To anyone who hasn’t lived under a rock for the past few years, essential oils are not a foreign concept. As key ingredients in aromatherapy, they play an important role in skin care, hair care and general disposition. You probably know they are extracted from aromatic plants but did you know they contain concentrated healing life-force? Today we learn about some rare essential oils and their benefits for skin care.

What Exactly Are Essential Oils?

If you have ever enjoyed the scent of a rose, you have already had your first experience with essential oils and their aromas. These volatile aromatic compounds naturally occur in the roots, seeds, bark, stems, and flowers of plants. Essential oils are beautifully and powerfully fragrant, giving these plants their distinctive smells.

In addition to their enjoyable fragrance and their natural benefits to plants, essential oils have also been used for a long time in food preparation, health-care practices and beauty treatments. But even knowing all that, an unknown might occur: What exactly is a volatile aromatic compound?

These compounds are basically small organic molecules that quickly change from their solid or liquid state to a gas when exposed to room temperature. The quickness of their transformation is what gives their volatile tendencies. Opening a bottle of essential oil for the first time allows you to instantly notice the potent aroma; the fragrances are usually so strong that you can smell them even from some distance.

Applications of Essential Oils

Thanks to the chemical and physical properties of essential oils, they can move quickly through the air so your nose and its olfactory sensors can experience a direct interaction with them. The unique properties of essential oils have made them ideal for various applications, including aromatherapy, which uses these compounds to help maintain a healthy mind and a healthy body.

The applications and benefits of each oil aroma are set by the type of volatile aromatic compounds it contains. More than 3,000 varieties of volatile aromatic compounds have been discovered to date. The nature of an essential oil changes from plant to plant and from species to species. Each given essential oil is unique and provides specific benefits thanks to the delicate ratio of aromatic constituents found in it.

Essential oils are being used in a wide range of physical and emotional wellness applications. You can use them as single essential oils or by blending them in in complex essential oils. If you’re a beginner, check out our list of rare essential oils below that you can use for your skin.

A Little Goes a Long Way

One of the best tips to follow when it comes to essential oils and skin care is this: You need just a few drops per application to cover your entire face. Do not overdo it, especially if you’re a beginner. Your skin is very good at absorbing face oils – and the active ingredients within – because they mimic what already exists in your dermis.

In other words, you will get more results with less product. The right oils are beautiful because they can often serve as both your serum and moisturizer. The wrong ones won’t help your skin; they may just sensitize your skin and encourage wax build up.

However, in spite the popularity of face oils over the past few years, it’s understandable if you’re still intimidated of them. Here’s the secret to essential oils, rare or not: You have to figure out which face oil is right for your skin, and start from there. Only a drop or two will be enough at first. These 12 skin care oils are some of the most popular, and experts highly recommend them. Read on to find out which one is best for your needs.

1. [easyazon_link identifier=”B00QJD49MW” locale=”US” tag=”luxauthority-20″]Sandalwood Oil[/easyazon_link]

Best for: Healing the skin

[easyazon_image align=”center” height=”500″ identifier=”B00QJD49MW” locale=”US” src=”https://theluxauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/41efcAM6wcL.jpg” tag=”luxauthority-20″ width=”227″]

The essential oil of sandalwood is not just very rare, but also immensely efficient as an antiseptic agent. While it is safe for both internal and external applications, you should start with the skin first. When you apply it, sandalwood oil helps protect sores, wounds, boils, and pimples from becoming septic. It also aids by accelerating the healing process so you can enjoy your beautiful and irritation-free face!

2. [easyazon_link identifier=”B00O13KZ70″ locale=”US” tag=”luxauthority-20″]Frankincense Oil[/easyazon_link]

Best for: Anti-aging

[easyazon_image align=”center” height=”500″ identifier=”B012E0OZEU” locale=”US” src=”https://theluxauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/419zLgCR16L.jpg” tag=”luxauthority-20″ width=”223″]

Often called by beauticians the “King of Oils,” frankincense is great in aromatherapy; it will intensify your feelings of calmness and overall wellness. Internal uses of this essential oil can also provide modern health benefits. As for skin care, it’s anti-aging and deeply restorative, and it turn skin cells over so your face can be free of wrinkles or dark spots. Its effect is just like a retinol, sans the pesky drying or skin thinning.

3. [easyazon_link identifier=”B0128AAWS4″ locale=”US” tag=”luxauthority-20″]Black Currant Oil[/easyazon_link]

Best for: Repair

[easyazon_image align=”center” height=”500″ identifier=”B0128AAWS4″ locale=”US” src=”https://theluxauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/41CkKu1okhL.jpg” tag=”luxauthority-20″ width=”500″]

Cecilia Wong, NYC celebrity facialist, has one of the highest praised skincare lines on the beauty market. She recommends black currant oil for clients whose skin has suffered any kind of trauma, including laser treatments, sunburns, or wind-burns from skiing. She swears by its reparative properties due to its richness in fatty acids. Black currant oil also features anti-inflammatory powers – so strong that it even works on eczema.

4. [easyazon_link identifier=”B01JZ3BQ0A” locale=”US” tag=”luxauthority-20″]Tea Tree Oil[/easyazon_link]

Best for: Acne

[easyazon_image align=”center” height=”500″ identifier=”B01JZ3BQ0A” locale=”US” src=”https://theluxauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/518HNiVvyL.jpg” tag=”luxauthority-20″ width=”378″]

Tea tree oil feels and smells more like an astringent than an oil, which works best for those who feel turned by the ick factor of other essential oils. And what’s even better is that using tea tree oil really works. According to studies, 5 percent tea tree oil is as powerful in treating acne as 5 percent benzoyl peroxide. Some dermatologists recommend it as a natural – and much gentler – alternative to the usual harsher acne treatments. For acne scar removal treatment, visit Dore Aesthetics.

