasts. Research shows it also has anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting effects. It also offers pain-reducing and wound-healing properties, making lavender one of my favorites in skin care and skin healing treatments.

8. Jasmine Oil

Jasmine is another essential oil favorite of many people for its sweet and romantic fragrance. Several studies show that jasmine essential oil is antimicrobial and has antibacterial properties. In skin care, it helps even the skin’s appearance and when used for a long period of time may help lighten dark spots. Jasmine oil is also a powerful emollient, helping to lock moisture in the skin. It can also be used on the scalp to hydrate dry areas and reduce dandruff.

9. Frankincense Oil

Frankincense oil is one of the best essential oils for the skin because it promotes cell regeneration. It also acts as an astringent, helping to rejuvenate the skin. Frankincense is especially useful for people seeking a healing oil for imperfections caused by acne. It also helps reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

10. Lemon Balm Oil

Lemon balm oil is a cheerful oil with a sweet, warm scent reminiscent of lemons. Its uplifting scent even inspired this old Arabian proverb: “Balm makes the heart merry and joyful.” In skin care, lemon balm helps smooth and tighten skin while also encouraging circulation. Lemon balm oil contains flavonoids that deliver antioxidants to the skin. It also contains caffeic acid and ferulic acid, which help protect the skin against UV damage.

11. Peppermint Oil

One reason peppermint oil is one of the best essential oils for skin is because of its fragrance. The cool, minty scent of peppermint is perfect for opening up the senses for a rejuvenating experience. It also cleanses the skin and has antiseptic and antibacterial properties. Peppermint oil should be diluted with a carrier oil when using it topically to avoid skin irritation.

Essential Oil Safety Tips

Before using essential oils, it is important to know how to use them safely. When they are used correctly, they have many powerful benefits. However, when they are not used with certain precautions, they can cause discomfort, sun sensitivity, and other skin issues. Here are some essential oils safety tips to ensure you can avoid the negative side effects of essential oils.

#1. Check for purity

The purity of essential oils varies greatly, so look for oils with the absolute highest standards. For example, some essential oils are extracted by harmful practices. Before purchasing, ask questions about the extraction process, purity, and concentration. Cold-pressed, organic oils are free from impurities and have more benefits.

#2. Do a patch test

Some people are sensitive to essential oils and may develop contact dermatitis or skin irritation. If you have sensitive skin or tend to react easily, it’s best to do a patch test by applying the skin care product with essential oils to a small area on your inner forearm. Then, place a Band-Aid over the test area. If you develop a rash, redness, or itchiness within 24 hours, then you may have a sensitivity. Reconsider using the product elsewhere on your body.

#3. Start small

Generally, it’s best to start with 2 – 3 drops of essential oils per application. I like to use a carrier oil such as coconut oil, almond oil, or jojoba oil and mix 1 or 2 drops of essential oils in 2 – 5 tablespoons of carrier oil to start. I don’t recommend people apply straight essential oils (without diluting) when they’re first trying it out. Some oils are stronger than others, so you’ll want to dilute them even more.

#4. Be careful in the sun

Furanocoumarin is a chemical component found in citrus peel that causes sun sensitivity (easy burning or excess pigmentation). There is potential for serious damage to the skin after exposure to direct sunlight. The Spa Dr.® skin care products (Daily Essentials Steps 2 and 3), use furanocoumarin-free oil, making these products safe for use with sun exposure. If you use skin care products with citrus essential oils, it’s important to make sure that they’re furanocoumarin-free.

#5 Work with a specialist

If you have specific health or skin issues, it’s best to work with a qualified healthcare provider to help ensure you get the best care possible. Your conditions should be safely monitored. If you want to use essential oils therapeutically, consider working with someone well-trained in essential oils.

Essential oils are a wonderful alternative to synthetic, artificial fragrances. They have many powerful skin benefits when used properly. Which one is your favorite? Leave us a comment and let us know.

The Spa Dr.® Approach

At The Spa Dr.®, our approach is to help shine the light on skin care information and offer our guidance to nurture your skin care journey. We believe we provide information that will help support your self-care and healing, and we want you to feel safe and cared for within our community.

The Spa Dr.® offers natural skin care products that are safe and free from chemicals and toxins that can harm your skin and health. Our products are formulated to contain key nutrients in their pure and active form in order to provide optimal results. In addition, our products are pH balanced towards mild acidity to promote and protect a healthy skin microbiome.

If you are not already part of The Spa Dr.® community, please join us at TheSpaDr.com and on social media.

Share this article with your friends and spread the word to promote natural beauty!

