My Favorite Anti-Aging Essential Oil
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If you’re looking for the ULTIMATE essential oil for mature/aging skin you need to start looking at this magnificent luxurious legendary oil.
My name is Patri Hernandez and I mainly write about anti-aging natural cosmetics and skincare as well as related botanicals and other natural ingredients in my blog and website Oh Mighty Health.
If you’re over 40 and want to treasure an anti-age essential oil, frankincense is what you’re looking for.
NOTE: I like frankincense essential oil so much I already published an entry on it here. Read both posts to get the full benefits of this magnificent natural product.
A Look at Frankincense Essential Oil
Frankincense essential oil has been revered and used extensively for thousands of years because of its powerful effect on both the mind and body. A sacred oil, it encourage a healthy mood and is considered a true ‘spiritual’ essential oil. But my interest in this oil lies in its power to rejuvenate the skin. Check out the below quote by NCBI where the biological activities of frankincense essential oil in human dermal fibroblasts were put to the test:
…we explored the biological activities of FREO (frankincense essential oil) in pre-inflamed human dermal fibroblasts by analyzing the levels of 17 important protein biomarkers pertinent to inflammation and tissue remodeling. (Frankincense essential oil) exhibited robust anti-proliferative activity in these skin cells. It also significantly inhibited collagen III, interferon gamma-induced protein 10, and intracellular cell adhesion molecule 1. […] (Frankincense essential oil) affected many important signaling pathways that are closely related to inflammation, immune response, and tissue remodeling. […] the current study suggests that (frankincense essential oil) possesses promising potential to modulate the biological processes of inflammation and tissue remodeling in human skin.
US National Library of Medicine National Institute of Health
A Mythical & Magical Wonder of Biblical Proportions
Frankincense, a universally known aromatic resin which has been at the center of ritual practices for millennia, is literally skincare gold and the above quote attests to this.
The resin is also known as “pearls of the desert”. With profound healing properties, this clean, citrus, resinous, spiced, woody, earthy and balsamic fragranced oil has over 200 individual chemicals making it a potent ingredient with an incredible therapeutic profile.
The traditional medicine of the East is believed to have an anti-inflammatory, expectorant, antiseptic, and even anxiolytic and anti-neurotic effect. […] The main component of frankincense resin is oil (60%). It contains mono- (13%) and diterpenes (40%) as well as ethyl acetate (21.4%), octyl acetate (13.4%), and methylanisole (7.6%). The highest biological activity among terpenes is characteristic of 11-keto-ß-acetyl-beta-boswellic acid, acetyl-11-keto-ß-boswellic acid, and acetyl-α-boswellic acid. Contemporary studies have shown that frankincense resin indeed has an analgesic, tranquilising, and anti-bacterial effect.
ResearchGate
The oil from the resin has been used in medicine, spiritual practices since ancient biblical times and cosmetic products. From Ayurveda and Traditional Chinese Medicine to spiritual communities (it was equal in value to many precious metals and gems), the resin was one of The Three Wise Men’s gifts for baby Jesus (together with gold and myrrh, see pic above). Even Cleopatra is said to have used it for its magical cosmetic powers.
Frankincense also has many magical effects. According to the “Compendium of Materia Medica”, an ancient Chinese herbology volume written in the 16th century, frankincense and its scent can enter the heart to improve blood circulation and cure pain. As you discover, it plays an important role in many aspects: religion, skincare, fragrance and medical treatment.
INNAORGANIC
Any mature or antiaging skincare routine should at some point be incorporating into its regime frankincense essential oil. The brand Neal’s Yard Remedies which has created an entire antiage range solely based on this powerful oil (this is an affiliate link) which has won them numerous awards (check this link, this link, this link and this link)
** PLEASE BE MINDFUL WHEN USING THE OIL! Frankincense trees have been considered a threatened species since 2009 so make sure to purchase your oils from sustainable sources. Here’s a 2 minute video on how the sap is extracted. The trees pass through generations and it can be extremely dangerous for these families when harvesting. The trees are tapped too many times throughout the year because of increased demand and this causes them to die. Really sad. Do take a look.
Literally, Liquid Gold for Your Skin
Let’s get to the area of interest to me: skincare; especially ingredients with powerful anti-aging properties, which frankincense does do possess. we’ve already established that this liquid gold will help remodel skin tissue (check the above quote by NCBI on their study surrounding the biological activities of frankincense essential oil in human dermal fibroblasts – link here) so we’re ready to see key benefits for our skin.
Frankincense essential oil skincare benefits include balancing sebum (oil) production, blemish clearing, skin-tightening and skin-brightening, improving tone and elasticity, having tissue remodelling properties and also good for hyperpigmentation. Also with anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antiseptic qualities and properties (heals wounds).
