As a combination skin owner, I’m always on the lookout for products that can balance my oily patches, but not strip out my dry areas. Not forgetting some all-important anti-aging benefits as well. And since I’ve been working with an essential oils wellness advocate, I’ve discovered some fabulous essential oils for combination skin, as well as some gorgeously effective facial oils.
What are Essential Oils?
Essential oils are found in the seeds, bark, stems, roots, flowers, and other parts of plants and can be both beautifully and powerfully fragrant. The oils give plants their distinctive aromas, protect the plants, and play a role in plant pollination. When extracted or distilled, these same oils can provide significant health benefits. Not only via aromatherapy either, they’ve long been used for beauty treatments too because of their powerful skincare properties and fast absorption. When used correctly there’s a lower risk of contra-indications too, although you should always conduct a patch test first.
How to Use Essential Oils on Skin
Choosing essential oils for combination skin is actually very easy. Your skin falls into two camps (oily and dry), and so do most of your oils. Of course, some oils will cross over and work for both skin types and even cater for sensitive skin too. Do be aware that essential oils are very potent and most shouldn’t be applied neat.
Less is more, so the easiest and safest way to use them is by adding a few drops to your favourite moisturiser. Alternatively, you can dilute them in a carrier oil, which will also make them easy to apply. Carrier oils with a light texture (for easier absorption) include: apricot kernel, argan, avocado, grapeseed, jojoba, rosehip, and borage seed. Some of these carrier oils also contain anti-oxidants and vitamins too, win win.
Soothing Essential Oils for Combination Skin
Roman Chamomile
Noted for its sweet, floral aroma and soothing nature. Chamomile has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties so it’s great for promoting smooth, healthy skin and relieving skin irritations.
Lavender
Not just a lovely fragrance, Lavender has multiple soothing skincare benefits. Plus, it helps treat minor cuts, bruises, razor bumps, and burns by boosting collagen to heal skin tissue. Antibacterial, antiviral, and anti-inflammatory, Lavender also treats blemishes and prevents breakouts.
Helichrysum
Also known as the Immortal Flower (and used in L’Occitane’s Immortelle range), Helichrysum essential oil is a great anti-aging oil that can help with wrinkles and age spots. It also has excellent skin cell rejuvenating properties, can soothe shaving irritations, and calm sun-sensitised skin.
Cleansing Essential Oils for Combination Skin
Juniper Berry
Woody, spicy, and clean Juniper Berry is well known for its cleansing properties, antiseptic abilities and antioxidants. Try a couple of drops in a DIY clay face mask where it can serve as a natural skin toner to help reduce the appearance of skin blemishes.
Melaleuca (Tea Tree)
Melaleuca, or Tea Tree, is frequently used for cleansing, disinfecting, and purifying. It’s anti-bacterial, antiviral, anti-fungal and anti-inflammatory, and very effective at dealing with skin infections and irritations. Although it can be helpful for eczema and psoriasis too, side effects can include further drying or peeling skin, so take care to dilute in a carrier oil to minimise skin sensitivity.
Bergamot
Citrussy Bergamot is purifying, cleansing, and calming for the skin due to its antibiotic and disinfectant qualities. It can also help fade blemishes and scars, promoting an more even skin tone. As with all citrus oils though, (including Lemon, Orange, Grapefruit), Bergamot is photo-sensitive so always apply an SPF before exposing skin to the sun.
Balancing Essential Oils for Combination Skin
Geranium
Sweet smelling and floral Geranium oil helps to both slow the production of oil and increase it when needed. As an astringent, it can also tighten facial skin and reduce the appearance of wrinkles. And thanks to its antibacterial and soothing anti-inflammatory it can help with acne and dermatitis too. An added bonus, its uplifting fragrance helps alleviate anxiety and balance hormones.
Neroli
This bitter orange essential oil not only helps regenerate the skin cells but also improves the skin’s elasticity. And Neroli is a great choice for all skin types due to its antibacterial properties and oil balancing ability. It’s one of the top essential oils in this luxurious facial beauty oil.
Rose
One of the world’s most precious essential oils, Rose oil has multiple skin benefits. It’s anti-bacterial, antiseptic, an astringent, anti-inflammatory, and can help reduce the appearance of skin imperfections such as scars. The antioxidant properties boost the skin’s natural healing processes and help promote an even tone and healthy complexion. It’s probably the best essential oil for glowing skin.
Frankincense
Not for nothing is Frankincense known as the king of oils. It has a host of skin benefits, most recognisably for reducing the signs of ageing. The skin appears more toned and lifted, healing conditions ranging from acne, age spots, moles, scars, fine lines and wrinkles, to dry and cracked skin. And the king of oils is also a powerful anti-inflammatory to boot. One of my favourite beauty discoveries, and a serial re-purchase, is this lovely Frankincense face serum which is now a staple in my regime.
