“Best anti-aging oils for reducing wrinkles on your face?” is a collaborative post.
It is never a pleasant experience to wake up with new fine lines and wrinkles. Finding the best anti-aging face oils for your skin type, to help combat the appearance of aging and fine lines – can be challenging. But fear not, because the magic of essential oils and carrier oils are here to smooth those lines, fade those dark spots, and tighten your skin back to its absolute best.
Okay, we apologise for sounding so unbelievable, but they do exist. But not everyone is aware of all of their benefits. Are you ready to discover the best oil for wrinkles and skin health? Let’s dive in!
What are essential oils?
Essential oils are concentrated plant-derived oil extracts. These concentrated plant-based oil extracts are obtained through a series of processing steps, the most important of which is mechanical pressing, also known as distillation. The best part is that the oils retain their natural aroma and flavour even after distillation.
There are various essential oils available depending on the plant source. Each oil is distinct in terms of concentration, active ingredients, smell, and origin. Furthermore, each oil has a unique effect on the skin as well as a different rate of absorption.
What are carrier oils?
Carrier oils are used in aromatherapy and skincare to “carry” essential oils into your skin. However, their benefits don’t stop there. Extracted from plants, they all have their own unique composition and benefits too. For instance, avocado oil is known to be very moisturising for dry skin, and feels heavy on the skin, whereas almond seed oil feels light and makes a good choice for normal skin.
Carrier oils are also a great choice following any kind of invasive treatment, for instance during or after treatment for skin cancer. This also holds true following surgical procedures, or cometic procedures that require recovery time and a gentle approach, e.g. a chemical peel.
You can also shop hemp products such as hemp seed oil to keep your skin hydrated with enrichment of omega acids 3, 6, and 9 – to keep your skin moisturised and nourished. CBD oil drops 1,500mg, make a great addition to your diet to ensure health from inside to out.
The power of antioxidants in facial oils
Dermatologists and skincare bloggers talk about the importance of antioxidants in skincare. But what exactly are antioxidants, and how do they help with the signs of aging and mature skin?
In nature, antioxidants stop plant oils from spoiling and going rancid. On our skin, antioxidants prevent the action of free radicals. Free radicals are unstable molecules that either come from inside your body, or from the outside – for instance excessive sun exposure, pollution, or alcohol consumption. The antioxidants in facial oils, such as batana oil – which can be found here – can improve skin elasticity and slow the progression of the aging of the skin by protecting against free radicals.
When we use skincare products with powerful antioxidants, we ensure that our skin is protected on a daily basis. The results won’t be immediate, however, think of it as the best insurance for your skin!
Look out for these antioxidants in your skincare products:
- Vitamin C
- Vitamin E
- Vitamin A
- Niacinamide (B3)
- Resveratrol
- Retinol or Retinal
- Ubiquinone/Ubiquinol (Co Enzyme Q10)
Some of these antioxidants are found naturally occurring in many of the oils we will discuss in a moment. They’re also added to skincare products to increase their benefits.
Now, let’s learn about the natural oils!
The best anti-aging oils for reducing wrinkles
Carrier oils
Avocado oil
Avocado oil is commonly used in cosmetics as a carrier oil, and it can certainly help you in your quest for younger looking skin. Its anti-inflammatory effect is thought to help with anti-aging by increasing collagen production. Not to mention how high in antioxidants it is.
Avocado oil in a face oil is especially beneficial for dry skin, especially in the winter months when skin issues can be exacerbated. This oil’s essential fatty acids can also help to strengthen the skin’s lipid layer. Due to its moisturising abilities, it’s great for diminishing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. It’s a great choice for sensitive skin, too!
Argan oil
Argan oil is a valuable substance derived from argan fruit trees. This oil, native to Morocco, has historically been used for eating, skin treatment, and hair treatment.
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Argan oil is now found in a variety of styling products, creams, and facial oils. It may help boost skin elasticity as a carrier oil in your wrinkle-care regimen. You can also try targeted FaceYoga exercises that tone and rejuvenate your facial muscles, too!
Evening primrose oil
This carrier oil is derived from the seeds of the evening primrose plant, and has been revered through time for treating aging skin and minimising fine lines and wrinkles.
It is rich with omega-6 fatty acids that help skin to produce prostaglandins to fight off the effects of aging such as wrinkles and dryness. Evening primrose oil is a fantastic moisturiser and is absorbed well by the skin. Its anti-inflammatory properties help to take down rosacea and other inflammatory skin conditions.
