When using essential oils to moisturize the skin, simply add to a carrier oil such as Jojoba. Another good tip is to purchase fragrance and lanolin free creams or lotions, from which you can create your own skin care products by adding a few drops of your favorite essential oil.

The key to developing your own products is to determine what you want them to do. Are you trying to fight cellulite? Then add some Lemon oil to your cream. Are you trying to minimize the appearance of scar tissue? Patchouli is your answer here. See our for the body listings to find out more about the properties and effects of each essential oil.

Essential oils and how they affect your skin

1. GREASY SKIN

Sage : relaxes, improves blood circulation
Peppermint: refreshes, cools
Valerian : calms
Clove : disinfects
Camphor : Disinfects, sedating
Cypress : Refreshing, relaxing

2. UNCLEAN SKIN

Cajeput : Improves perspiration
Rosemary : Improves blood circulation
Valerian : Calming
Camphor : Disinfects, sedates

3. THICK, PALE AND WEAK SKIN

Oregano : Widens the blood vessels
Melissa : Refreshes, tonic
Geranium : Refreshing
Linden blossom : Soothing

4. INFECTED SKIN

Juniper : Disinfects
Lavender : Healing
Cajeput : Improves perspiration
Fir : Refreshes, regulates

5. SENSITIVE, THIN, QUICKLY IRRITATED SKIN

Cypress : Relaxes, refreshes
Pine : Balances, refreshes
Melissa : Against cramps
Chamomile : Sedating
Therebinth : Softening

6. TIRED SKIN

Lavender : Detoxifying
Eucalyptus : Vitalizing
Cajeput : Improves perspiration
Verbena : Calming
Lemongrass : Improves blood circulation

7. BODY CARE (GENERAL)

Oregano : Strengthening
Thyme : Disinfecting
Mint : Tonic
Geranium : Refreshing