Essential Oils for Skin Tightening and How to Apply Them

You know those moments when you catch yourself in the mirror under poor lighting and wonder, when did that happen? Your jawline is less defined and your skin under your chin rests differently than it used to. Your cheeks do not hold their youthful lift as they once did and you find yourself pulling your face slightly backward with your fingertips wondering if anything short of an expensive procedure can do anything about it

Skin is not broken, it is simply responding to the passage of time, the sun, your stress levels and a slowing down of the proteins that keep it firm. That process is normal and what you do about it does not need to include a trip to the clinic and a trip to the credit card.

Certain essential oils have a proven, documented effect on the firmness and elasticity of the skin, not necessarily overnight or dramatically but in a consistent way over weeks, with a daily use. That is what this article is really about.

Why Skin Loses Firmness

Skin firmness is maintained by two main structural proteins. Collagen provides strength and elastin provides bounce and resilience. The production of both of these proteins decrease from your mid 20s onwards and by your 40s you will notice the effect. Sun exposure accelerates the process as well as chronic dehydration, lack of sleep, a low antioxidant rich diet and high levels of stress.

Essential oils can’t turn the clock backwards but they can assist in the skin’s own repair process, improve circulation, protect against oxidative damage and keep your skin healthy enough for it to respond well to the care you are trying to give it.

The Best Essential Oils for Skin Tightening

Frankincense Oil

If there is one oil that rises above the rest when it comes to discussions of skin firmness, it is frankincense. Used for centuries, its active ingredients assist in cell regeneration and have a toning effect on the skin tissue. It has good effects on the face, the neck and the chest, especially on mature skin.

Rosehip Oil

Rosehip is technically a carrier oil and it is included in this list for its proven ability to assist the skin to produce collagen and improve skin tone. It is a good option for those who notice signs of aging in addition to loss of firmness, such as uneven texture, dullness, or dark spots.

Geranium Oil

Geranium is an underperformer when it comes to essential oils, helping circulation, balancing oil production and having a tightening effect on the skin with regular use. It is a good option for those whose skin displays lack of elasticity or a tired look.

Lavender Oil

Lavender’s contribution to the firmness and health of the skin is indirect. It reduces inflammation and promotes cellular repair and is one of the mildest essential oils for sensitive skin that cannot withstand harsh actives. It also has a positive impact on the skin through improved sleep quality when used in the evening.

Nightly use of lavender oil also offers the skin a repair window while you sleep, which is one of the most underrated factors contributing to visible skin health and aging.

Neroli Oil

Distilled from bitter orange flowers, neroli is a good choice for improving skin’s elasticity. It stimulates the growth of new cells which is beneficial to lax skin. It is often more expensive than others but a little bit goes a long way.

Jojoba Oil

Jojoba is closest to our bodies’ natural sebum and as such it is a good choice for keeping your skin’s barrier healthy and supple. It is important to keep the skin’s barrier healthy as it allows the skin to respond well to the care we offer it.

Pomegranate Seed Oil

Pomegranate seed oil contains compounds that protect the skin from collagen damaging UV rays and promotes skin regeneration, with a gradual effect on the firmness of the skin.

How to Apply Essential Oils for Best Results

The oil is only part of the deal. Dilution and correct application make all the difference.

Always dilute before use. Essential oils are concentrated extracts and in most cases should not be applied on the skin without a carrier oil. A good ratio is 2 to 3 drops of essential oil to a teaspoon of carrier oil. Jojoba, rosehip and almond oil are some good carrier oils with which to mix your essential oils.

Apply to damp skin. Applying the diluted oil on damp skin will help it absorb better. Do this right after cleansing, while there is still some moisture on the skin.

Work upward and always. It is important to lift the skin upwards as we apply the oil, rather than pull down. When working on the neck, work from the collarbone up towards your chin. When working on the face, work from the chin up towards your temples. A small detail that makes a big difference in the long run.

Take 60 seconds to massage it in. Do not simply apply and move on. Use small circular movements all over your face and longer strokes upwards on your neck. Improving circulation and drainage directly affects how tight and toned your skin appears.

Do a patch test first. Apply a few drops to the inside of your forearm and wait 24h before applying any product to your face. It is a good idea to do a patch test with all new products, especially with neroli and geranium essential oils.

When to Use Them

The best time to use essential oils is at night, while the skin is in repair mode. This will give them the longest possible time to do their job. Cleanse your face and apply your diluted oil and let it sink in before proceeding with the rest of your nighttime routine.

If you wish to apply them in the morning, do it after cleansing and before applying sunscreen, but do not skip the sunscreen. Several essential oils are photosensitive and using them without protection defeats the purpose.

How Long Before You See Results

Four to six weeks of daily use is when most people begin to see a change in skin texture and the way the skin feels under the fingertips. Visible firmness and lifting effects appear after two to three months of consistent use.

Those who stop after two weeks because they feel that nothing has changed are those who missed the window where the benefits arrive. Consistency is the whole point of this practice.

Your skin changes with time and this is not something we can fight, but we can take care of it in a way that allows it to function better, to repair more efficiently and to maintain its form for as long as possible. Start with one or two oils, develop a habit and then wait for six weeks to assess if it is working. The mirror will tell you the rest.