Apricot oil
Apricot oil, like vitamin E and grapeseed oil, may provide additional nourishment and rejuvenation benefits. This oil contains a lot of vitamin E. The oil is extracted from the apricot seeds rather than the fruit.
The sources are high in linoleic and oleic acids, essential fatty acids for clear skin. Apricot oil’s fatty acid composition allows it to absorb well and is ideal for dry skin.
This carrier oil may be beneficial for wrinkles and dry skin. On the other hand, it might not be the best choice for oily skin as, like coconut oil, it can be comedogenic.
Vitamin E oil
Vitamin E is a powerful oil soluble antioxidant. Few people are aware of the benefits of applying vitamin E topically via face oils.
In terms of anti-aging, this oil deeply penetrates the skin to plump it with phospholipids, slowing your skin’s aging process.
Almond seed oil
This is another essential oil that you should include in your anti-aging regimen. Because of its anti-inflammatory properties, it is ideal for people with eczema or psoriasis.
It can also improve your complexion, scar appearance, and skin tone. This oil’s hydrating properties also aid in the promotion of better skin circulation. According to some studies, applying it topically can help prevent and reverse sun damage. That’s a pretty impressive resume, in our opinion!
Kukui nut oil
Wrinkles and age spots are common indications of aging. However, the antioxidant content of Kukui nut oil makes it useful for delaying the onset of old age. Kukui nut oil promotes the production of collagen and the exfoliation of dead skin, allowing for the growth of healthier new skin.
Kukui oil, when used daily, effectively lessens the appearance of stretch marks brought on by pregnancy or rapid weight reduction.
Rosehip oil
If you’re looking to tackle aging on multiple levels, then look no further than humble rosehip seed oil. It’s packed with antioxidant vitamins such as vitamin C and vitamin A. These anti-aging powerhouses work together to boost elasticity, collagen production, and slow down the aging process of the skin.
Rosehip oils works hard to eliminate hyperpigmentation and age spots, too. This is why you will find rosehip oil as one of the key ingredients in so many expensive facial oil blends.
Jojoba oil
Wonderful jojoba oil has a beautiful skin feel and light texture that makes it an indispensable addition to your collection of anti-aging facial oils. Jojoba oil has a long history of use in folklore, and for good reason. This carrier oil can actually increase the elasticity of the skin, and extensive studies confirm its ability to help you maintain your youthful appearance through its antioxidant benefits and deep moisturising capabilities.
Fun fact: jojoba isn’t actually an oil, it’s a liquid wax ester! What does this mean for skin? Your trans-epidermal water loss will be a thing of the past!
Squalane oil
A lesser known but super effective anti-aging oil is squalane. It’s known as a “biomimetic” oil, meaning its composition is very close to that of human sebum. In fact, our skin contains 15% squalane. This makes it very compatible with skin and hair. Shockingly, squalane used to be derived from whales – but thankfully this cruel process has been outlawed. These days, vegetable squalane is derived from sugar cane or olive oil.
It reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, evens out the skin tone, boosts moisture and plumps the skin for an improved skin barrier. Popular skincare brand Biossance feature it in almost all of their products! If it’s good enough for them…
Essential oils
Frankincense oil
Frankincense essential oil is a standout anti-aging essential oil with a therapeutic history of over 5000 years. For this reason, it’s often utilised by beauty experts for holistic skin treatment. It is obtained from the gum resins of Boswellia trees.
One of the best anti-aging oils for reducing wrinkles on your face, it is high in natural plant antioxidants, including monoterpenes and diterpenes. One of the critical components of frankincense oil, boswellic acid, can enhance fine wrinkles and skin suppleness. Aside from its capacity to treat photodamage, frankincense oil’s anti-inflammatory and astringent properties can also help with acne treatment.
Sandalwood oil
One of the world’s most expensive essential oils, sandalwood has an impressive astringent capability, helping to give the appearance of tightening and firming the skin. This precious oil promotes cell turnover, reduces redness, softens fine lines, and boosts elasticity.
Interestingly, sandalwood oil can inhibit the production of enzymes that cause hyperpigmentation. Bye bye, dark spots! It also has a beautiful effect on our wellbeing, invoking feelings of groundedness. Perfect for both feeling and looking youthful.
Helichrysum oil
Helichrysum oil, also known as Everlasting or Immortal Flower, is thought to help to tighten sagging skin and is referenced as having similar effects as botox.
