How to Use Lavender Essential Oil for Healthy Skin

Essential oils are extracted from plants and flowers and have been used in skin care for millennia. Lavender essential oil is especially popular as it has a pleasing scent and it has antibacterial, antifungal properties and is so gentle, it can be used with infants.Unlike other essential oils that must be diluted in a carrier oil such as almond or apricot before applying to the skin, lavender can be applied directly to the skin. It has been used to speed the healing of burns and it is known as a calming, “sedative” essential oil.

Things You'll Need

• 2 Spray bottles
• Lavender essential oil
• 4 ounces Jojoba oil
• 4 ounces spring or filtered water
• 4 ounces distilled witch hazel
• Cotton balls

Instructions

1. Begin by doing a skin patch test to make certain you are not allegoric to lavender. Dab a very small amount of lavender to your inner elbow and leave it overnight or 24 hours. Should you develop a rash or other skin irritation, discontinue use and wash the skin.

2. Make a gentle facial cleanser. If you do not have any skin reaction, it is safe to use lavender to cleanse and soothe the skin. Starting with 4 ounces of liquid glycerin soap or castille soap, add 10 to 15 drops of lavender essential oil. Shake the liquid and use as needed.

3. Sweep away dead skin cells with a mild skin astringent. Whether you have dry, normal, oily or combination skin (some parts oily, other parts dry), you can use this astringent daily. After cleansing the skin, sweep a cotton ball soaked in distilled witch hazel and 2 to 3 drops of lavender. Do not use on the delicate skin under the eyes.

4. Make a moisturizer that can be used for face and body. If you have oily skin, use a fine mist of lavender oil by combining 4 ounces of spring or filtered water in a spray bottle with 20 to 25 drops of lavender essential oil. Use a dark colored glass bottle to protect the essential oil from oxidizing. Spray on the face as needed to trap moisture on your skin after bathing.

5. Plump up fine lines with a heavier moisturizer by combining 4 ounces of jojoba oil with 20 to 25 drops of lavender essential oil. Shake well before pouring a quarter-sized amount in one hand and lightly smooth over face and neck. Add more to hands, arms and legs.

6. De-stress at any time by misting your face or arms with the lavender mist. Its light scent is not overwhelming and it can even be sprayed onto your pillow or a baby’s blanket to induce sleep.Do not get into eyes. If you do, rinse out immediately.

Tips & Warnings

• Lavender essential oil is commonly extracted from Lavandula augustifolia, lavendula vera or Lavandula officinalis. Try each of them to see which suits you best. Select organic essential oils whenever possible as they are free of pesticides.