An Elementary Guide to Essential Oils on the Hair and Skin

woman using essential oil

Essential oils are found everywhere in today’s beauty aisles. From doTERRA to Amazon oils, these products are thrilling mature women across the globe. 

Were you planning on using essential oils or EOs? Are you curious about their efficacy on your skin and hair?

We’re thrilled to give first-time users a glimpse at the power of essential oils. Follow this guide to really understand their use and ultimate benefits. 

The first big question is: what are essential oils anyway? Read on to understand the basics about this amazing ingredient.

what are essential oils

What are Essential Oils?

Organic essential oils are nutrient-dense byproducts of certain plants after being distilled or processed by alternative means. In fact, they aren’t oils at all.

When you shop for essential oils for inflammation, for example, you want a product with dozens of nutrients. The oils or extracted liquid from specific plants create a solution to many beauty problems. 

The use of essential oils for psoriasis and common ailments began almost simultaneously around the world. The Egyptians, Chinese and Indians were using plants in their native countries around 3,000 to 2,500 B.C. 

They applied them for medicinal and cosmetic reasons. Over many centuries, the practice was passed down through families and spread across the world. 

Currently, therapeutic grade essential oils are thrilling mature women because they’re useful as beauty solutions. There’s even a link between essential oils and emotions! 

Did you know that only a handful of plants can generate food grade essential oils? The government cannot regulate or patent these products either. 

Would you like to know how these oils are produced in the first place? Explore the fascinating world of EOs as you consider their daily use in your household.

how to produce oils

How are Essential Oils Produced?

Did you know that only a few parts of the plant can offer essential oils in the first place?

These parts include:

  • Flowers
  • Leaves
  • Stems
  • Fruits
  • Roots

Every plant has a different mixture of parts that will eventually produce essential oils. How can this essence be extracted for our purposes though?

There are several ways in which EOs can be pulled from the plants. Explore the processes below:

Distillation

A common way to extract EOs is through distillation. Steam passed through the plant parts forces the oils into a gaseous form.

The steam and oil are captured and condensed so that the EO can be divided out and bottled.

CO2 Processes

An expensive way to produce some of the highest quality EOs is using carbon dioxide. In fact, producers use this molecule at its “supercritical” stage where it can be either a liquid or gas.

Plant parts coming into contact with the CO2 will dissolve, which leads to EO extraction.

Enfleurage

One of the oldest ways to extract EOs is by enfleurage. This French-based process involves vegetable or animal fat spread out onto a sheet.

Producers place plant parts on the fat as it warms up. They continue with this process until the fat absorbs a high concentration of the oils. 

The oils are then pulled from the fat by using solvents.

Expression

The simplest way to extract EOs is by expressing them. A heavy-duty press forces the oils out of the plant parts.

Machinery captures the oils for production purposes. Larger parts, such as stems and peels, are easily expressed.

Solvents

Flower-petal based EOs are difficult to refine because the plant parts are so delicate. The use of solvents, including benzene, becomes a practical solution for extraction.

Rose and jasmine EOs often come from solvent extraction. The flower parts dissolve into the solvent, and it’s evaporated away afterward. 

You’re left with a pure EO with most of the solvent disappearing from the mixture.

Scarification

This extraction process is geared toward citrus-oil production. Quality products emerge when manufacturers use organic fruits, including oranges and lemons.

Scarification involves a cold press of the citrus peels in order to gain access to the EOs. They’re captured and sold in concentrated forms. 

With a plentiful amount of EOs at your disposal, you might wonder how they’re categorized in the marketplace. 

Every EO has a scent category. Learn more about them as you decide on your next purchase.

flowers fruits barks

Scent Categories of Essential Oils

Every EO has its own scent and set of feelings that arise from its use. A sweet scent might remind you of spring or summer outings.

Using the wrong scent at an improper time will leave anyone wanting more. EOs will always fall into a specific category that tells a story. 

Learn all about these scent categories so that you can match your needs with a particular bouquet. The power of smell is incredibly strong.

Sweet

The sweet category conjures up thoughts of sugar and warm days. Find sweet EOs among the citrus family, including tangerine, lemongrass and grapefruit.

Musky

The musk family offers potent scents that remind you of earthy tones. Citronella and patchouli define this category.

Floral

Springtime flourishes with floral EOs. Geranium, ylang ylang and lavender fall into these categories.

Most consumers start with floral EOs because they’re familiar with them. They’re a great starter product when you’re first experimenting with essential oils.