If you’re not convinced yet, here’s a great DIY recipe from Catherine at Soul Care Mom:
“I used to dread looking in the mirror in the morning for fear of seeing another little red blemish on my face. I had tried all the different face care products, from the fancy and expensive ones, to the ones that you can find at the supermarket. Nothing seemed to work until I found essential oils. My Simply Beautiful Serum Recipe takes minutes to put together and is super effective.
Combine 1 oz Coconut Oil, 2 Drops Lavender Essential Oil, 2 Drops Frankincense Essential Oil, shake and store in a glass jar. Use every morning and every evening after washing your face.
It only took about a week before I began to see the change in my skin; it began to look more supple and youthful. Now I enjoy a restful night’s sleep and wake up refreshed with clear happy skin!”
So, there we are, some of the best essential oils for combination skin – and not just in my opinion either! Are you a fan of essential oil skincare? What are your go-tos for your skin?
I have never used essential oil but I have heard so many great things about it. I have a combination skin so i guess i could give essential oil a go, see how my skin react 🙂
To be honest, before I started my blog and worked with my client, I hadn’t either but I wish I’d found out about them a long time ago, they’re so effective, plus natural too 🙂
Great post Lisa. I’ve used essential oils in my baths before but never thought to use them for skin care. I’ll have to remember lavender and rose in particular as their oils I already use at home. Pinned for later.
Oh, thank you, Kim, that’s great to know – and please let me know what you think of lavender and rose for your facial care, I can update this post then!
Beautiful blog 💕
Thank you 🙂
I have super sensitive combination skin that is going through a breakout phase right now. This post is muy perfecto because I know the value of essential oils but had no idea what I should use on my face. My skin definitely likes rose oil sparingly but I wanna check out frankincense and bergamot oils! Thank you for educating us😁
Natonya | https://justnatonya.wordpress.com
I’m so pleased this was helpful and what great timing! I think the thing to remember with breakouts is to treat them gently so as not to aggravate them even more. Lavender might be helpful in this instance, as well as frankincense and bergamot – I’d love to know how you get on!
Unfortunately I don’t take care of my skin enough and have never used essential oils before but reading your post I think it’s a great starting point for me to start researching and looking into oils which I could use! Thank you!
I was a little sceptical too before I started using them but honestly, they’ve been a game changer. And the best thing is there are so many different oils to choose from, all of which work well solo or blended. Good luck with your search!
This is so informative. I don’t know the first things about oils. I’ve used a couple in my life but I’ve never stuck to them. I think I’ve got combination skin too. So thank you for this!
Jenny
http://www.jennyinneverland.com
Ah, thank you, Jenny! I didn’t know much about essential oils either but I’m a convert now. And actually, combination skin is great for oils because so many of them work in multiple areas. I’m so glad this was helpful! x
Great post, Lisa. I’ve only used tea tree oil for my skin and use essential oils in my diffuser for the most part. This was so informative to read – definitely need to look into oils now.
Thank you, Eena, there are so many oils out there, it was hard to decide which to include, but I’m so glad you found it helpful. Good luck with your oils in the future!
My sensitivity issues stop me using a lot of essential oils (a lot of the fruit based ones burn) but I love chamomile in things for soothing (ironically, usually the burning). I didn’t know juniper has skincare benefits though! x
Sophie
http://www.glowsteady.co.uk
Ah yes, I remember now, poor you! Lavender and frankincense might be good ones to try then, they’re both anti-inflammatory too. X
This is such a helpful post, Lisa! I sometimes add a few drops of lavender into my evening bath, it is so relaxing and calming. I never thought about applying it to skin though, it sounds like it has so many wonderfully soothing benefits. That’s a great tip about adding a few drops to a favourite moisturiser, I will remember that for when I need it. It’s fascinating to read about all the properties of each essential oil and how they benefit the skin. I’m loving the idea of creating your own DIY face serum too, it’s so natural and probably cheaper than most face creams out there! Thanks for sharing, great post and beautiful photos too! <3 xx
Thank you, Bexa, I’m so glad you enjoyed it! TBH, before I started working with my EO client I had no idea that you could add oils to your own products either but I’m a huge fan now. Also, there are so many lovely oils, it was really hard to narrow it down to just a few – maybe I should think about a series for dry skin, oily skin, mature skin in future. Bar one, I’m afraid I can’t take the credit for the photos, they’re all stock footage! xxx
Definitely, I’ll let you know what happens. 🙂
Thank you!
Thanks for this post! So many great tips in here. I’ve used some of these, but am looking forward to trying the rest.
Thank you, and thank you for your tips about frankincense too!
Ahh this is such a good post! Soon as I saw it come up on Twitter I knew I needed to read it! I have oily skin and used to always be scared to use oils on it! Although I do now, this was a good read to see what types of things I should be going for. I love Lavender based products I use quite a few in my routine already. Frankincense is a new one though! I absolutely love the smell of it so will definitely be picking some up to try out! 🙂
Chantelle
xoxo
Oh thank you so much, I’m so glad you enjoyed it and found it useful too, that’s wonderful! And yes, Frankincense is brilliant for all skin types – I can personally vouch for it. Thank you again for your lovely comment 🙂 xx
I love using essential oils for pretty much everything! Especially adding to my bath.
