Essential oils and their popularity have skyrocketed. These oils are plant extracts made from flowers, leaves and seeds and have been used since the beginning of time for their various medical properties. Ancient societies used essential oils in everyday life, and that have since been carried into current day.

Some of the properties of essential oils can help with skin issues, including aging, rough patches, ache and discoloration. Many of these little fragrant bottles make big claims that they can be a cure-all, but it’s important to do your research before using them. By doing some homework and checking with your dermatologist, you can discover the right blend of oils that will help make your skin brighter, younger, and clearer. Here are eight tried-and-true oils you should know about that have been studied and tested to understand the positive effects they have on the skin.

Tea Tree

Tea tree oil has been extensively researched the past few years due to the belief that it can help with multiple skin conditions. It is a gentler natural alternative to medications and harsh chemicals found in cosmetic skincare products, which can be harmful to easily irritated skin. It has been looked at for treating ache prone skin because it can effectively lift out oil and dirt from clogged pores. It also is readily used in relieving psoriasis and eczema, because it has both anti-bacterial and antiseptic properties that soothe rashes and irritated skin. Mixing tea tree oil with witch hazel or coconut oil will only enhance its properties, and can be applied directly to the skin after being diluted.

Peppermint

One of the top benefits of peppermint oil is its ability to soothe dry or irritated skin. Dilute pure peppermint oil with warm water and smooth over itchy or dry skin for relief. The oil is also used a lot in skincare to help with your complexion by balancing out any uneven oily areas, resulting in clearer and less problematic skin. The essential oil has a cooling and calming effect on the body which can relieve muscle pain and help with soothing the area. This natural source of menthol contributes to waking up dull and tired skin because it is full of vitamins and minerals. This oil also mixes very well with other oils to give an added since of relief, such as tea tree and eucalyptus.

Eucalyptus 

Eucalyptus oil comes from the oval-shaped leaves of the eucalyptus tree, which is native to Australia. The main ingredient is cineole, which is known for its anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and aromatic properties. It's great for both your scalp and hair, because it stimulates the scalp, fights dandruff, and improves hair elasticity. Anti-fungal components in eucalyptus oil combat the yeast-like fungus malassezia, the most common cause of dandruff. Eucalyptus oil also contains a natural antiseptic that can be used on bug bites, ulcers, sores, cuts, and burns to offer relief. Couple with the naturally cooling sensation it offers, eucalyptus also relieves sunburn.

Carrot Seed

Carrot seed is great for the skin because of its antioxidant load, which helps to fight against fine lines and wrinkles. Yet it is still gentle enough for aging skin that is more delicate. It is traditionally been used for moisturizing the skin because it is jam packed with vitamin E. It acts as a barrier to protect the skin from harm as well due to the vitamin C found in the oil. Many studies claim that carrot seed also is a great SPF, however on its own that is not necessarily the case. It can be used in combination with other ingredients, though, to make a great natural sunscreen recipe at home.

Rosehip

Rosehip oil has been used by the likes of Kate Middleton and Miranda Kerr. It can be very beneficial for a wide range of skin issues. It can work great as a moisturizer, for example, because it is full of nourishing fatty acids. It also does a great job at helping aging skin by treating wrinkles, brightening skin, and evening out the under eye area. Rosehip oil is also packed with vitamins A and C, which make it the perfect solution for fading out scars or other unsightly marks. Together these help undo and prevent oxidative damage and help the skin re-build collagen. It can be found already in many beauty products, but can work best when diluted at home and applied directly to the skin.

Myrrh

You might be most familiar with myrrh from Bible stories, even if you were never quite sure what it really was. Historically, myrrh was used in Egyptian times by women as a part of their anti-aging skin care regimens. It comes from the dried sap of a thorny tree native to northeastern Africa and southwest Asia. Myrrh is an antioxidant-rich oil that is believed to promote circulation in the skin, helping it to be brighter and more refined looking. It also has been found to help treat skin wounds and infections in a few studies. Many natural soaps and ointments already contain myrrh, or you can dilute the oil and apply it directly to your skin.

Rosemary

Though rosemary is best known as a food seasoning, it is one of the most popular aromatic and medicinal plants worldwide. Rosemary is recommended in people with sensitive or acne-prone skin because it also had anti-inflammatory properties. The nutrients of rosemary can help protect skin cells from damage often caused by the sun and free radicals. Furthermore, it helps to stimulate the scalp to help hair growth, limit dandruff, and deter greasy hair. It is also a cheap and effective natural deodorant for those with skin sensitive to chemicals normally found in traditional deodorants. Just apply apple cider vinegar and rosemary oil on a cotton ball and wipe directly on your underarms to keep a strong distance between you and body odor.

Lavender

Lavender oil for skin is a match made in heaven. Lavender oil not only boosts potent anti-inflammatory properties, but is also ultra-soothing for skin with a therapeutic scent. Lavender oil is naturally antibacterial, meaning that it kills acne-causing bacteria that might infiltrate your pores. Lavender oil does a stellar job at balancing your skin’s moisture barrier, so that it isn’t too oily or too dry. This is very helpful if you have dry skin patches that need some relief. The ancient Greeks used lavender oil to clean wounds, heal burns, and treat other skin injuries. Its antiseptic properties also help skin to heal faster, while fighting and preventing further infection.

Essential oils can be a great tool in soothing all your skin problems – both cosmetic and medical. Research the ones that fit your needs more and see how you can fit them into your skin care routine. Before you know it, you’ll have the skin you have always dreamed of.