How to Use Essential Oils for Your Skin Care Routine Like a Pro

Best Carrier Oil: Jojoba

If you’re not sure where to start with selecting a base for your essential oils, we recommend this jojoba oil by Leven Rose.

Both Martinez and Dr. Engelman agree that essential oils should not be applied directly to the skin, and they should be mixed with a similar carrier oil like this. 

“Essential oils should always be diluted, as they're very potent (when pure) and can cause irritation when applied directly,” Martinez says. “We recommend adding to a moisturizer like a lotion base or carrier oil. The carrier oil will also help the essential oil to penetrate the skin, allowing the oils to enter the body quickly and effectively.”

Dr. Engelman agrees and recommends adding a few drops of the oil to your regular moisturizer. “Because essential oils can be quite potent, it’s best to mix with products before applying to the skin,” she says. “Even easier, look for products that contain oils.”

Dr. Engelman swears by Decleor’s products, which contain essential oils. “They have the correct dose of essential oil to active ingredient down to a science,” she says.

More: Best-Selling Face Oils That Refresh and Replenish

Best for Acne: Tea Tree

We're big fans of Young Living here at Best Products! For acne, we swear by spot-treating any blemishes with an antibacterial essential oil like Young Living's Tea Tree Oil.

"Many cases of acne are caused by bacteria, which lead to inflammation," Martinez says. "For those predisposed to acne, we recommend using essential oils with antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. Antibacterial essential oils include eucalyptus, manuka, tea tree, and rosalina."

Best for Anti-Aging: Ylang-Ylang

"Ylang-ylang helps to reduce fine lines and wrinkles by improving skin elasticity," Dr. Engelman says. If you aren't enthused about mixing up your own essential oil blend, her favorite oil-infused skin care line features this popular serum from Decleor, which boasts ylang-ylang oil in the ingredient list.

Best for Oily Skin: Grapefruit

The fact that grapefruit oil battles oily skin makes us extremely happy because it just smells so good. Know what else makes people happy? Grapefruit oil itself! In addition to acting as a detoxifying agent, treating acne, and preventing oil buildup, it's known to boost your mood and fight stress. We'll take two, please!

Best for Dryness: Hemp Seed Oil

"Essential oils unfortunately don’t hydrate the skin," Martinez says. "Only water-soluble molecules can do that, and essential oils are oil-soluble. However, carrier oils can moisturize the skin."

If you're still wondering what the difference is between an essential oil and a carrier oil, Martinez has you covered. "Essential oils evaporate quickly, whereas carrier oils contain fatty acids which don’t evaporate, but rather moisturize the skin," she says.

Hemp Seed is our favorite carrier oil we've tried from Edens Garden, but the brand's camellia seed and safflower oil are also excellent options with moisturizing properties.

Best for Sensitive Skin: Lavender

Honestly, is there anything lavender oil can't do? This spa staple works wonders on just about everything, including your stress levels. In the world of skin care, it's great for calming sensitive skin thanks to its anti-inflammatory properties. It's also great for aging skin and acne-prone skin. So, basically, everyone should use it. Go get some!

Best for Pigmentation: Frankincense

You'd be a wise man (or woman) to include frankincense oil in your beauty routine. Frankincense oil, another multitasker, works wonders at improving pigmentation. Similar to bergamot and grapefruit oils, it can also help with scarring and decreasing sebum production. The doTERRA brand also recommends using this particular oil as a solution for razor bumps after shaving.

Best for Inflammation: Rose

Similar to lavender oil, rose oil basically fixes everything. 

"Rose oil has anti-inflammatory properties, which are great for calming redness and sensitive skin. Its antiseptic and astringent properties are great for acneic skin," Dr. Engelman says. "It's also very emollient, meaning it's good for locking in moisture and hydration.”

Best for Scarring: Bergamot

Several beauty companies tap the power of bergamot oil for its skin-boosting properties. This problem-solver balances uneven skin tone and battles the appearance of scarring. It's paired with a calming scent and tastes lovely in a cup of tea, too! 

Best for Rosacea: Chamomile

Out of all of the anti-inflammatory oils out there, we love using chamomile oil to battle the symptoms of rosacea. It has powerful properties that help reduce both inflammation and redness. Also an antibacterial oil, chamomile oil will help to cleanse and protect your skin to combat rosacea flare-ups.