A 2017 study showed promise in treating skin elasticity skin in topical application. Because of its age-pro qualities and its beautiful, elegant aroma, it’s often included in skincare products aimed at mature skin.
Ylang-ylang oil
Although ylang-ylang is not a well-known ingredient, it is widely used in the fragrance industry. Ylang-ylang, native to coastal Asia, is also being researched for anti-aging properties.
Oils extracted from this plant contain antioxidants that promote skin renewal. These antioxidants were found to have significant free-radical scavenging activity. With its incredible moisturising characteristics, ylang-ylang essential oil keeps aging skin hydrated and minimises wrinkle formation due to moisture loss. This oil is high in monoterpenes, providing antioxidant, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and anti-biofilm properties. As a result, any anti-aging oils containing ylang-ylang makes fantastic wrinkle treatments.
Lavender oil
Lavender essential oil, one of the most widely used essential oils, is well-known for its calming aroma. Studies have shown that lavender oil reduces oxidative stress on the brain. Not to mention the benefits of applying lavender topically. Lavender oil provides numerous anti-aging benefits. One of its notable qualities is its ability help reduce and shrink blood vessels on the face, effectively reducing the appearance of spider veins. It can also aid in the fight against free radical damage.
When combined with coconut oil, lavender can help heal certain skin conditions such as cuts and burns. Apply this essential oil before bed to target specific areas and see the results the following day.
Grapefruit oil
Grapefruit essential oil contains vitamin C, which can stop the effects of free radicals, oxidative stress, and prevent further damage. Vitamin C promotes the formation of collagen and elastin. These proteins maintain skin cells hydrated, strong, and resilient and serve as the foundation for a flexible, supple, and smooth skin texture.
Collagen also encourages the exfoliation of drying dead skin cells, which helps to decrease the appearance of wrinkles and improve skin tone issues such as hyperpigmentation and dark spots. As an added bonus, grapefruit essential oil is useful in treating acne-prone skin, thanks to its anti-microbial properties. Hormonal breakouts – sorted.
A word of caution – make sure you avoid the sun if you’re using grapefruit or any citrus oils such as lemon or orange on your face. UV radiation can cause it to become photosensitising to skin.
Rose geranium oil
Hailed as a wonder beauty oil, you’ll find rose geranium in so many natural facial oils blends available in stores. Why? Well, it could be because it so perfectly increases blood flow for a youthful flushed glow.
Or perhaps its ability to boost collagen in your skin. Oh, and the antioxidants. Did we mention how good antioxidants are for your skin’s long term health? Rose geranium smells so sweet, too!
Bonus oil – Bakuchiol oil
Okay, bakuchiol oil isn’t strictly an essential oil, nor is it a carrier oil. It’s a trending plant based extract that’s often touted as the natural alternative to retinol.
This is because it shows all of the anti-aging benefits but non of the potential irritation. You can buy it at 100% concentration, but It often comes as a booster oil at 1% concentration. Unlike retinol, which can only be used at night, you can use bakuchiol both day or night.
How to blend carrier and essential oils for your anti-aging blend
Now you’ve chosen a carrier oil and an essential oil – it’s time to make your own anti-aging blend. Firstly, decide how much oil you would like to blend and find a suitable bottle to blend your carrier and essential oils into, 50ml is a good place to start.
Safety is paramount – skin irritation is no fun. All essential oils have different concentrations at which they should be used, and a maximum “dermal limit”. It’s best to stay way under the dermal limit to avoid potential allergic reactions.
It’s generally accepted that 2% is a safe general concentration to work with. You can use small scales to weigh out your carrier and essential oils – this is the safest and most professional way to dilute and blend oils. Some people use drops to measure their essential oils, however this is an inaccurate way to measure them. If you really have no other way, then try 10 drops of essential oil per tablespoon (15ml) of carrier oil.
First, patch test your blend to ensure skin compatibility. Apply a small amount of your blend to an inconspicuous part of your body and leave it for 24 hours. If there’s no sign of any irritation, you’re good!
Final thoughts
Oils are so easy to incorporate into your anti-aging skincare routine, so why not start today? And remember that for the best results your lifestyle should also complement your skincare efforts – sunscreen, exercise, a healthy diet, adequate hydration, no smoking, and moderate alcohol consumption.
Before beginning a new skincare routine or adding to an existing one, discuss any potential risks or negative interactions with your doctor or dermatologist.
We hope you enjoyed learning the best anti-aging oils for reducing wrinkles on your face. For more like this, please see my posts on aromatherapy and skin care.