Mint

Wintergreen and peppermint fall under the “mint” category. They’re refreshing for both the hair and skin.

Woodsy

When you miss the mountains, that tree scent is often part of the memory. Consider EOs that are directly pulled from these plants, including cedarwood, pine and balsam fir.

Spicy

If you’ve ever baked cinnamon buns or cookies before, you’ve smelled the spicy aspect of this ingredient. Try an EO that’s under the “spicy” category, such as oregano, tea tree and anise.

Camphoraceous

When you’re looking for a more medicinal EO, camphoraceous scents are your go-to products. These EOs include sage, camphor and eucalyptus.

The world of EOs continues to amaze mature women everywhere. Expand your knowledge base by focusing on essential oils for the skin only. 

The skin positively reacts with EOs used on a regular basis.

woman holding a bottle of oil

Essential Oils for Skin

Your skin is a sponge. It takes in nutrients from both topical and internal locations.

Essential oils are perfectly designed for the human skin because they nourish the tissue while slowly seeping into the lower layers. 

The skin benefits with a balanced appearance, fewer aging features and relief from chronic ailments. Eczema and acne can be fought off with essential-oil use. 

What are the best essential oils for your skin type? Find a skin issue below to learn more about the right match with essential oils.

Anti-Aging

When you want to improve upon mature skin, try rose, lavender or argan oil. All of these essential oils are full of antioxidant power, which leads to healthier skin.

Mix 20 drops carrier oil, such as jojoba oil, with one drop EO. Apply this mixture to the face, neck and chest. 

The carrier oil dilutes the essential oil so that it absorbs without any possible irritation.

Acne

Try ylang ylang, lemongrass and tea-tree oil for acne-prone skin. These essential oils for bruises and inflammation offer antibacterial properties and sebum-production control.

Ideally, create a mist bottle with three drops EO with two ounces carrier oil or CO. Apply the mist several times a day. 

Add one or two drops argan oil to the bottle as well. It also has acne-fighting power.

Dry Skin

Frankincense, argan and geranium are clever EOs to put into a moisturizer mixture. They nourish the skin with a long-lasting barrier to moisture loss.

Stick to one ounce CO with 29 drops one or more EOs. Rub the mixture onto the skin whenever necessary.

Oily Skin

Argan oil calms sebum production while fighting off clogged pores at the same time. Mix one to two drops argan oil with a CO or favorite lotion.

Apply the mixture onto the oily skin. It should balance out after several days of treatment.

Sensitive Skin

Neroli and lavender work well on sensitive skin. They both hydrate the skin and encourage healing on several levels.

Combine six drops neroli with 10 drops lavender. Add seven tablespoons CO. 

Mix well and apply to the skin.

different women using essential oils

Combination Skin

Bergamot, patchouli and argan oils are practically designed for combination skin. They moisturize the tissue while calming the sebum production.

Mix one or two drops EO with one milliliter CO. Apply it onto the face. 

The combination skin should abate in time.

Irritated Skin

Use either argan or lavender oil in order to treat irritated skin. Essential oils for allergies and other issues will reduce inflammation and encourage healing.

Combine 15 drops EO to one tablespoon CO. Dab the mixture onto the irritated areas. 

Daily use gives way to calmer skin than before.

Skin Disorder

Essential oils for eczema and other skin disorders start with German chamomile. It’s safe on delicate skin while providing dense nutrients.

Combine equal parts coconut oil and shea butter together. Mix three drops German chamomile into the combination. 

Apply to any affected skin area. The vitamins and minerals boost the skin’s healing process against nearly any ailment.

Stretch Marks

Stretch marks are large scars, so treat them with argan and frankincense oils.

Add 20 drops EO to one tablespoon CO. Apply the mixture onto the stretch marks each day. 

Both EOs provide healing processes at the skin-tissue level.

Bruises

Look for essential oils for warts so that bruises and other blemishes fade away, such as oregano, neem or argan oils. The EOs balance out the skin’s oil production and heals chronic issues.

Mix one or two drops EO to one ounce CO. Apply directly to the bruised area. Repeat the process daily.

Cuts

Add 15 drops helichrysum EO to one ounce carrier oil. Consider the addition of one or two drops argan oil.

This mixture offers possible microbial control, including power from antifungal essential oils, that improve cut-healing times. The mixture is also diluted for sensitive skin, which reduces irritation.