5 Essential Oils to Fight Acne

January 15, 2019 by Dr. Trevor Cates Leave a Comment

Last week on my podcast we talked about a possible link between acne and fluoride. Today I wanted to go into a little more depth on this topic and other things that may help. Acne is the most common skin condition in the United States affecting up to 50 million Americans. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, adult-onset acne is on the rise among women in their twenties, thirties, forties, and even fifties and we’re not just talking a few pimples.

A 2014 study in the Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology suggested that in the United States, about 45% of women ages twenty-one to thirty had clinical acne, 26% of women ages thirty-one to forty had clinical acne, and 12% of women ages forty-one to fifty had clinical acne.

In my book Clean Skin From Within I discuss in depth how what we put INSIDE our bodies can have a dramatic impact on the health of our skin. However, that is not to say that there aren’t some tips and tricks we can use externally to help with certain skin issues. Today I want to discuss using essential oils for acne and give you five of my favorite oils to use.

What are the best essential oils for acne?

1. Tea Tree Essential Oil has antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties and may help reduce acne breakouts for mild to moderate acne.

2. Clary Sage Essential Oil contains natural antimicrobial agents, so it can be helpful in addressing skin infections and eruptions.

3. Ylang-ylang Flower Essential Oil helps balance sebum levels for both overly dry and overly oily complexions. It also has a soothing and smoothing effect, and makes a great addition to DIY skin care for all skin types.

4. May Chang Peel Essential Oil is widely used in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) for its anti- congestive and antiseptic benefits. In skincare, it helps prevent and treat oily skin and acne thanks to its astringent, antimicrobial anti-inflammatory action. It helps cleanse and reduce pores size without irritating the skin.

5. Bergamot Fruit Essential Oil has antiseptic and antibacterial effects. Bergamot oil can help regulate sebum secretion as well as promotes wound healing and regeneration.

Why are essential oils good for treating acne or breakouts?

Essential oils have natural healing properties without chemical exposures and harmful side effects of many acne treatments. You can combine oils to get the results you want without damaging your skin. Many of the oils are antimicrobial and soothing to the skin.

Tips for using essential oils for acne

Make sure to use essential oils diluted, especially tea tree oil since the undiluted variety can burn and irritate skin when applied directly.
Use pure and organic essential oils to ensure they’re toxin-free and effective.
Use them consistently for best results.

Have You Taken Our Skin Quiz?

If you have acne-prone skin you may be an Olivia skin type, but click here to find out for sure.

Spa Dr. Favorite for Olivia Skin Types

The Spa Dr.’s Daily Essentials Skincare System is beneficial for all skin types. For Olivia skin types, the Step 2: Antioxidant Serum is optimal as it contains Bergamot, May Chang Peel, and Ylang Ylang Essential Oils. As with all Spa Dr. products you can be confident that it uses high quality, pure, organic oils that will be safe for your skin.

What are your favorite essential oils for your skin?

6 Skin-Enhancing Essential Oils

November 21, 2017 by Dr. Trevor Cates 2 Comments

Essential oils have long been prized for their therapeutic effects and powerful natural fragrance. I hope more skincare companies decide to make the switch to essential oils and eliminate synthetic fragrances containing toxic ingredients.

Although there are many essential oils that are fantastic for skin and overall health, I’m focusing on my six favorite oils.

First, though, it’s important to understand how to use essential oils safely. When used properly, essential oils are powerful and healing. However, they can also be very strong or may lead to sun sensitivity. Follow my safety tips to ensure you reap the benefits of essential oils and avoid potentially negative side effects.

