A combination of letting nature run its course and the environment we live in can have drastic effects on the skin. Unfortunately, we can’t control these factors. It’s no wonder why the market for mature skin is expected to reach over $330 billion in the next few years. However, we can be proactive and give our skin the help it needs to stay firm and un-wrinkled, despite the elements working against us. The question is, how?

Two words: essential — and get this — oils. Believe it or not, EG believes in the toning and wrinkle-fighting abilities that oils can offer. But don’t just take our word for it. The research and studies are pretty conclusive on this matter. Read on for what scientists have to say.

Antioxidants

Our bodies and skin are exposed to free radicals through pollution and UV rays every day. The bad news is that free radicals can do a number on our skin, damaging skin-cell membranes and causing premature aging. The solution? Antioxidants and free radical scavengers. The good news is that plant-based ingredients like essential oils and carrier oils exemplify strong antioxidant activity. Some examples of antioxidant EOs include Coffee, Thyme, Rosemary, Basil and Oregano. Our advice? Drink your coffee and add these herbs to your meals (not in oil form), while using these EOs topically to create a synergistic effect.

Reducing Inflammation

Skin inflammation is a double-edged sword, able to both benefit and harm the skin. Inflammation contributes to tissue repair and infection prevention but can also disrupt the skin, depending on the length of inflammation time and intensity. Long-lasting skin inflammation thus leads to issues, including mature skin. That’s where anti-inflammatory oils come in. Grapeseed, Coconut, Safflower, Sesame, Avocado, Jojoba, Pomegranate Seed and Rosehip carrier oils have all modeled anti-inflammatory activity, along with Lavender, Spruce, German Chamomile and a variety of essential oils. If inflammation is a problem, these credible oils have what it takes to help.

Collagen Synthesis

One key hurdle that aging skin faces is a reduction in collagen and elastin synthesis, which factor into skin tightness and elasticity. This is one unfortunate result of menopause, which (luckily) has been proven to be counteracted by the topical use and consumption of Argan. Though we don’t offer ingestible Argan, topical use of Argan was shown to greatly increase skin elasticity. We recommend combining Argan with collagen-enhancing oils, such as Coffee, Cinnamon and Coconut oil, which in turn tightens skin.

*Note: Most dermatologists and doctors agree that the first step to maintaining healthy skin is using sunscreen or sunblock. The best thing you can do for your skin is to protect it from the sun. Follow that up with complementary essential oils, and you’ve got yourself a ticket to healthy, youthful-looking skin.