Burns

Lavender and argan oil are the top essential oils for sunburn and other irritations. Add the EO to a lotion, such as cocoa butter, and rub it onto the skin.

The antibacterial properties make a difference in the sunburn’s healing time. 

You’re probably thrilled with essential oils on your skin. Move forward with applications on the hair! 

There are plenty of oils just ready to add more hydration to those locks.

different use of essential oils on hair

Essential Oils for Hair

The hair is constantly fighting the elements. It reacts by looking dry, feeling oily and frizzing up at a moment’s notice.

Essential oils for the hair are a simple way to fight off the most common complaints. You can potentially see fuller hair, a healthier look and longer lengths than before. 

Explore the top hair issues among mature women today. There’s an EO for that!

Dry Hair

Say goodbye to dry hair by creating your own hot-oil treatment. Warm up four tablespoons CO with several drops EO. Finger comb the mixture into your hair.

Allow it to set for around 30 minutes. Wash it out to see a more balanced appearance to the hair shaft. 

For the best results, use lavender, rosemary or argan oil. These EOs work fatty acids and vitamins into the strands with long-term improvements.

Oily Hair

Fight oil with oil by combining 20 drops of EO, one teaspoon bentonite clay and a standard bottle of shampoo. Wash the combination into your hair.

The EO balances out the oil production from your glands, which calms their activity and reduces oily conditions.

Frizzy Hair

A mixture of two tablespoons CO with five drops ylang ylang oil creates a leave-in conditioner. Add it onto your hair after shampooing.

Allow it to soak in for at least 30 minutes before washing it out. 

Ylang ylang oil strengthens the hair shaft because of its positive effect on sebum production. A balanced head of hair naturally fights frizz.

Damaged Hair

Add three drops clary sage oil to your everyday conditioner. Apply it after shampooing.

Clary sage is known to strengthen the hair at the follicle and down the shaft. Everyday damage can slowly fade away with regular use of this EO.

Thin Hair

Peppermint creates that cool sensation in your mouth when you consume it, and the same scenario happens with the scalp. Apply two drops peppermint oil mixed with several tablespoons of CO onto your hair.

Leave the mixture on for about five minutes. Shampoo it out. 

That cool sensation equates to more blood being rushed to the area. Thin hair now has the nourishment it needs to gain a fuller volume than before.

Hair Growth

Rosemary and argan oil will both encourage growth at the cellular level when it comes to longer locks. The vitamins within the EOs nourish the cells to work at a healthy pace.

Grab several tablespoons coconut oil, and mix it with two to three drops EO. Rub it into the scalp. 

After 10 minutes, shampoo it out. Add this habit into your beauty routine to see hair growth at a more rapid pace than before.

Hair Loss

Cedarwood oil has unique properties that can fight hair loss, such as antibacterial and anti-fungal ingredients. It also encourages healthy oil production at the scalp’s level.

Combine three to four drops cedarwood oil into two tablespoons CO. Apply it on dry hair. Allow it to rest in place for 10 minutes. 

Rinse out the mixture. Perform this deep-conditioning treatment twice a week to see less hair loss.

Dandruff

Lemongrass, tea tree and argan oils have properties that fight off fungi that might aggravate the scalp.

Mix 20 drops EO with your conditioner. Apply it in the shower, and leave it on for 10 to 15 minutes. 

The EO nourishes the scalp so that dry or dandruff conditions don’t return.

Scalp Health

Consider rosemary, chamomile or argan oil for irritated or itchy scalps. These EOs have antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties that balance out the scalp.

Combine a single tablespoon each coconut oil and raw apple cider vinegar. Drizzle up to 15 drops of one or more EOs into the combination. 

One teaspoon honey and one-quarter cup Himalayan pink salt round out the ingredients. Scrub the scalp with this mixture and rinse to see better scalp health. 

Are you confident about your application style? It’s a good idea to learn how to safely use EOs. 

Stop for a moment, and look over these guidelines. EO safety is just as important as the product selection.

woman using essential oil

Tips on How to Safely Use Essential Oils on the Skin and Hair

You’ll become a fan of EOs when you understand their complexity. Knowing how to use them with safety in mind is critical.

Follow these top tips on safe EO use. Your skin and hair will only benefit from this knowledge.

Always Dilute

You only need a few drops of EO in comparison to the carrier oil. For standard uses, dilute the EO to 3 or 5 percent.

