How to Supercharge Your Routine with Frankincense Oil in Under 5 Minutes
Right, let’s be honest about frankincense oil.
Yes, it’s been around for thousands of years. Yes, the science is genuinely promising. And yes, it can absolutely fit into your already packed life without adding another complicated routine you’ll abandon by next Tuesday.
But here’s what nobody tells you: you don’t need an entire skincare overhaul or mystical rituals to get real benefits from frankincense. You just need to understand what it actually does and how to use it properly.
As someone who formulates with natural ingredients daily, I’ve seen too many people either overpay for miracle claims or give up because they don’t know where to start.
Let me show you exactly how to use frankincense oil in ways that genuinely work.
DISCLAIMER: You will find affiliate links below. If you purchase via my links I might earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
What frankincense oil does to your skin (and why it works)
Before we get to the practical ways to use it, you need to understand why frankincense isn’t just expensive air freshener.
1. It protects your collagen. Frankincense contains compounds that slow down the enzymes trying to break it down, keeping everything firm and bouncy for longer.
2. It fights inflammation properly. It fights against the the low-level irritation that ages your skin faster. Studies show frankincense reduces inflammatory markers like interleukin-6. Basically, it “tells” your skin to calm down and stop attacking itself.
3. It boosts your skin’s defence systems. Your skin has natural antioxidant enzymes (like superoxide dismutase) that mop up daily damage from pollution and stress. Frankincense helps crank these up, and gives your cells better protection against everyday pollution. Scientific research here.
Recent research found that frankincense oil actually helped restore normal skin thickness after UV damage. Which means it’s not just preventing problems, but helping repair WHAT’S ALREADY GONE WRONG. Research here and here.
The compounds doing the work are octyl acetate and incensole acetate. You don’t need to remember the names, but know that these aren’t just making things smell nice. They’re impressively working at cellular level.
Before we get started with my frankincense oil skincare routine, I recommend you check out the product below (affiliate link) which I think is perfect for this.
THIS IS THE FRANKINCENSE ESSENTIAL OIL I RECOMMEND.
1. Morning frankincense routine (2 minutes or less)
The best part about adding frankincense to your morning is that it will work wonders with what you’re already doing, whatever that is, it doesn’t matter.
It is so simple it really bugs me that more people are not doing this!
The 2 steps below will transform your skincare routine into SUPERCHARGED skincare routine.
Add 2 drops to your morning moisturiser (30 seconds)
Add 2 drops (2, not 4!!) of frankincense to your regular morning moisturiser and apply as usual.
That’s it.
Here’s what’s happening: you’re giving your collagen a protective boost whilst reducing daily stress damage. Those antioxidant enzymes get to work immediately (though visible results build over 2-4 weeks, approx).
Your skin will feel softer STRAIGHT AWAY, but the real transformation happens with consistency. Read my article here on how important consistency is for results. You’ll benefit from it, believe me.
Dab diluted oil on temples and wrists (20 seconds)
Mix 1 drop of frankincense with 1 teaspoon of carrier oil (jojoba works brilliantly). Dab onto your temples, wrists, and behind your ears. You can use these bottles. (All of these are affiliate links).
Why these spots? They’re pulse points where blood flows close to the skin, helping the scent reach your nervous system quickly. The aroma works directly on your limbic system, promoting calm focus rather than stressful, jittery energy.
This isn’t aromatherapy fluff. Please understand the molecules LITERALLY travel to your brain’s emotional centre, triggering a relaxation response almost immediately.
THIS IS THE FRANKINCENSE ESSENTIAL OIL I RECOMMEND.
2. Facial massage with frankincense (5 minutes)
Here’s where frankincense earns its reputation.
Mix 1-2 drops with a teaspoon of carrier oil. Jojoba is ideal because it mimics your skin’s natural oils, but sweet almond or rosehip work beautifully too.
Massage the blend into your face using upward, circular motions. Start at your jawline and work up to your temples, spending extra time on areas where you notice fine lines.
Why massage matters: it helps those collagen-protecting compounds penetrate deeper whilst boosting circulation. Each application helps calm the low-level irritation that ages skin faster than time alone.
You’re not just moisturising – you’re giving your skin’s repair systems a proper boost.