5. [easyazon_link identifier=”B00FIUITDM” locale=”US” tag=”luxauthority-20″]Grapeseed Oil[/easyazon_link]

Best for: Oily skin

[easyazon_image align=”center” height=”500″ identifier=”B00FIUITDM” locale=”US” src=”https://theluxauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/41aD7G7mF7L.jpg” tag=”luxauthority-20″ width=”500″]

You can have oily skin and not experience acne; those who deal with oily skin, however, tend to stay away from essential oils. But that doesn’t have to be the case with grapeseed oil. This rare oil can actually factor in the regulation of your natural oil production. Plus, it’s comes with plenty of antioxidants, such as skin-brightening vitamin C. If you’re still afraid to try it, start using grapeseed oil on your body first. If you like the results, move onto your face.

6. [easyazon_link identifier=”B004Z209HS” locale=”US” tag=”luxauthority-20″]Argan Oil[/easyazon_link]

Best for: Anti-aging

[easyazon_image align=”center” height=”500″ identifier=”B004Z209HS” locale=”US” src=”https://theluxauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/417J2BH02jTL.jpg” tag=”luxauthority-20″ width=”165″]

This oil contains a high concentration of fatty acids and vitamin and, which makes it more stable in sunlight than other antioxidants. That’s why we recommend using argan oil during the day and especially in the summer. It’s also very rare and thus expensive, but you only need a tiny amount for it to be effective on your skin. Do not invest in the cheaper version because they usually come with added ingredients that make them much less effective.

7. [easyazon_link identifier=”B00PHS61F8″ locale=”US” tag=”luxauthority-20″]Basil Oil[/easyazon_link]

Best for: Sensitive skin

[easyazon_image align=”center” height=”500″ identifier=”B00PHS61F8″ locale=”US” src=”https://theluxauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/41eTwrOJKhL.jpg” tag=”luxauthority-20″ width=”190″]

Basil can do wonders for soothing insect bites (summer use is once again recommended). It’s also ideal for sensitive skin. Basil oil is equally good for the face and the body. Aroma therapists use it topically, as well as to massage into the skin. It enhances the dull-looking skin and hair, which is why it is extensively used in many skin care supplements. If you want to improve the tone of your skin or treat the symptoms of acne, basil oil is the one for you.

8. [easyazon_link identifier=”B01CIHBQ8W” locale=”US” tag=”luxauthority-20″]Ylang Ylang Oil[/easyazon_link]

Best for: Acne

[easyazon_image align=”center” height=”500″ identifier=”B01LZY7V13″ locale=”US” src=”https://theluxauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/51EjkSfYRxL.jpg” tag=”luxauthority-20″ width=”500″]

Ylang ylang may have a funny name, but it’s amazing at treating oily or acne prone skin. Meanwhile, it can also stimulate cell growth to eliminate the effects aging has on the skin. If you have more of an oily skin, simply add a few drops of ylang ylang to almond oil to experience a moisturized face. Ylang ylang oil can also be beneficial for treating inflammations and reducing skin irritation. It can regularize sebum production and cure the acne infection itself.

9. [easyazon_link identifier=”B00PMR3QF2″ locale=”US” tag=”luxauthority-20″]Coconut Oil[/easyazon_link]

Best for: Dry skin

[easyazon_image align=”center” height=”500″ identifier=”B00PMR3QF2″ locale=”US” src=”https://theluxauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/417r4N4TYxL.jpg” tag=”luxauthority-20″ width=”150″]

While technically not an essential oil, coconut oil could not miss from our list. Its benefits are well known as excellent massage oil. It works as an effective moisturizer on all types of skin, and it works best for dry skin. What’s best is that you have nothing to worry about because applying coconut oil on your skin won’t have any adverse side effects. Therefore, it is a safe solution if you’re trying to fight or prevent dryness and flaking of skin.

10. [easyazon_link identifier=”B005CBI5BS” locale=”US” tag=”luxauthority-20″]Carrot Seed Oil[/easyazon_link]

Best for: Cell regeneration

[easyazon_image align=”center” height=”500″ identifier=”B01FWIL7PQ” locale=”US” src=”https://theluxauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/51DkSJmS7PL.jpg” tag=”luxauthority-20″ width=”500″]

Carrot seed essential oil, one of the rarest essential oils, has a surprising rejuvenating effect on any kind of skin. Not only does it help to smooth out the skin, but it also assists with cell regeneration. For this reason, carrot seed oil can accelerate the fading of scars while improving the tone of aging skin. It’s rich in antioxidants, which means it has properties in neutralizing inflammation.

11. [easyazon_link identifier=”B00BYCZ9JK” locale=”US” tag=”luxauthority-20″]Rose Oil[/easyazon_link]

Best for: Dry or aging skin

[easyazon_image align=”center” height=”500″ identifier=”B00BYCZ9JK” locale=”US” src=”https://theluxauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/41SKFl1BQHL.jpg” tag=”luxauthority-20″ width=”468″]

Researchers and beauticians alike praise the effect of the therapeutic compounds found in rose oil. They promote healing, especially the anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial compounds. Consequently, rose essential oil can help smooth skin tone and texture, as well as manage skin conditions such as dermatitis and psoriasis. Fun fact: One study found that even just inhaling rose essential oil can inhibit water loss in the skin!