Anti-Aging Essential Oils

Whether it’s a few extra wrinkles, achy joints at day’s end, forgetfulness, or a grumpy mood, it’s annoying to be reminded of the passage of time. We can’t stop the clock from advancing, but by taking advantage of the anti-aging benefits of essential oils as part of a daily wellness regime, we can fight back against Father Time.

Save Your Skin

Start by taking special care of skin that is becoming thinner or more sensitive with age. To combat visible signs of aging on the face, neck, and hands, reach for the soothing hydration of rosehip and vitamin E oils, the perfect carriers for anti-aging essential oil blends. Rosehip oil is rich in vitamins, essential fatty acids, and antioxidants, all of which are integral for tissue regeneration. Vitamin E oil evens out skin tone and may boost the rejuvenating effects of other essential oils.

Into this restoring skincare base, add evening primrose (Oenothera biennis), which is also high in omega-6 essential fatty acids. Add woodsy carrot seed (Daucus carota) oil, another anti-aging essential oil for damaged or aging skin. Carrot seed is also known to protect the liver from the aging process. But since the scent of carrot seed can be a bit too earthy, mix with versatile, sweet lavender (Lavandula angustifolia), the queen of calming, soothing essential oils and an antibacterial powerhouse.

Brighten Your Mood

Many anti-aging essential oils go more than skin-deep—they actually heal at the cellular level with natural revitalizing properties. Geranium (Pelargonium graveolens) offers balancing and anti-inflammatory benefits and according to some studies, helps lower blood sugar levels. Palmarosa (Cymbopogon martini) is used topically to balance the skin’s sebum levels, and is also known to ease grief and anger at a deeper, emotional level. The pure rose scent of steam-distilled essential oil of rose otto (Rosa damascene) will both uplift the mood and combat anxiety and grief while the oil’s chemical properties act as an antioxidant, promoting cell turnover and ushering in radiant skin tone. These complex florals work both topically and internally to fight the ravages of time.

Two of aromatherapy’s best anti-aging essential oils, frankincense and Helichrysum, also promote profound emotional healing in times of grief or change while externally addressing wrinkles. Frankincense (Boswellia carterii) has been studied for its anti-inflammatory properties and as a natural treatment for osteoarthritis. And Helichrysum (Helichrysum italicumis) is also known as immortelle, which should tell you something about its powerful anti-aging properties! This flower, a cousin of the sunflower, offers antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties that many commercial skincare companies are tapping for their natural anti-aging benefits. It can fade bruises quickly with its high absorption rate and can help fight off bacteria and other invaders. Blend these two rich oils with sweet, earthy tumeric (Curcuma longa), another powerful anti-inflammatory for a skin balm for joint pain and arthritis.

Sharpen Your Mind

To combat those annoying “senior moments,” refreshing rosemary verbenon (Rosmarinus officinalis) is the anti-aging essential oil of choice. A variant of stimulating rosemary whose leafy green scent promotes memory retention and alertness,  it also gently lifts low moods by balancing the nervous system.

Anti-Agin Essential Oil Blends

Soothing Skin Oil

This rich, anti-aging oil blendcan be applied as a spot treatment to wrinkles or in a thin layer nightly to mature skin.  essential oils with 2–3 oz. of distilled water for a handy aromatic mist, or add to a cool mist room diffuser for extended aerial application. This blend will also work well as a rollerball application using 1 oz. carrier oil.

2 oz. Carrier Oil

16 drops Evening Primrose Oil

12 drops Carrot Seed Essential Oil

8 drops Lavender Essential Oil

8 drops Geranium Essential Oil

12 drops Palmarosa Essential Oil

12 drops Helichrysum (Immortelle) Essential Oil

6 drops Rose Otto Essential Oil

Mood Lifter Blend

Blend these anti-aging essential oils with 2–3 oz. of distilled water for a handy aromatic mist, or add to a cool mist room diffuser for extended aerial application. This blend will also work well as a rollerball application using 1 oz. carrier oil.

16 drops Palmarosa Essential Oil

10 drops Rose Otto Essential Oil

10 drops Frankincense Essential Oil

Muscle Balm

Prepare essential oils in 4 oz. Epson Salts to make an anti-aging bath soak, or in 2 oz. carrier oil for massaging into affected areas.

20 drops Frankincense Essential Oil

16 drops Helichrysum (Immortelle) Essential Oil

16 drops Tumeric Essential Oil

Memory Mist

Blend these anti-aging essential oils with 2–3 oz. of distilled water for a handy aromatic mist, or add to a cool mist room diffuser for extended aerial application.

2 oz. Distilled Water Essential Oil

26 drops Rosemary Essential Oil

24 drops Lavender Essential Oil

18 drops Geranium Essential Oil

As always, test oil sensitivity to using a skin patch test. If ill or pregnant, consult your family physician prior to using essential oils. Keep oils out of reach of children and pets.

Related:

• Get Energized with Aromatherapy
• Spring Detox, Aromatherapy Style
• How to Make Your Own Aromatherapy Blends