Tips for Safely Using Essential Oils

Check for purity. The purity of essential oils varies greatly, so look for oils with the absolute highest standards. For example, some essential oils are extracted via harmful practices. Before purchasing, ask questions about the extraction process, purity, and concentration.
Do a patch test. Some people are sensitive to essential oils and may develop contact dermatitis or skin irritation. If you have sensitive skin or tend to react easily, it’s best to do a patch test by applying the skin care product with essential oils to a small area on your inner forearm and then place a band-aid over the test area. If you develop a rash, redness, or itchiness within 24 hours, then you may have a sensitivity. Reconsider using the product elsewhere on your body.
Start small and simple. Generally, it’s best to start with 2 – 3 drops per application. I like to use a carrier oil such as coconut oil, almond oil, or jojoba oil and mix 1 or 2 drops essential oils in 2 – 5 Tablespoons of oil to start. I don’t generally recommend people apply straight essential oils (without diluting) when they’re first trying it out. Some oils are stronger than others, so you’ll want to dilute them even more.
Use caution in the sun when using citrus essential oils. Furanocoumarin is a chemical component found in citrus peel that causes sun sensitivity (easy burning or excess pigmentation). There is the potential for serious damage to the skin after exposure to direct sunlight. In The Spa Dr. skincare products (Daily Essentials Steps 2 and 3), we use furanocoumarin-free oil, making these products safe for use with sun exposure. If you use skin care products with citrus essential oils, it’s important to make sure that they’re furanocoumarin-free.
Use caution when using straight (undiluted) essential oils therapeutically. This is particularly important if you are pregnant, nursing, or want to use essentials on your baby or child. Certain components of essential oils, such as ketones, can be great for healing but can be neurotoxic to sensitive patients, including pregnant women, infants, and those with seizure disorders.
Work with a specialist. If you have specific health or skin issues, it’s best to work with a qualified health care provider to help ensure you get the best care possible and your condition can be safely monitored. If you want to use essential oils therapeutically, consider working with someone well trained in essential oils.

Here are 6 of my favorite essential oils for skin:

1. Tea Tree Oil

Tea tree oil has antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties and is well-known to help reduce breakouts in patients with mild-to-moderate acne. In addition, the research shows tea tree oil to be effective at addressing seborrheic dermatitis and chronic gingivitis (gum disease), as well as speeding the wound healing process. Because of its antifungal and antiviral effects, tea tree oil may also help with warts and fungal infections (such as athlete’s foot and nail fungus). It has even been shown to have antibacterial activity against MRSA and may be helpful as an adjunct therapy.

2. Ylang Ylang Flower Oil

This beautiful essential oil has an exotic sweet smell and a euphoric, sedative effect on the nervous system, making it an effective relief for tension and stress. Topically, ylang-ylang oil helps with sebum-balance for both overly dry and overly oily complexions. It has an amazing ability to help maintain proper moisture levels by preventing skin’s water loss which, in turn, makes the skin appear resilient and smooth. It also has a soothing effect. It is one of the star oils in The Spa Dr.’s Daily Essentials proprietary 100% organic, natural, essential oil blend.

3. Bergamot Fruit Oil

This oil has a lovely natural fragrance as well as antiseptic and antibacterial properties. It can help regulate sebum secretion and has been known to even out skin tone and promote wound healing. Blemishes of all types benefit from its topical application. Since this is a citrus oil, it’s important to be careful of sun exposure after using this oil. You can use it in the evenings in small amounts, but some people continue to have sun sensitivity effects 24 hours after use. That’s why, with The Spa Dr. skincare, we use Furanocoumarin-Free, also referred to as Bergaptene-Free, bergamot oil.

4. May Chang Peel Oil

This oil is widely used in Traditional Chinese Medicine for its anti-congestive, antiseptic, and calming benefits. In skincare, it helps address oily skin and breakouts thanks to its astringent, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory action. May Chang Peel oil is known for its deep-cleansing, pore-reducing effects without irritating or drying out the skin. In addition to soothing and healing the skin, its amazing scent makes it the perfect natural fragrance, which is why we also include this in The Spa Dr.’s Daily Essentials proprietary 100% organic, natural, fragrance.

5. Clary Sage

Clary sage oil contains natural antimicrobial agents, making it helpful in addressing wounds and skin infections. Research shows it can help fight certain Staphylococcus infections, which are common bacterial causes of skin infections. (Postepy Dermatol Alergol) Skin infections are common, but it is important to see your doctor if your infection is serious or continues for more than a few days without improvement.

6. Lavender

This popular essential oil is known for its stress-reducing, soothing, and calming properties as well as for its antimicrobial activities against bacteria, fungi, and yeasts. Research shows it also has anti-inflammatory and immune boosting effects. It also offers pain-reducing and wound-healing properties, making lavender one of my favorites in skincare and skin healing treatments.

As I mentioned before, there are many more essential oils with therapeutic and naturally fragrant properties. For example, peppermint oil, lemon balm, lemongrass, jasmine, and frankincense have skin-enhancing and healing benefits. I could go on, but these six give you a great place to start using essential oils in your skincare today. Enjoy!

11 Best Essential Oils for Skin

1. Tea Tree Oil

2. Mandarin Peel Oil

3. Ylang-Ylang Flower Oil

4. Bergamot Fruit Oil

5. May Chang Peel Oil

6. Clary Sage Oil

7. Lavender Oil

8. Jasmine Oil

9. Frankincense Oil

10. Lemon Balm Oil

11. Peppermint Oil