- A cytophylatic oil – which means it helps to eliminate scars, marks after boils, acne pox and sun spots, helping the process of skin cell regeneration as well as combating the signs of aging with its rejuvenating effect which works particularly well on mature skin minimizing fine lines & wrinkles
- Tonifying – this is one of the most important oils when it comes to improving your skin tone
- Reduces scars (scar tissue) and blemishes – invigorates your skin complexion
- Repairs skin damage – and protects it because of its skin-healing action
In a diffuser this oil has a calming fragrance with a soothing effect on your nervous system. It can both uplift and calm at the same time!
What else could you ask for?
*A Note on Safety*
Frankincense essential oil is non-toxic, non-irritant and non-sensitizing. Never take internally. Avoid if pregnant. In fact, I would avoid all essential oils if pregnant (some are not harmful but just to be on the safe side and because I can get paranoid I personally would).
Check Out these QUICK & EASY Skincare Tips to Get You Started Using this Oil
Integrating this oil into your skincare routine is SO EASY!!
These quick tips and fixes will get you hooked to the oil in no time. There’s no need to wonder on how to use it at home; I’ve taken the time to list all the best ways in which you can make the most of it by incorporating it into your daily routine.
**Please do not use neat. Even though this is a safe oil, always mix with another product or an oil of your choice, like coconut oil. The ideal ratio is 2 drops of frankincense essential oil to two tablespoons of carrier oil.
- INCREDIBLY QUICK FACIAL TONER: Add 1 or 2 drops to 2 tablespoons of water and apply to your skin with a cotton wool ball or disk. Couldn’t be easier. Use daily.
- DIY EFFECTIVE EYE OIL: Add 2 drops of frankincense essential oil to 2 tablespoons of coconut oil. Massage gently around the eye area. You don’t need expensive eye creams. Use every 2 or 3 days.
- ADD TO DAYTIME MOISTURIZER: Add 1 drop of frankincense essential oil to your moisturizer and apply as usual. You’ve just bumped up your daytime moisturizer into a high-end skincare product in no time. Use daily.
- ADD TO NIGHTTIME PRODUCTS: Add 1 drop to your nightime mousturizer or serum as this oil will also promote sleep and help you relax. Such a treat. Use daily.
- INSTANT FACIAL STEAM USING CLOTH (1): Add 3 drops of frankincense essential oil to a warm face cloth, press cloth on face for a few seconds and wipe. Quick and easy. Use weekly.
- STEAM FACIAL USING BOWL (2): Add 6 drops of the oil to a large bowl of boiling water. Use a towel to create a ‘tent’ over your head and lean over the bowl (careful not to touch the water!!). Inhale the steam in deeply. Instant home spa luxury. Once a month would be good.
Incorporate the above ideas to your routine for about a month, then rest for the next month, then back to it again, and so on. I personally find it is always good to give it a rest when using essential oils as they can be extremely potent.
Once you get used to frankincense essential oil you’ll find it difficult to go without!
I Recommend a Sustainable Oil (VERY Important!)
I recommend the below frankincense essential oils because I know they’re form sustainable resources (please, this is very important, we need to protect, respect and honor nature, we’re part of it!). DoTerra’s frankincense essential oil is not an inexpensive oil but sustainability of these trees is extremely important.
Here (affiliate link!) you can check other frankincense essential oils which might cost less but please do research about sustainability!
DoTerra Frankincense Essential Oil: In Defense of Frankincense
It’s all about protecting the trees and supporting the communities that live off harvesting frankincense. DoTerra is careful when it comes to actively supporting this.
At doTERRA, we treasure the ancient and powerful frankincense resin and are proud to source it in a way that protects both the trees and the harvesters’ livelihoods. Due to our uncompromising care, we are confident in doTERRA’s continued supply of frankincense essential oil (which is steam distilled from the collected resins) […] We will not rest until frankincense forests are no longer in danger and these harvesting regions are rich with vibrant opportunity.
DoTerra
For me, this is very important. I use essential oils from Neal’s Yard Remedies and Naturally Thinking which are both very conscious about sourcing and sustainability. I encourage you to do the same. Find brands that have STRONG ETHOS around nature and source each and every essential oil responsibly. I encourage you to read their article on how careful they are when producing their frankincense essential oil being careful when assessing at-risk trees, preventing over-tapping and ensuring harvesting seasons that never exceed eight months: see here.
1. BONUS 1: Ultimate DIY AntiAge Facial Oil Blend for Mature Skin
I’m addicted to oils and have used them extensively in every skincare way you can imagine. I can’t imagine my life without them and adding frankincense essential oil to a good, anti-age oil blend is in my view a must.
You can use the below facial oil formula/DIY recipe before applying your moisturizer at night (if you’re ok with applying oils on your face during the day you can apply before your daytime moisturizer as well). The oils I chose are not expensive but will make a huge difference to your skincare.