THIS IS THE FRANKINCENSE ESSENTIAL OIL I RECOMMEND.
3. Instant stress relief with frankincense
Put 1 drop on your palms and inhale deeply
Place 1 drop of frankincense on your palms, rub them together, and inhale deeply. This is your secret weapon for workplace stress without anyone knowing what you’re doing.
The molecules travel directly to your brain’s emotional centre. You’ll feel the shift within minutes.
Keep a frankincense tissue in your bag
Keep a tissue with a drop of frankincense in a sealed bag. When stress strikes, take it out for a quick inhale. Perfect for before meetings or during commutes.
No diffuser needed, no complicated preparations. Just instant calm when you need it.
THIS IS THE FRANKINCENSE ESSENTIAL OIL I RECOMMEND.
4. DIY frankincense blends
Make this 3-ingredient serum for bedtime
- 3 drops frankincense (collagen protection) – aff link
- 2 drops rosehip oil (vitamin C boost) – aff link
- 1 ounce jojoba oil (deep moisture) – aff link
Mix in a dark glass bottle (aff link). Use 3-4 drops on clean skin before bed.
This targets the three main causes of skin ageing: 1) enzyme damage, 2) dryness, and 3) oxidative stress.
Triple-action in one simple blend!!
Fill a roller bottle with this calming blend
- 5 drops frankincense – aff link
- 3 drops lavender – aff link
- Fill a 10ml roller bottle with sweet almond oil – aff link
Roll onto wrists, temples, or the back of your neck when you need instant zen. The combination amplifies both oils’ calming properties.
5. Evening frankincense routine for better skin
Add 2 drops to your night cream
Your skin does its most intensive repair work while you sleep. Mix 2 drops with your night cream or face oil. Basically same as you did in the morning.
The anti-inflammatory compounds work overnight, reducing the cellular stress that speeds up ageing.
You’re basically giving your skin extra support during its natural repair time.
So just do it 🙂
Massage diluted oil into your feet before bed
Before bed, massage a drop of diluted frankincense into the soles of your feet.
Focus on the centre because there’s an acupressure point there that promotes relaxation.
The large pores on your feet allow for quick absorption, and you’ll feel the calming effects within minutes.
THIS IS THE FRANKINCENSE ESSENTIAL OIL I RECOMMEND.
How to choose quality frankincense oil
Not all frankincense oils are created equal. Here’s how to avoid expensive disappointment.
What to look for when buying
Look for these essentials:
- 100% pure, no synthetic additives
- GC/MS tested (this verifies the chemical composition)
- Sustainable sourcing from reputable suppliers
- Dark glass bottles (protects from light damage)
What quality frankincense smells like: Complex, woody, slightly citrusy, and deeply resinous, and, yes, addictive!
If it smells overly sweet or one-dimensional, it’s likely synthetic. But I know, this is not easy to tell especially if you’re not use to the scent.
Oh, before I forget, storage matters. Keep any mixes you do with your oil in dark glass bottles away from heat and light. Properly stored frankincense can last 4-6 years and actually improves with age.
THIS IS THE FRANKINCENSE ESSENTIAL OIL I RECOMMEND.
Frankincense oil mistakes to avoid
1. Always dilute frankincense before applying to skin
This is the biggest mistake. Undiluted essential oils can cause sensitisation or burning. Always dilute, even if you’ve used it before without problems. Skin sensitivity can develop over time. You don’t want this.
2. Stick to 1-2 drops per application
More isn’t better with essential oils. Frankincense is potent. You need just 1-2 drops for most applications. Using too much can overwhelm your senses and irritate your skin.
Plus, quality frankincense is expensive. Make it last.
3. Give it 2-4 weeks to see real skin changes
You might feel calmer immediately and notice softer skin within days, but the real anti-ageing benefits build over weeks of consistent use.
Think maintenance, not magic (again, consistency is key).
