a complete guide:
essential oils + their skin benefits

Benzoin resin oil is a balsamic resin from the gorgeous Styrax species of trees that grow in primarily warm, tropical regions. Very good for the skin, in addition to being calming & relaxing, it also acts as an expectorant, helping to ease congested breathing.

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Cedarwood has a fresh, dry, earthy aroma that is grounding, pleasant and relaxing. It has many skin benefits, including being cleansing, anti-inflammatory and calming. For the mind and spirit, it is great for calming the mind and easing nervous energy. It is also a GREAT fragrance, similar to sandalwood.

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As a base note in aromatherapy, it is intense, heavy and relaxing and evaporates slowly over time, so the aroma lasts longer. Including it in a blend will also slow the evaporation of the other essential oils in the blend.

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Frankincense, known as the king of oils, is great at relieving stress and is woodsy, earthy, spicy & slightly fruity. It is full of anti-inflammatory and healing properties that are great for scars, wounds and stretch marks. It is sourced by steam distilling the resin of the Boswellia tree and is used in many religious ceremonies, as it is extremely calming, grounding and centering. 

 

As a base note in aromatherapy, it is intense, heavy and relaxing and evaporates slowly over time, so the aroma lasts longer. Including it in a blend will also slow the evaporation of the other essential oils in the blend.

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With the highest concentrations of vitamin C of any of the citrus fruits, grapefruit promotes collagen production in the skin, as well as supporting the immune system, and preventing inflammation causing free radical damage! With the hightest concentraion of lycopene as well (lycopene is responsible for grapefruit's rich red and pink colors), grapefruit reduces the effects of free radicals. As a citrus fruit rich in citric acid, grapefruit sloughs off dead skin cells, lightens dark spots and leaves behind a lovely glow. Grapefruit contains amino acids that firm and soften skin and diminish the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. It also just smells amazing! Very cheery and uplifting. As a diuretic, grapefruit reduces excess water which tightens pores and tones the skin, brightening the complexion. 
 
As a top note in aromatherapy, it is light, fresh and uplifting and evaporates quickly, making a first impression but not lasting a very long time. Top notes are most likely to have anti-viral properties.

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Jasmine is an absolute, not an essential oil. It takes approximately 2,000 pounds of jasmine flowers to produce one pound of oil! It has an exotic, pretty, rich, romantic floral that is an aphrodisiac, inducing feelings of love and euphoria. I love to use this in place of a chemical laden perfume. It is emotionally uplifting and helps ease tight muscles and cramping when used in a massage.
 

As a base note in aromatherapy, it is intense, heavy and relaxing and evaporates slowly over time, so the aroma lasts longer. Including it in a blend will also slow the evaporation of the other essential oils in the blend.

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We use the HIGHEST QUALITY LAVENDER you will EVER EXPERIENCE! It is a strong, herbaceous floral with a calming, balancing and healing effect on the central nervous system, reducing stress, anxiety and panic and promoting relaxation. It has been appreciated for centuries for its ability to help lull you off to sleep. A massage with lavender helps to ease tired, tense or sore muscles. Its topical properties include being analgesic (pain numbing), anti-inflammatory, antiseptic and cicatrisant (cell-regenerating for skin and healing for scars). It is very popular for healing the skin and soothing skin ailments such as bee stings, burns, cuts, dermatitis, eczema, inflammation, insect bites, insomnia, nervous tension, rashes, small wounds and sunburns.
 
Lavender is known as a middle-top note in aromatherapy. As a middle note, it is warm, soft and balancing and comes into its own not immediately, but after a few minutes. As a top note, it is light, fresh and uplifting and evaporates quickly, making a first impression but not lasting a very long time. Top notes are most likely to have anti-viral properties.

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Lemon is a wonderful deodorizer and immune system stimulant. It is fresh, energizing and cleansing, uplifting the mood and inviting in positive, happy energy. It promotes clarity and objectivity. It has a fresh, fruity, tart aroma. Its topical properties include being antiseptic, astringent (tightening and contracting tissue) and diuretic (reducing excess fluid, relieving swelling).
 
As a top note in aromatherapy, it is light, fresh and uplifting and evaporates quickly, making a first impression but not lasting a very long time. Top notes are most likely to have anti-viral properties.

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From the tangy fruit, lime oil is rich in Vitamin C and packed with antioxidants, supporting the immune system and brightening the skin!

 

Thanks to its citric acid content, lime sloughs off dead skin cells, increases cell turnover, reduces the appearance of scars, lightens dark spots and leaves behind a lovely glow.

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As an astringent, lime tightens pores and tones the skin, evening and brightening the complexion.
 
It has a zesty citrus scent and is cleansing, refreshing for the skin and uplifting to the emotions.

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Litsea has an intensely crisp, clean, sweet, lemony-citrus aroma that smells kind of like an old-fashioned lemon hard candy in the summertime! It is incredibly uplifting, rejuvenating, energizing and cleansing. It soothes the nervous system and induces relaxation. The root and stem of this plant are used in Chinese medicine. For the skin, it is a gentle astringent, helping to cleanse and tighten pores, while its antimicrobial & anti-inflammatory properties reduce existing skin flare-ups. It is also a helpful digestive agent when massaged on the belly.

 

As a top note in aromatherapy, it is light, fresh and uplifting and evaporates quickly, making a first impression but not lasting a very long time. Top notes are most likely to have anti-viral properties.

