You can’t go anywhere without hearing about essential oils these days. They are a buzzword in the beauty community, but the reality is that they have been a staple in traditional medicine for thousands of years. After diluting essential oils in a carrier oil, you can apply them to the skin to soothe itching from eczema or even fade dark spots.
According to several studies, certain essential oils have the ability to decrease stubborn hyperpigmentation. The way they do this is via cellular regeneration. The Schweiger Dermatology Group in New York City found that essential oils remove the buildup of dead skin cells. By allowing a new fresh layer of cells to take their place, essential oils help the skin appear lighter, brighter, and healthier.
Why Do Age Spots Develop?
Various factors contribute to the development of age spots. The sun’s UV rays, pregnancy (applicable for women), poor diet, and natural aging contribute to age spots, and they typically only occur in people over the age of 40. In regards to diet, people who don’t consume enough selenium can see an increase in the development of age spots. It’s also possible for people with low potassium levels to develop more age spots. Potassium aids with optimal growth development of healthy bodily tissues.
The sun’s UV rays, especially during midday, can be intense for the skin. The higher the UV index, the easier it is to get burnt and damage the skin. To protect the skin from UV rays, the body produces melanin. As a result, brown spots naturally appear in certain areas. Over time, these dark spots can get worse if left unaddressed. Fortunately, many essential oils can help to naturally light the skin.
Sandalwood Essential Oil
In aromatherapy, sandalwood is known for improving mental clarity, and it has an aphrodisiac effect on some people. It’s also a rich source of antioxidants, which fight age-related skin damage. The antiseptic and astringent properties help to clean pores and reduce inflammation from mild irritation. These same properties also help reduce the appearance of dark spots on the skin. In fact, many anti-aging skin care products contain sandalwood for this reason.
Frankincense Essential Oil
Once upon a time, people referred to frankincense oil as “liquid gold.” Frankincense essential oil works to encourage cell turnover and improve skin elasticity. Unlike traditional retinol, frankincense oil helps with cellular regeneration without causing dryness or damage. According to certain studies, frankincense essential oil may also reduce the appearance of liver spots and stretch marks. It may even curb the development of wrinkles!
Lemon Essential Oil
If you want to even out skin tone, start incorporating lemon essential oil into your skin care routine. It exhibits natural bleaching effects that help to lighten dark spots on the skin. Because citrus oils are phototoxic, the skin can become very sensitive or irritated after application. That is why you must dilute lemon oil in a carrier oil and spot test before applying liberally. Lastly, do not apply lemon essential oil and then go out in the sun, otherwise you may experience darker skin.
DIY Serum For Age Spots
Ingredients:
- 1/2 ounce pomegranate seed oil
- 1/2 ounce apricot kernel oil
- 8 drops frankincense essential oil
- 4 drops sandalwood essential oil
- 2 drops lemon essential oil
Instructions:
- Add all of the ingredients to an amber glass bottle in the order that they are listed. Shake gently to combine.
- As a suggestion, it’s best if your amber glass bottle has a dropper top. This makes application much easier.
- Massage a small amount of this oil mixture on the affected areas in the morning and at night to help get rid of age spots.
