By Dr. Chau Phan, Pharmacist and owner of Pleasant Care Pharmacy
In my continuing series on complementary and alternative medicine (CAM), I promised you a table comparing the essential oils of aromatherapy and how they help alleviate the symptoms of some of the skin conditions I treat at Pleasant Care Pharmacy.
In a paper published in May of 2017, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) recommends further study into essential oils’ benefits when treating skin conditions. In that paper, the NIH says, “At least 90 essential oils can be identified as being recommended for dermatological use, with at least 1500 combinations…Essential oils are mostly used for the treatment of infections caused by bacteria, fungi, or viruses (total 62%)…followed by inflammatory skin conditions (20%) such as dermatitis, eczema, and lupus and then general skin maintenance (18%) such as wrinkles, scars, and scabs…”
Essential oils for treating eczema, psoriasis, acne, rosacea and premature aging of the skin
I prepared this table by deriving information primarily from the paper published by the NIH (the full citation is in the list of sources at the end of this article). I only included essential oils that the science of dermatology uses to treat the long-term ailments of the patients I see.
I recommend that patients coordinate
with their dermatologist and an experienced aroma therapist; they will know
best which essential oils will work for any one person and how to apply the
oils to promote health – whether, for example, the oils should be breathed in
(perhaps in connection with meditation or visualization techniques) or applied
to the skin (sometimes in association with massage).
Methods of application and benefits
In general, oils that help calm anxiety and stress (which can trigger acne, eczema or psoriasis flare-ups) are inhaled (and / or taken into the skin’s pores) through:
- Aromatic spritzers (which combine the oils with water, allowing them to be sprayed into the air)
- Electronic diffusers
- Direct nasal inhalation from a bottle, handkerchief or cotton ball
- Direct palm inhalation from the palms of the hands
- Addition to bath water and stirred just before entering the water
- Massage (together with any of the previous inhalation methods)
Essential oils that alleviate inflammation, heal skin, help restore skin tone, soften skin and balance sebum (which, in just the right amount, supports even distribution of dryness and oil in your skin) are applied to the skin through massage.
Essential Oils to Help Heal the Symptoms of Long-Term Skin Conditions
|
Essential Oil Scientific Name Common Name | Skin Conditions It Treats | How It Helps |
|
Abies balsamea Balsam (Peru, Canadian) | Acne, cracked skin, eczema | Alleviates inflammation, heals skin |
|
Achillea millefolium Yarrow | Acne, dermatitis, eczema | Helps heal chapped skin, alleviates inflammation and reduces oiliness |
|
Angelica archangelica Angelica | Psoriasis | Alleviates inflammation, functions as a tonic |
|
Aniba rosaeodora Rosewood | Acne, dermatitis, psoriasis, wrinkles | Reduces oiliness, alleviates inflammation |
|
Anthemis nobilis Roman chamomile | Acne, allergies, dermatitis, eczema, | Alleviates inflammation, nourishes skin |
|
Betula alba Birch (white) | Dermatitis, eczema, psoriasis | Unblocks pores |
|
Boswellia carteri Frankincense / olibanum | Acne, premature aging of the skin, wrinkles, dermatitis, eczema, psoriasis | Alleviates dryness and inflammation, reduces oiliness, helps restore skin tone, functions as a tonic |
|
Bursera glabrifolia Linaloe (copal) | Acne, dermatitis | Conditions skin |
|
Calendula officinalis Marigold | Eczema | Reduces oiliness, alleviates inflammation |
|
Cananga odorata Ylang-ylang | Acne, dermatitis, eczema | Helps restore skin tone, reduces oiliness, balances sebum (natural skin oil), helps restore skin tone |
|
Canarium luzonicum Elemi | Premature aging of the skin, wrinkles | Balances sebum (natural skin oil), alleviates inflammation |
|
Carum carvi Caraway | Acne | Reduces oiliness |
|
Cedruz atlantica Cedar wood | Acne, cracked skin, dermatitis, eczema, psoriasis | Reduces oiliness, alleviates inflammation |
|
Cinnamomum camphora Camphor (white) | Acne | Reduces oiliness, alleviates inflammation |
|
Cistus ladanifer Rock rose / cistus / labdanum | Premature aging of the skin, wrinkles, eczema | Reduces oiliness, unblocks pores |
|
Citrus aurantifolia Lime | Acne | Reduces oiliness, functions as a tonic |
|
Citrus aurantium (var. amara) Neroli | Acne, premature aging of the skin, dry skin, wrinkles, dermatitis, eczema, psoriasis, stretch marks | Helps restore skin tone, functions as a tonic |
|
Citrus aurantium (var. amara) Petitgrain | Acne, blemishes | Balances sebum (natural skin oil), reduces oiliness and skin sensitivity, helps restore skin tone, functions as a tonic |
|
Citrus bergamia Bergamot | Acne, dermatitis, eczema, psoriasis | Alleviates inflammation, reduces oiliness |
|
Citrus limon Lemon | Acne, rosacea | Reduces oiliness |
|
Citrus paradise Grapefruit | Acne, stretch marks | Reduces cellulite and oiliness, helps restore skin tone |
|
Citrus reticulata Mandarin | Acne, stretch marks | Reduces cellulite and oiliness, helps restore skin tone |
|
Citrus sinensis Orange | Acne, dermatitis, wrinkles | Unblocks pores, reduces oiliness and dryness |
|
Citrus tangerine Tangerine | Acne, chapped skin, stretch marks | Alleviates inflammation, reduces oiliness, helps restore skin tone |
|
Commiphora myrrha Myrrh | Acne, cracked skin, dermatitis, eczema, wrinkles | Alleviates inflammation |
|
Cupressus sempervirens Cypress | Acne, rosacea | Unblocks pores, reduces cellulite and oiliness |
|
Cymbopogon citratus Lemongrass | Acne | Unblocks pores, reduces cellulite and oiliness, helps restore skin tone |
|
Daucus carota Carrot seed | Dermatitis, eczema, premature aging of the skin, psoriasis, wrinkles | Reduces dryness and oiliness, alleviates inflammation, helps restore skin tone |
|
Syzygium aromaticum Clove | Acne | Antiseptic |
|
Ferula galbaniflua Galbanum | Acne | Alleviates inflammation, helps restore skin tone |
|
Foenticulum dulce Fennel | Premature aging of the skin, wrinkles | Reduces oiliness, unblocks pores, functions as a tonic |
|
Hellichrysum italicum Immortelle / everlasting / Helichrysum | Acne, dermatitis, eczema, psoriasis, rosacea | Regenerates cells, alleviates inflammation |
|
Humulus lupulus Hops | Dermatitis | Nourishes skin |
|
Hyssopus officinalis Hyssop | Dermatitis, eczema | Alleviates inflammation, supports healing |
|
Jasminum officinale Jasmine | Premature aging of the skin, psoriasis | Reduces oiliness and dryness, revitalizing agent, alleviates inflammation |
|
Juniperus virginiana Juniper | Acne, dermatitis, eczema and weeping eczema, psoriasis | Unblocks pores, reduces oiliness, helps restore skin tone |
|
Laurus nobilis Bay | Acne | Alleviates inflammation, reduces oiliness |
|
Lavandula angustifolia Lavender | Acne, dermatitis, eczema, psoriasis, rosacea | Unblocks pores, reduces oiliness, alleviates inflammation |
|
Lavandula spica Lavender spike | Acne, dermatitis, eczema, psoriasis | Reduces oiliness, alleviates inflammation |
|
Litsea cubeba May Chang | Acne, dermatitis | Reduces oiliness |
|
Melaleuca alternifolia Tea tree | Acne, blemishes | Alleviates inflammation, reduces oiliness |
|
Melaleuca vividiflora Niaouli / Gomenol | Acne, psoriasis | Unblocks pores, reduces oiliness, supports healing |
|
Melissa officinalis Melissa / lemon balm | Eczema | Alleviates inflammation |
|
Mentha piperita Peppermint | Acne, blackheads, dermatitis | Unblocks pores, reduces oiliness, alleviates inflammation, softens skin, helps restore skin tone |
|
Mentha spicata Spearmint | Acne, dermatitis | Unblocks pores |
|
Myrtus communis Myrtle | Acne, blemishes, psoriasis | Unblocks pores, reduces oiliness |
|
Nardostachys jatamansi Spikenard | Eczema, psoriasis | Alleviates inflammation |
|
Ocimum basilicum Basil | Acne | Unblocks pores |
|
Pelargonium odoratissimum Geranium | Acne, premature aging of the skin, cracked skin, dermatitis, eczema, psoriasis, rosacea | Reduces dryness and oiliness, balances sebum (natural skin oil), unblocks pores, supports healing, alleviates inflammation |
|
Pelargoium roseum Rose geranium | Premature aging of the skin, wrinkles | Reduces dryness |
|
Pinus sylvestris Pine | Eczema, psoriasis | Unblocks pores |
|
Pogostemon patchouli Patchouli | Acne, chapped and cracked skin, dermatitis, eczema, stretch marks | Supports healing, alleviates inflammation, reduces oiliness, functions as a tonic |
|
Rosa damascene Rose otto | Premature aging of the skin, eczema | Reduces dryness, alleviates inflammation, helps restore skin tone, functions as a tonic |
|
Rosa gallica Rose | Premature aging of the skin, eczema, psoriasis, stretch marks, wrinkles | Reduces dryness, supports healing, alleviates inflammation, helps restore skin tone, functions as a tonic |
|
Rosmarinus officinalis Rosemary | Acne, dermatitis, eczema, rosacea | Balances sebum (natural skin oil), unblocks pores, reduces oiliness and dryness |
|
Salvia lavandulifolia Spanish sage | Acne, dermatitis, psoriasis | Reduces oiliness |
|
Salvia sclarea Clary sage | Acne, boils, dermatitis, wrinkles | Balances sebum (natural skin oil), regenerates cells, reduces oiliness, alleviates inflammation |
|
Santalum album Sandalwood | Acne, chapped or damaged skin, eczema | Reduces dryness and oiliness, alleviates inflammation |
|
Styrax benzoin Benzoin | Cracked skin, dermatitis, eczema | Supports healing, alleviates inflammation |
|
Thymus vulgaris Thyme | Acne, dermatitis, eczema | Reduces oiliness |
|
Tilia europaea Linden Blossom | Blemishes, freckles, wrinkles | Softens skin, functions as a tonic |
|
Vetiveria zizanioides Vetiver | Acne, eczema, premature aging of the skin | Balances sebum (natural skin oil), reduces oiliness |
|
Viola odorata Violet | Acne, eczema | Reduces oiliness, alleviates inflammation |
Some last cautions about essential oils
Using aromatherapy to treat skin conditions can become a DIY activity, but I advise patients not to start out doing it themselves. Rather, consult your dermatologist and an experienced aroma therapist.
In the process of writing this article and my previous article on aromatherapy, I found four tips important for you to know to use essential oils safely and effectively:
- Some essential oils can be allergens (especially important if your type of eczema or psoriasis is coupled with allergies).
- Never ingest essential oils without consulting an expert; many of the oils are toxic when taken orally.
- Do not substitute aromatherapy for whatever treatment your dermatologist has prescribed; use essential oils to complement the care you receive from medical professionals.
- Be sure to look for essential oils using their Latin name; often, the common name for an oil denotes other herbs and plants than the one you are looking for.
Several of the products I offer on the humanitibeauty.com site may be just what you need to follow my recommendations in this article. If you would like more information about Humaniti Beauty’s products or about me, you can contact me at info@humanitibeauty.com or call me at 510.200.9984.
Sources for this article:
“10 Aromatherapy Oils for Soothing Common Skin Conditions.” Holland & Barrett, Holland & Barrett Limited, 27 Oct. 2017. www.hollandandbarrett.com/the-health-hub/10-best-aromatherapy-oils-soothing-common-skin-conditions/.
Bharadwaj, Anupama. “10 Amazing Benefits of Balsam Essential Oil.” CureJoy, CureJoy, 22 Feb. 2018. www.curejoy.com/content/benefits-of-balsam-essential-oil/.
“Can You Use Oils to Treat Psoriasis?” Healthline, Healthline Media. www.healthline.com/health/essential-oils-for-psoriasis.
Hills, Jenny. “The Best Oils for Treating Eczema at Home (Backed by Science).” Healthy and Natural World, Healthy and Natural World, 24 Apr. 2018. www.healthyandnaturalworld.com/best-essential-oils-for-eczema/.
Keville, Kathi. “Aromatherapy Treatment for Dermatitis.” HowStuffWorks, InfoSpace Holdings LLC, a System1 Company, 30 Apr. 2007. health.howstuffworks.com/wellness/natural-medicine/aromatherapy/aromatherapy-treatment-for-dermatitis.htm.
Keville, Kathi. “How to Cure Dry Skin with Aromatherapy.” HowStuffWorks, InfoSpace Holdings LLC, a System1 Company, 30 Apr. 2007. health.howstuffworks.com/skin-care/problems/treating/how-to-cure-dry-skin-with-aromatherapy.htm.
Keville, Kathi. “How to Treat Pimples with Aromatherapy.” HowStuffWorks, InfoSpace Holdings LLC, a System1 Company. health.howstuffworks.com/wellness/natural-medicine/aromatherapy/how-to-treat-pimples-with-aromatherapy.htm.
Keville, Kathi. “How to Treat a Weak Immune System with Aromatherapy.” HowStuffWorks, InfoSpace Holdings LLC, a System1 Company, 1 May 2007. health.howstuffworks.com/wellness/natural-medicine/aromatherapy/how-to-treat-a-weak-immune-system-with-aromatherapy.htm.
Orchard, Ané, and Sandy van Vuuren. “Commercial Essential Oils as Potential Antimicrobials to Treat Skin Diseases.” Advances in Pediatrics., U.S. National Library of Medicine, 4 May 2017. www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5435909/.
Salisbury, Mary. “Sebum Overview.” HowStuffWorks, InfoSpace Holdings LLC, a System1 Company, 20 Aug. 2009. health.howstuffworks.com/skin-care/information/anatomy/sebum.htm.
Shutes, Jade. “Exploring Aromatherapy: Methods of Application.” National Association for Holistic Aromatherapy, National Association for Holistic Aromatherapy. naha.org/explore-aromatherapy/about-aromatherapy/methods-of-application.