There are many options when it comes to anti-aging skin care products. However, if you prefer naturalness in your skincare routine, essential oils are a safe option. Essential oils help prevent wrinkles with their high antioxidant content. Scroll down to find out which oils to include in your routine.

Essential oils are the best alternatives to anti-aging skin care creams available in the market.

Best essential oils for wrinkles

Here are 11 essential oils that can help improve the appearance of wrinkles:

1. Ylang Ylang

A tropical tree, ylang ylang is native to Southern India, Malaysia, and the Philippines. Ylang-ylang ( Cananga odorata ) is frequently preferred for its essential oil, especially in the perfume industry, and has recently gained popularity in cosmetic products. 

The essential oils obtained from the flowers are thought to have antihypertensive (blood pressure lowering), anxiolytic (anxiety relief) and aphrodisiac (sexual desire enhancer) effects.

(5 Ways to Use Ylang-Ylang Oil from Head to Toe. (2020). Retrieved 15 September 2020)

Ylang-ylang specifically has antioxidant effects that can help regenerate the skin. Thanks to these properties, it is thought to help prevent the destruction of collagen and elastin production in the skin and stimulate its production.

(10 best essential oils for wrinkles: What works best and why?. (2020). Retrieved 15 September 2020)

2. Neroli

Neroli essential oil is obtained from the flowers of the orange tree. It is widely used in perfumery. It is thought to have anxiolytic and antihypertensive effects (The UMA Oil Files: Sumptuous) (Team)

Neroli essential oil, 

• It can provide a younger looking skin appearance by renewing the epithelial cells and correcting the loss of elasticity in the skin,
• It can give the skin a radiant appearance,
• It can reduce stretch marks and scars,
• Due to its antiseptic properties, it can prevent spots on the skin and reduce the development of acne,
• By reducing excess sebum production, it can tighten your skin and help shrink pores.  

(20 Anti-Aging Oils to Add to Your Routine. (2020). Retrieved 15 September 2020)

3. Iris 

Iris pallida / Iris germanica Iridaceae 

There are about 300 species of Iris plants that vary slightly depending on their geographical location.

It can make the skin look tighter and younger by renewing the epidermis layer of the skin. It is also a powerful moisturizer. It can make the skin look brighter and livelier. (Iris Oil for skincare: history)

4. Immortal flower (Immortelle)

Immortal flower ( Helichrysum Italicum ), as the name suggests, is a plant that does not fade easily after being plucked. Helichrysum is an aromatic flower native to Asia and Africa. The essential oil of the plant, called Immortelle or golden flower, was used in the 1930s to treat bronchitis and chronic cough due to its anti-inflammatory properties.

The essential oil of immortelle is thought to help the skin retain more moisture, thus helping to prevent wrinkles. 

5. Jasmine (Jasmine)

Jasmine essential oil is the essential oil obtained from the flowers of  Jasminum officinale .

It is widely used as a perfume in cosmetics. However, recent research shows that the benefits of jasmine oil may also include antioxidant properties due to its phenol components, benzyl benzoate and benzyl acetate. 

The use of jasmine oil for the skin; It can help maintain the radiance and elasticity of the face by reducing oxidative stress levels. (Jasmine Essential Oil Antioxidant Skin Benefits – L’Oréal Paris . (2020. Retrieved 15 September 2020)

6. Lavender

Lavender oil is an essential oil obtained from the lavender plant ( Lavandula angustifolia ). It can be taken orally, applied locally on the skin or inhaled by inhalation. The essential oil can be psychologically relaxing and calming.

Free radicals are partially responsible for fine lines and wrinkles on the face. Lavender oil contains antioxidants that prevent free radicals. For wrinkles, lavender oil can be used by adding a few drops to coconut oil, which is a fixed oil. 

Lavender oil, 

• It can help increase the radiance of the skin. 
• Its antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties help reduce redness and blemishes on the skin. 
• It can reduce acne and acne formation. (Lavender Oil for Skin: Uses and Benefits. (2020. Retrieved 15 September 2020)

7. Rose

Rose essential oil is one of the most expensive essential oils in the world. Rose oil is traditionally used as it helps maintain skin health. Rosa Damascena has antioxidant and antibacterial properties. 

Rose oil can make the skin look younger for longer by playing a role in the regeneration of epithelial cells. 

8. Patchouli (Tefarik)

Patchouli oil is an essential oil obtained from the leaves of the patchouli plant.

It is widely used in products such as perfumes, cosmetics, and incense. It is also used in the treatment of dermatitis, acne and skin rashes.

For wrinkles, patchouli oil can be used by adding a few drops to a fixed oil. 

9. Sandalwood

Sandalwood has been a part of Ayurvedic practices since ancient times. Sandalwood has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. It has free radical scavenging capacity that can reduce oxidative stress and keep your skin healthy. Because of these properties, it is preferred in the treatment of skin wrinkles. (11 Best Essential Oils For Wrinkles & Fine Lines: Benefits) Also sandalwood; It is used for the treatment of acne, psoriasis, eczema and warts. 

10. Frankincense (Daily)

Native to the Middle East and India, daily essential oil is currently one of the most common essential oils worldwide. It was used as incense in ancient civilizations. Today, sunflower oil is an aromatic resin obtained from Boswellia sacra, B. carterii, B. frereana, B. serrata and B. papyrifera .

In history, frankincense oil has been used as it protects the skin against harmful bacteria and also tightens the skin and provides elasticity. It can also promote wound healing by improving the appearance of stretch marks on the skin. It can have the same effect on wrinkles as well. In addition, it can promote skin cell regeneration.

11. Vetiver

Vetiver oil (Vetiver)is a plant species from the Grain family (Poaceae).

Vetiver oil has a woody, spicy and strong scent. Since vetiver oil has strong antioxidant and antimicrobial effects, it is used in the treatment of wounds and various diseases. It can promote the regeneration of the epidermis layer, make the skin look younger for a longer time.

(Vetiver Oil – The Oil Of Tranquility – Uses & Benefits In Aromatherapy. (2020). Retrieved 16 September 2020)

Since applying essential oils directly to the skin can cause irritation, you should not apply them undiluted. Carrier (fixed) oils that you can use to dilute are:

• olive oil, 
• grape seed oil,
• coconut oil
• Almond oil
• avocado oil

Also, testing it on your skin up to 24 hours before use can prevent the possibility of allergies. 

If you want to make an anti-wrinkle serum with essential oils;

Mix 10 drops of essential oil into 5 ml of carrier (fixed) oil. You can get better results if you mix it with avocado oil, which is known to support collagen synthesis.