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MYRRH essential oil comes from the resin of the myrrh tree, which grows in dry desert conditions, withstanding harsh winds and conditions. It is frequently used in Chinese medicine and is known as one of the best oils for treating dry, chapped or cracked skin and helping with wrinkles.

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Also known as Orange Flower or Orange Blossom, neroli is one of my absolute favorites. It is one of the more expensive essential oils, but luckily only a small amount is needed to experience its full effects. It has such a pretty, soft aroma and reminds me of sunshine and the beach. A light, sweet-floral, it is known for its calming effects and aphrodisiac qualities. For the skin, it is a toner and a circastrisant, reducing scars, spots and marks, and adding a serious healthy glow to the skin.

 

Neroli is known as a top-middle note in aromatherapy. 

 

As a top note in aromatherapy, it is light, fresh and uplifting and evaporates quickly, making a first impression but not lasting a very long time. Top notes are most likely to have anti-viral properties.

 

As a middle note in aromatherapy, it is warm, soft and balancing and comes into its own not immediately, but after a few minutes. 

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Palmarosa is a tropical grass who's oil has a pleasant, rosy aroma.

 

It is great for the skin - especially dry skin. It balances oil production and is very moisturizing and calming.

 

It is also a mind-calming oil that is great for reducing stress and racing thoughts.

 

The main chemical component of Palmarosa is Geraniol, making up about 75% of its content. Geraniol is what gives Palmarosa its rosy aroma. It also stimulates healthy cell growth, so it a great anti-aging oil.

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NOT JUST FOR HIPPIES! This is one multi-tasking essential oil! PATCHOULI is very unique, some may even call it an acquired taste, however it does wonders for the mind, body and spirit! This rich, earthy, spicy, musky oil is one of the few essential oils that improves with age. It is grounding and balancing. For the skin, it is moisturizing and plumping, helping with the appearance of wrinkles and cellulite, and stimulating the growth of new skin cells.

 

As a base in aromatherapy, it is intense, heavy and relaxing and evaporates slowly over time, so the aroma lasts longer. Including it in a blend will also slow the evaporation of the other essential oils in the blend.

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Peppermint is cooling and stimulating, promoting mental alertness. It clears stagnant energy and uplifts, aiding in digestion both literally in the context of gas and upset stomachs and figuratively in the context of digesting new ideas. It is known to relieve nausea and headaches due to tension or motion sickness.

 

As a top note in aromatherapy, it is light, fresh and uplifting and evaporates quickly, making a first impression but not lasting a very long time. Top notes are most likely to have anti-viral properties.

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Steam distilled from the leaves and twigs of the bitter orange tree, petitgrain has a very beautiful, complex aroma. It is a fresh-floral-citrus with a fresh-woodsy-herbaceous undertone. It is one of my FAVORITES and is known as one of the best anti-anxiety essential oils.
Petitgrain is known as a top-middle note in aromatherapy. 

 

As a top note in aromatherapy, it is light, fresh and uplifting and evaporates quickly, making a first impression but not lasting a very long time. Top notes are most likely to have anti-viral properties.
As a middle note in aromatherapy, it is warm, soft and balancing and comes into its own not immediately, but after a few minutes. 

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Warming and stimulating, rosemary promotes mental clarity, focus and memory retention, while clearing negative energy. It has a strong, fresh, minty, herbaceous aroma. For the skin, it is hydrating and toning. 

 

As a middle note in aromatherapy, it is warm, soft and balancing and comes into its own not immediately, but after a few minutes.

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Cold pressed from the rind of the orange fruit, sweet orange essential oil has a sweet, fruity citrus aroma. It has a very pleasant, cheery, uplifting aroma that brightens the mood (as well as the skin!). 
 
Orange peels themselves are loaded with antioxidants and vitamin C (more so than the portion you eat!), keeping skin balanced (not too oily and not too dry). Applying orange peel to the skin acts as a natural toner, removing dead cells and dirt and tightening pores!! Turn dull skin to healthy glowing skin with orange peels and sweet orange essential oil!
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As a top note in aromatherapy, it is light, fresh and uplifting and evaporates quickly, making a first impression but not lasting a very long time. Top notes are most likely to have anti-viral properties.

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Tea tree oil comes from the leaves of the tea tree shrub. It got its common name in the 1700's when British explorer Lieutenant James Cook saw native Australians brewing tea using the leaves from this tree.

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Tea tree oil is a powerful skin friendly oil that is said to be effective for all sorts of skin ailments. Known as a powerful antiseptic, tea tree oil can help kill acne causing bacteria which is why it is so popular for oily or acne prone skin.

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One of my absolute favorites! Vetiver is absolutely intoxicating, like an enchanted forest in a fairy tale. It is heavy, earthy and woodsy - one of the most earthy scents available. It is grounding, calming and balancing, doing wonders for lulling one off to sleep. For me personally, I have the most vivid dreams when I use this at bedtime. For the skin, it reduces inflammation, fades scars, spots & marks & speeds up wound healing.
 

As a base in aromatherapy, it is intense, heavy and relaxing and evaporates slowly over time, so the aroma really sticks around!

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A heavy, sweet, exotic floral, ylang ylang (pronounced ee-lang ee-lang) is calming and euphoric. For the the skin, it is very balancing, correcting overly-dry or overly-oily skin. It is also known for its sedative properties and aphrodisiac properties.
 

As a base in aromatherapy, it is intense, heavy and relaxing and evaporates slowly over time, so the aroma lasts longer. Including it in a blend will also slow the evaporation of the other essential oils in the blend.

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