Effective antiage skincare DOESN’T have to be expensive. Just get to know your ingredients and explore creative ways of making your own products as home. I haven’t really spent much money on expensive products for a long time now and my skin is looking AMAZING.
Here’s a LOVELY recipe for you to create your own frankincense antiage facial oil:
- A 30ml pipette bottle (or similar) – GET IT HERE
- 5ml rosehip oil (rosehip oil has been clinically tested and shown to help minimise the appearance of wrinkles, smooth skin and dramatically improve skins moisture levels) – GET IT HERE
- 5ml avocado oil (contains high amounts of palmitoleic acid, a building block fatty acid for the skin. Also contains high amounts of Vitamin A, B1, B2, D, and E, amino acids, sterols, pantothenic acid and lecithin) – GET IT HERE
- 5ml macadamia nut oil (supports cellular membranes, nourishes the skin, provides a lipid barrier to retain moisture, regenerate the skin layers, great at providing hydration for mature skin) – GET IT HERE
- 5ml olive squalane (read my article on squalane oil for more information on this wonderful ingredient) – GET IT HERE
- 5 ml pomegranate seed oil (primarily composed of punicic acid [76%] which is cell regenerating. It has the ability to support collagen health is wonderful for mature skin that has thinned prematurely helping to keep skin toned and plump. This is an extremely antioxidant-rich oil with HIGH levels of vitamin E – GET IT HERE
- 6 drops frankincense essential oil – GET IT HERE
SAVE MONEY TIP: All of the above CARRIER oils can be used on their own (except for frankincense essential oil which is not in itself a carrier oil). Pomegranate seed oil can feel very viscous; if using on its own just add small dab on your fingertip and apply. Rosehip oil feels light while avocado and macadamia nut oil can feel a little on the heavier side. A mix of all the oils is ideal as they all offer fabulous skincare benefits for mature skin but if you want to save money get just one of the oils – THEY’RE ALL AMAZING FOR MATURE SKIN so go by what you can afford! Fill in the 30ml blue pipette with just that oil and add 6 drops of frankincense essential oil (mix well). Easy!!
2. BONUS 2: Other Uses (Making the Most of the Oil)
So, you’ve bought your oil and want to know about other uses. The oil I’m proposing here is not a cheap one so you might want to just save it for your skincare routine. But, if you’re willing to give it other uses you can use it on your diffuser as it will offer you a calming effect, or you can use it as part of a body massage for its therapeutic properties, maybe as a ritual enhancer for your prayer and meditation or simply just to help you sleep. Either way, it’s always good to see what else can you use the oil for.
Here’s a few ideas:
- Health Enhancement: In a diffuser, this oil will protect you and your family as well as enhance a healthy mood. Add 8 drops to your diffuser and enjoy.
- Massage: Mix 4 drops of frankincense essential oil with 2 tablespoons of coconut oil for a lovely body massage (hands, arms, legs, chest or all over the body).
- Breathing: Sprinkle a few drops of the oil onto a wet towel (warm or hot) and apply over your chest to enhance deep breathing as your lungs open.
- Prayer / Meditation / Worship Ritual: Add a few drops to your diffuser, relax and use this time to pray, meditate or simply Be.
- Lower stress levels: Add a few drops to your diffuser to get a good night sleep, calm stress and/or anxiety or just relax.
**If you have pets: some essential oils are pet friendly, I have lovely kittens at home at the moment and prefer not to use them (I miss them badly). If you’d like to check out pet-friendly essential oils here’s a list that can help.
You Don’t Need Incredibly Expensive Skincare
You don’t.
Even though the frankincense essential oil I recommend is not the cheapest (because of sustainability) it will go A LONG WAY! There are many uses you can get out of the 15ml and if you add up how long it goes you’ll see how you saved money in the end.
As you can see, with simple, basic knowledge of a few key ingredients you can have the most amazing skincare routine in the world without having to opt for high-end, luxury skincare line ranges. With 1 bottle of frankincense essential oil you can have an entire product range at your hand by adding drops to the different steps of your skincare daily routine.
I’ll try to add more ideas to the website in terms of skincare essentials (kitchen ingredients, basic plants, key carrier and essential oils, etc etc) so you can build you little arsenal of potent DIY products to use at home or to mix with your current skincare. You’ll see how easy it is and you’ll learn why and how products work, which I think is extremely important (as opposed to just using products without knowing how their ingredients work).
Stay tuned!
Links, Resources & Other Interesting Readings
ON SUSTAINABILITY OF THE FRANKINCENSE TREES:
- Are Your Essential Oils & Incense Sustainable?
- The Disappearing Frankincense Forests
- Organic Certification is Not Enough
- Could this Be the End of Frankincense?
- Frankincense trees—of biblical lore—are being tapped out for essential oils
SUSTAINABLE BRANDS:
ON FRANKINCENSE ESSENTIAL OIL:
