15 Best Essential Oils for Wrinkles + Anti-Wrinkle Night Oil Recipe
Before the next day out or vacation, how about ditching the concealer that you’ve been using to hide your wrinkles?
Well, it isn’t a bad idea, given that there are several essential oils to help you fight such signs of aging naturally. They are rich in nutrients that can safely counter age-related issues and other harmful elements contributing to wrinkles.
But, searching for the right essential oil can be tricky because there are many varieties that come with different compositions and benefits.
You’ll need to know about the options that’ll be particularly useful for reducing wrinkles. And that’s where we can help you out, as we’ve compiled a list of the most effective ones.
So, without further ado, let’s get straight to the deets.
15 Best Essential Oils for Wrinkles + Anti-Wrinkle Night Oil Recipe
If you’ve been troubled with wrinkles for some time now, you might’ve often wondered how they appear. Well, the answer lies in one word — collagen — a protein that sustains the vibrance and freshness of your skin. To know more, read on.
How Are Wrinkles Caused?
As the years pass by, the collagen present in your skin begins to diminish from the second internal layer or the dermis. This naturally results in the skin losing its youthful and plump look, and then it starts sagging, which is further enhanced by gravity.
Note that the wrinkles might be very fine initially, but they will start getting deeper with time and become easily noticeable. So, you will see the wrinkles forming in a couple of months.
But apart from age, the formation of wrinkles might be accelerated due to some other significant factors, such as:
1. Sun Exposure
One of the most common reasons behind wrinkling and skin damage is exposure to UV radiation, which causes noticeable changes. Sun rays promote the creation of free radicals in your, which can damage elastin fibers, thereby contributing to wrinkling and even skin cancer.
People with fair skin tone are more vulnerable to this UV-induced skin damage and may experience wrinkling more than dark-skinned people.
2. Smoking
Smokers are more prone to wrinkles as the nicotine in smoke can reduce the flow of nutrients and oxygen to the skin. This can eventually lead to the damage of molecular structures essential for maintaining skin health and elasticity.
3. Squinting And Frowning
Squinting and facial expressions such as frowning can cause Crow’s Feet around the eyes, which are thin lines spreading out from the corner. Such muscle contractions, especially when caused frequently, can lead to the formation of deep wrinkles.
What’s The Way Out?
Upon experiencing this natural aging process, the first remedy that people often consider is cosmetic surgery. But you shouldn’t forget that such a surgery can be invasive and might come with undesirable consequences.
In fact, any kind of surgery poses the risk of infection and might even create an unnatural look that you may not ultimately like. A much safer and more reasonable alternative would be using essential oils for the skin.
However, despite the above concerns, if you still decide to go for more aggressive anti-aging procedures in the future, using essential oils alongside will help keep your skin healthy.
Is Using Essential Oils Worth It?
Opting for essential oils might be safer and less expensive than cosmetic surgery, but does it really bring about the desired results?
A study[1] conducted in 2013 revealed that certain essential oils might protect the skin against oxidative stress, one of the primary factors contributing to such signs of aging. Also, they have moisturizing properties owing to the presence of natural emollients, which help retain moisture in your skin.
But, in addition to applying an essential oil for your wrinkles, you must not overload your body with toxins. You’re surely acquainted with the effects of toxins by now. Reducing the intake of coffee, alcohol, sweets, tea, and red meat will prevent indigestion and the subsequent clogging of your skin cells.
The 15 Best Essential Oils For Wrinkles
1. Pomegranate Seed Oil
Let’s start with this rich and nutritious oil derived from vibrant red pomegranate seeds. It’s a popular component of different skin care regimes owing to its diverse range of skin-healing properties.
Interestingly, such properties stem from the high amount of antioxidants contained in this seed oil, which can prevent free radical damage. This ensures your skin is protected from wrinkles and other signs of aging that result from such damage.
Here are some other advantages of this essential oil:
- Suitable for every skin type
- Improves texture of the skin
- Deeply soothes and hydrates dry skin
- Enhances tightness
- Repels UV rays
Notably, antioxidants also help in the production of collagen, which promotes firmer skin in the long term. Pomegranate seeds are also rich in bioflavonoids that are natural UV repellants, so they keep you protected from prolonged UV exposure.
2. Jojoba Oil
Though this oil is more popular for its hair-nourishing capabilities, it also has a range of other healing properties. In its cold-pressed form, jojoba oil is abundant in iodine, a mineral that’s scarce in today’s diets. Another great advantage is that it’s less oily than many other essential oils. So, rest assured it won’t make your skin look excessively oily upon application.
Interestingly, it can keep combination skin from getting too dry or too oily, based on your surroundings at any time. This amazing property ensures your skin is maintained the right way throughout. Furthermore, the oil hasn’t caused any allergic reaction in its users to date, owing to its all-natural composition.