They are so good, aren’t they? As you say, you can use them for everything 🙂
Such a lovely post Lisa! I have used bath oils but never any for my skincare routine. I like the lavender scent though and spray that on my bedding and in my room. I might have to try this to moisturise my skin more. Thank you for sharing these tips Lisa ❤️Xxx
Thank you, Lauren, that’s so kind. Lavender is one of my favourite scents too, it’s so calming, isn’t it? And a real bonus that it’s so good for skin too 🙂 xxx
Thank you for sharing this guide Lisa – I’m new to using essential oils. I fell I need to start taking care of my skin as I age. I love Frankincense! But I had no idea there were just so many benefits for the skin from in this oil! xxx
You’re very welcome, I’m glad it was helpful – and I’m still fairly new to essential oils too, but keen to keep learning! xx
Such an educative post Lisa. I have always been drawn to essential oils but know very little about using them. But now I have started using Lavender oil mixed in jojoba oil and rose hip oil. I love the scent so much. You have mentioned so many other oils that I did not know about. Thanks for sharing loved this post and the picture is beautiful my dear. 🙂
Via | http://glossnglitters.com
Thank you, Via, I’m so glad you found it helpful. Lavender is such a good oil to start with, it’s so healing and soothing, a true multi-tasker. And rosehip is wonderful for anti-aging too, so you’ve got a great combination. I wish I could take credit for the cover photo but it’s an edited stock photo (!) which was perfect for this post 🙂 x
This is a great guide! I haven’t ventured into using essential oils on the skin yet, but I have to check it out!
Good luck, I hope you enjoy finding out how wonderful they can be!
This is such a useful post, thanks for sharing.
I’m currently studying herbalism and really believe in the power of essential oils. They’re amazing when used properly 🙂
Louisa
Thank you, I’m so glad it was useful, and lucky you to be studying herbalism, that sounds fascinating! x
I am currently using essential oils to help me sleep and focus (I am still exploring on this one though). But I have never really tried it since I have oily and sensitive skin — I just get allergies from anything. Can you suggest EOs that may be good for my skin type?
I think if you have sensitive skin you need oils that are balancing and anti-inflammatory, such as Roman Chamomile, Lavender, Frankincense. Avoid anything with citrus in it. But the key is to always use them in a suitable carrier oil too, like grapeseed or jojoba, and patch test. And cease using them if you get any contraindications – please note, I’m not an essential oils expert, this is just my opinion, but I hope it’s helpful!
It’s alright, Lisa. I’m happy you gave your insights. At least, I know where to start. Thank you so much for your advice and this informative post!
You’re very welcome, I hope you can find something that works for you 🙂
Initially, I was scared of using oils to clean my face after a long day of having my skin exposed to the pollution, dirt, and grime. But my acne was bad at that point–I was willing to get help so my skin could heal.
A work colleague recommended the use of virgin coconut oil. I was skeptical, but sod it, I said I was willing to try anything. And oh Lord, virgin coconut oil did not fail me. A month after consistent use, and it worked wonders with me.I also have combination skin, but apart from my skin adjusting to the effects of coconut oil, my skin does not break out as much, and I rarely get acne now, except when I am nearing my period. Also, coconut oil smells amazing! 🙂 I recommend using only a few drops of it, as a little bit goes a long way. 🙂
Layla | laylauninterrupted.inspirelight.net
Wow, this is so interesting, I’ve heard that coconut oil is really beneficial but I’ve always been a little hesitant, partly because I’m not that keen on the scent. But if it’s as effective as you say then clearly I need to stop being so fussy and give it a go. Amazing, thank you so much for sharing! 🙂
No problem! 🙂 Just a caveat, though! Coconut oil though is comodegenic so if your skin is the type to get breakouts easily, only a little of the oil should go a long way. Also, after cleaning your face with coconut oil, wash it with warm water so the pores won’t get clogged. And don’t stop using your other skincare products, so they provide a balance, especially where parts of your skin are oily. Coconut oil did good things for my skin, but I didn’t abandon other products in my usual skincare routine. I do apologise that I forgot to mention that in my earlier comment.
If breakouts do occur, please STOP using coconut oil as it might not be for everyone!
Layla| layluninterrupted.inspirelight.net
That’s really helpful, thank you – I do have oily patches and hormonal breakouts so I’d need to be careful, and do some patch testing first. I have a wonderful facial cleansing device (PMD Clean PRO) that is brilliant at deep cleaning my pores so I definitely wouldn’t stop using this. Coconut oil sounds good for a double cleanse though. Thank you again!
Anytime! Happy to share! 🙂 Hope you are well. X
Thank you, indeed I am 🙂 x
Thank you, this was useful.
You’re welcome 🙂
Very informative piece, I used to use some lavender oil, but my partner is allergic to it.
I’ve always wondered what frankincense was for 😂
Thank you, I’m so glad it was useful – and yes, frankincense is a fabulous oil, so many uses!