5 Ways to Use Essential Oils for Crepey Skin, Age Spots, and More

Feeling more bah-humbug than blissful? These soothing, essential oil-packed remedies clear the mind of stress while beautifying skin and hair. You’ll look stunning and feel great in a flash!

Volumize hair with a sandalwood oil conditioner.

Using sandalwood oil topically wakes up hair follicles and keeps them in an active growth phase. Added aah: The oil’s musky scent has been shown to lower blood pressure for extra relaxation.

Try It: Mix 2 Tbs. of olive oil (it plumps hair) and 8 drops of sandalwood oil. Apply all over damp hair and let sit 15 minutes; rinse.

Firm crepey skin with a frankincense oil mask.

Compounds in frankincense oil help shed dead cells so skin appears smoother. Added aah: The woodsy aroma thwarts brain fog.

Try It: Mix 2 Tbs. of avocado oil (it hydrates) and 6 drops of frankincense oil. Rub onto wrinkly skin; let sit 15 minutes, then rinse.

Calm rashy red skin with a lavender oil lotion.

Lavender’s anti-inflammatory properties alleviate irritated skin while its compounds constrict blood vessels to reduce redness. Added aah: The sedative-like scent squashes feelings of stress and anxiety fast.

Try It: Mix 1 Tbs. of coconut oil (it moisturizes) and 5 drops of lavender oil. Rub on rashes and let sit for 10 minutes; rinse.

Fade age spots with a lemon oil cream.

Vitamin C and citric acid in lemon oil work together to break down the excess pigment that causes discoloration for brighterlooking skin. Added aah: The citrusy scent is study-proven to boost levels of the brain chemical dopamine to instantly increase alertness and energy.

Try It: Combine 1 Tbs. of Greek yogurt (it exfoliates) and 4 drops of lemon oil. Rub onto dark spots and let sit for 15 minutes before rinsing.

Soothe dry lips with a chamomile oil balm.

The flower’s oil moisturizes lips and has anti-inflammatory compounds that soothe cracked skin. Added aah: When inhaled, natural chemicals in chamomile oil promote feelings of tranquility.

Try It: Mix 1⁄2 Tbs. of aloe vera gel (an emollient) and 2 drops of chamomile oil. Apply to dry lips; let sit for 10 minutes, then rinse.

This article originally appeared in our print magazine.