But that’s not all; it’s also unlikely to clog your skin pores, ensuring your skin is protected from acne. Jojoba oil also works to enhance collagen production in the skin, which is key to combating wrinkles. Other useful properties of this oil include:
- Helps retain moisture
- Organic and all-natural
- Rich in minerals and vitamins
3. Frankincense Oil
This fruit finds mention in The Bible and other scriptures owing to its therapeutic properties and is said to be regarded as more valuable than gold in the past.
And even today, it’s popular as frankincense oil is used as an all-natural solution for skin healing and wrinkles. Researchers found that it might help prevent or reduce sunspots, thereby improving the skin tone. It can also be useful in the generation of fresh epidermal cells.
The other beneficial effects of using this oil include:
- Plumps up the skin
- Tightens and firms sagging skin
- Hydrates and moisturizes dry skin
- Reduces acne
- Fades scars, stretch marks, wounds, and cracks
4. Lavender Oil
Up next is lavender essential oil, obtained from the gorgeous lavender flowers, which are popular for their relaxing and soothing fragrance. Note that it has many different applications apart from reducing stress and improving sleep quality, which are the most well-known.
Perhaps the best part about using lavender essential oil is that it can provide a boost to the body’s antioxidant production. It’s no secret that antioxidants combine with free radicals to lower the risk of skin cancer.
Lavender also has a high concentration of antimicrobial and antibacterial agents, which lend highly potent wrinkle-reducing and skin-healing properties. Moreover, it’s the go-to option for healing scrapes, burns, psoriasis, hives, eczema, and other chronic skin conditions.
A significant advantage of using lavender oil is that you can apply it directly without having to dilute it.
5. Rose Oil
Rose is undoubtedly one of the most potent sources of essential oils in the world, known for correcting aging skin and reducing wrinkles. It is used in a lot of skincare solutions, both natural and artificial, owing to its diverse benefits.
The antiseptic and astringent nature of this oil makes it incredibly versatile. Notably, rose essential oil is known to be useful for reducing skin allergies and inflammation as per Ayurveda.
You can also apply it on combination skin to equalize and re-balance it in the long term. Moreover, rose essential oil improves the overall texture and tone, which will help reduce even small age-related wrinkles and lines.
Here are a few other beneficial properties of this intriguing essential oil:
- Anti-inflammatory
- Antibacterial
- Soothes irritated skin
- Promotes wound healing
- Reduces allergies
6. Geranium Oil
You’ll be glad to know that the pretty geranium blooms also have potent antioxidative properties and offer excellent sun protection. In fact, geranin is widely used in sunscreens to provide protection from UV damage, as there is scientific evidence that proves the flower exhibits such properties.
The antiseptic abilities of geranium essential oil is another feature worth noting, as it helps retain moisture within the cells effectively. At the same time, it prevents the entry of harmful substances from the environment such as radioactive elements and pollutants.
7. Sandalwood Oil
Although sandalwood oil is relatively less popular, it has been known to have anti-inflammatory effects since ancient times. As such, it can be useful for treating several skin conditions.
Sandalwood essential oil is also endowed with moisturizing properties as it contains natural emollients that ensure effective moisture retention in the skin. It can even act as a filler to make your wrinkles less visible.
Also, the astringent effects of sandalwood help remove the buildup of dead skin cells and promote the turnover of new cells to rejuvenate your skin.
8. Neroli Oil
This refers to an essential oil obtained from the bitter flowers of the orange tree. Like sandalwood oil, this is also comparatively less popular than many others but can be useful for treating many skin ailments. These include fungal infections like jock, itch, athlete’s foot, and several others.
Notably, neroli helps rebuild the elasticity of your skin, which is why it’s beneficial for wrinkle treatment. This essential oil may even help in the generation of new skin cells.
9. Ylang-Ylang Oil
Obtained from a South Asian flower with an intriguing name, Ylang-Ylang oil is perfect for skin renewal as it’s a powerful antioxidant.
This oil has also been shown[2] to rebuild fats and proteins in the skin while decreasing the concentration of free radicals. Many reputed skincare companies have applied ylang-ylang oil to their range of products to reap the benefits of the healing properties of this flower.
10. Avocado Oil
Besides being a favorite of chefs and nutritionists worldwide, avocado is a wonderful source of anti-inflammatory agents and antioxidants. These components together help smoothen the skin and maintain its elasticity and strength in the long term.
Furthermore, several studies[3] have shown that avocado oil may be helpful for collagen production, which is said to enhance the appearance of the skin.
The additional benefits of this popular essential oil include:
- Replenishes dry skin
- Soothes itchiness
- Moisturizes and hydrates it
- Shields it from UV damage
11. Lemon Oil
Lemon is one of the richest natural sources of Vitamin C, which makes it highly beneficial for our immune system. But did you know that this fruit is also used in various skin care products, to act on signs of aging like wrinkles?
The lemon essential oil has been found to reduce oxidation and sun damage, which are common reasons behind the formation of wrinkles. But at the same time, citric acid in essential oils like grapefruit and lemon might enhance the sensitivity to sunlight.
That’s why it’s best to avoid sun exposure after using lemon essential oil, so make sure you apply it only before going to bed.