Photosensitive oils, such as citrus, require an even stronger dilution factor of 0.5 percent. Irritation from the sunlight can be avoided as a result.

Be Picky About Brands

Every manufacturer has its own production strategy and cost factors. They aren’t the only producers that know how to make essential oils, however.

Always look for EOs produced by reputable companies with a product that looks clear and clean.

Choose Good Scents

Good advice dictates that scent should be a factor in your purchase. Your EO should smell satisfying.

In fact, many people use the EOs as aromatherapy as they apply it to the hair or skin. Breathing in the scent relaxes the mind and body.

Experiment With a Small Area

Every person will react differently to various EOs. Test a small area on your hair or skin before a full treatment occurs.

Use another EO if sensitivities or reactions arise.

Apply Fresh Oil

After about three years, essential oils lose their potency because of oxidization. Purchase a new bottle if you’re unsure of the old oil’s age.

Glass is Best

Oil will break through plastic over time so always buy glass bottles. They protect the oil’s quality too.

Do you want to know a secret? There are certain brands that are better than others when it comes to EOs. 

Get familiar with the name brands that can make a difference in your hair and skincare right now.

amber bottles

Best Essential-Oil Brands

Some EO brands simply stand out from their competitors. Take a look at the best essential oil brands in the marketplace right now:

  • Plant Therapy
  • NOW essential oils 
  • Amazon essential oils 
  • Whole Foods essential oils 
  • Hopewell essential oils 
  • Nature’s Truth essential oils 
  • Rocky Mountain Oils 
  • Walmart essential oils 
  • My doTERRA

There are often many companies that emerge with their unique EOs for the public every year. They haven’t built a foundation with consumers yet; mature women need a time-tested brand.

What should you look for when buying EOs? Should you compare and contrast, such as doTERRA vs Young Living products? 

Here are a few features to think about as you sort through the various products, including:

  • Mostly transparent oil
  • Environmentally friendly production strategy 
  • Multiple quality assurance steps 
  • Free of pesticides 
  • Transparent explanation of production type, such as distillation or cold press

It’s fair to say that everyone will have their own opinion about the best EO, such as doTERRA lavender. The subjective part of choosing an EO makes the process a very personal one each time.

Ideally, purchase your high-quality EOs directly from the manufacturer. The bottles will be sealed and virtually perfect when you open them up. 

You may have noticed a few retailers mentioned, such as Amazon and Walmart. These businesses have their own line of EOs along with supporting other producers. 

These businesses are trusted in the marketplace so buying from them is appropriate. Simply check the product before taking it home. 

Knowing which product to choose and where to find it are victories as you narrow down your search for the best EOs. However, you should also understand the serious side of this product. 

Get to know the possible side effects and precautions that come along with EOs. Being safe and cautious will make every experience with EOs positive ones.

woman with essential oil

Precautions and Side Effects

Remember the use of carrier oils? The ingredients for your favorite skin or hair-care routines will almost always include COs when it comes to EO use.

Always dilute EOs to about 5 percent of a given mixture. They’re simply too strong to be used “as is.” 

Be sure that your EO is pure from the manufacturer too. A pure mixture will be useful at even a 3-percent dilution factor. 

These are the side effects associated with EOs when they aren’t properly prepared, such as:

  • Allergic reactions
  • Contact dermatitis 
  • Long-term oil-sensitivity issues 
  • Sun sensitivity

Always be aware of the EO’s dilution factor as you prepare it. If someone prepares it for you, ask them about their processes.

People who should be careful about using EOs include:

  • Pregnant or nursing women
  • Children and babies 
  • Women with sensitive skin

The best way to introduce yourself to the world of EOs without major side effects is testing yourself.

Pick a small patch of skin to try a diluted EO on. Apply the mixture and observe your reaction. 

If there is a negative effect, it’s only the test area that’s affected. 

Avoid any consumption of EOs. They’re best used topically for both skin and hair health. 

We’re winding down our exploration of EOs. Safe use is the key to prevent serious side effects while enjoying the common benefits.

Conclusion

You’ve completed your journey through the basics surrounding essential oils. Congratulations on being a knowledgeable person in this area now!

Infographic

Several topics were discussed in this article, including essential-oil origins, uses, top brands and more. You have the tools now to go out and buy the best brand for your budget. Check out this infographic!

essential oil infographic

Did you try any essential oils? What was your experience?

Share your thoughts in the section below. Mature women around the world can benefit from your ideas and suggestions.