12. Argan Oil
Derived from the hard kernels growing on argan trees, this oil is one of the rarest, and has been appreciated worldwide for its versatile properties.
It comes loaded with antioxidants that enhance the defense mechanism of the body against destructive free radicals, thereby preventing wrinkles, blemishes, and age spots. Additionally, argan oil helps enhance skin hydration, making it look plump and nourished throughout.
These claims have been substantiated by several studies that have revealed[4] the anti-aging effects of this oil.
13. Rosemary Oil
Rosemary possesses excellent antibacterial properties, which can help heal many skin conditions such as rosacea, eczema, and dermatitis. A study in 2014 found that using just 10 mg of rosemary oil[5] per day reduced free radicals significantly.
Also, rosemary essential oil sustains the health and overall glow of your skin while ruling out oxidative stress that may cause it to age faster. That’s why it is known to reduce or might even prevent fine lines and wrinkles.
14. Clary Sage
This term refers to a herb with a sweet smell that’s closely related to the aromatic culinary ingredient sage. The oil extracted from clary sage is an effective antioxidant that can prevent the damage of proteins and DNA by free radicals. As such, clary sage can be combined with other essential oils to yield a potent blend for reducing wrinkles considerably.
15. Helichrysum
Last but not least, we’d like to talk about this aromatic flower indigenous to Africa and Asia, which is closely related to the sunflower. The essential oil obtained from this flower might exhibit renewal properties that can reduce inflammation.
According to a 2014 study, people who underwent different surgeries benefited from the antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties of this oil.
How To Use These Essential Oils?
To reap the maximum benefits from essential oil, you should use it the right way. They need to be diluted in carrier oil prior to application, as it works to carry them to the skin to ensure effective action. The most commonly used carrier oils are:
- Grapeseed oil
- Olive oil
- Almond oil
- Coconut oil
- Apricot oil
Prepare a mixture of both the oils in a bowl or bottle, after which it will be ready for use. If you wish to apply it on the face, make sure to follow these instructions while mixing the oils:
- Normal skin: Add 6 to 15 drops of the essential oil to each oz of carrier oil
- Sensitive skin: Add 3 to 6 drops of the essential oil to each oz of carrier oil
But before you begin using the mixture, remember to conduct an easy patch test to rule out the chances of an allergy or irritation.
All you need to do is apply a small amount on a patch of another part of your skin 24 hours before using it. In case there’s an allergic reaction, you should avoid using the particular essential oil and try an alternative. You must be very cautious if you have sensitive skin.
An Easy Recipe For Anti-Wrinkle Night Oil
For those who want to use a DIY anti-wrinkle night oil or anti-aging serum containing a blend of different essential oils, this recipe will fit the bill perfectly. Such a blend can be more effective for your wrinkles and may reduce them considerably within a few months of use.
For the best results, apply it to the neck and face before bedtime.
So, here’s how you’ll need to proceed to make this oil:
Ingredients List
- Neroli oil (4 drops)
- Rose oil (10 drops)
- Lavender oil (6 drops)
- Frankincense oil (4 drops)
- Pomegranate oil (1 tsp)
- Jojoba oil (1 tsp)
Preparation Method
Mix the frankincense, neroli, lavender, and rose oils in a small bowl, and then add jojoba and pomegranate oil to the mixture. Blend the entire combination well, and your night oil is ready for use.
FAQs
Q1. Which essential oils are best for collagen growth?
To start with, you must know that free radicals in the body cause inflammation that leads to the weakening of collagen fibers. This can be prevented by using essential oils like frankincense, lemon, geranium, neroli, and carrot seed oil, as they stimulate collagen growth by eliminating free radicals.
Q2. Does an essential oil expire?
Though essential oils aren’t spoiled like food, they might undergo changes over a longer span. And in such situations, it can be difficult to identify what these oils have become. That’s why we’d suggest not using essential oils after even a couple of months. Notably, the brands that sell essential oils usually inform customers about an estimate of their shelf life.
Q3. How quickly does essential oil work?
On topical application, essential oils will take 2 to 3 minutes to reach your bloodstream and 20 more minutes to affect each cell in your body. Finally, they will be metabolized within a span of 2½ hours. That’s why you’ll need to apply essential oils more frequently to get the best results.
Final Words
So, here’s the best solution to the wrinkle problem that you’ve become weary about. Don’t delay picking the oil(s) that you find suitable, and order them today to get firm and wrinkle-free skin.
Alternatively, you may go for the DIY recipe that we’ve provided in our guide or make a similar recipe with the oils of your choice. Remember to research the compatibility of the essential oils and carrier oils you’re choosing.
We’d also like to remind you to use the oil in the amounts we’ve suggested. So, make sure you know your skin type before deciding the amount to be used.
That’ll be all for today, but we’ll come up with a new guide on skin care soon, so watch this space for more. Take care!
References
1. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8270304/
2. https://www.hindawi.com/journals/ecam/2015/896314/