Your realistic frankincense schedule
Below if your helpful summary of what to do:
Morning (2 minutes):
- Add 2 drops to moisturiser
- Apply pulse point blend to temples
Midday reset (30 seconds):
- Palm inhale when stress hits
Evening (3 minutes):
- Mix into night cream
- Quick foot massage before bed
Weekly:
- Apply DIY glow serum 2-3 times
- Make fresh roller blend as needed
Timeline for results
I know you’d like to know this, so here you go:
- Week 1: Skin should feel calmer, stress relief very noticeabl
- Weeks 2-4: Skin texture should be firmer, also you should notice improved sleep
- Month 2+: Very visible improvement in skin bounce and smoothness
This stuff works if you stick with it
Frankincense isn’t just aromatherapy. This essential oil is working at cellular level to support your skin’s natural repair processes and your body’s stress response.
In simple terms: think smoother skin + a calmer mind, all from one powerful drop!
Five minutes a day (as proved above) should easily transform how you look and feel, without complicated routines and definitely no expensive treatments.
So many are simply a scam!
Start with just one technique. Maybe it’s the morning moisturiser trick or the palm inhale method. Once that becomes habit, add another.
Make it manageable.
Bookmark this article, seriously. Having these instructions at your fingertips means you’ll never have to guess about dilutions, timing, or methods. Everything you need is right here.
The best routine is the one you’ll actually stick to. Start small, stay consistent, and let frankincense work its gentle magic over time.
Important safety reminder: Always do a patch test first, avoid eyes and mucous membranes, and if you’re pregnant or have allergies, check with a healthcare professional before use. Check my article on essential oils and pets. It is a MUST, in my opinion.
Love,
Patri xx
Resources
1. Kotb EA, El-Shiekh RA, Abd-Elsalam WH, El Sayed NSED, El Tanbouly N, El Senousy AS. Protective potential of frankincense essential oil and its loaded solid lipid nanoparticles against UVB-induced photodamage in rats via MAPK and PI3K/AKT signaling pathways; A promising anti-aging therapy. PLoS One [Internet]. 2023 [cited 2025 Sep 3]; 18(12):e0294067. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10735031/.
2. Kotb EA, El-Shiekh RA, Abd-Elsalam WH, El Sayed NSED, El Tanbouly N, El Senousy AS. Protective potential of frankincense essential oil and its loaded solid lipid nanoparticles against UVB-induced photodamage in rats via MAPK and PI3K/AKT signaling pathways; A promising anti-aging therapy. PLoS One [Internet]. 2023 [cited 2025 Sep 3]; 18(12):e0294067. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10735031/.
3. Kotb EA, El-Shiekh RA, Abd-Elsalam WH, Sayed NSEDE, Tanbouly NE, Senousy ASE. Protective potential of frankincense essential oil and its loaded solid lipid nanoparticles against UVB-induced photodamage in rats via MAPK and PI3K/AKT signaling pathways; A promising anti-aging therapy. PLOS ONE [Internet]. 2023 [cited 2025 Sep 3]; 18(12):e0294067. Available from: https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0294067.
4. Kotb EA, El-Shiekh RA, Abd-Elsalam WH, Sayed NSEDE, Tanbouly NE, Senousy ASE. Protective potential of frankincense essential oil and its loaded solid lipid nanoparticles against UVB-induced photodamage in rats via MAPK and PI3K/AKT signaling pathways; A promising anti-aging therapy. PLOS ONE [Internet]. 2023 [cited 2025 Sep 3]; 18(12):e0294067. Available from: https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0294067.
5. Kotb EA, El-Shiekh RA, Abd-Elsalam WH, El Sayed NSED, El Tanbouly N, El Senousy AS. Protective potential of frankincense essential oil and its loaded solid lipid nanoparticles against UVB-induced photodamage in rats via MAPK and PI3K/AKT signaling pathways; A promising anti-aging therapy. PLoS One [Internet]. 2023 [cited 2025 Sep 3]; 18(12):e0294067. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10735031/.
6. Almeida-da-Silva CLC, Sivakumar N, Asadi H, Chang-Chien A, Qoronfleh MW, Ojcius DM, et al. Effects of Frankincense Compounds on Infection, Inflammation, and Oral Health. Molecules [Internet]. 2022 [cited 2025 Sep 3]; 27(13):4174. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9268443/.
7. Moussaieff A, Rimmerman N, Bregman T, Straiker A, Felder CC, Shoham S, et al. Incensole acetate, an incense component, elicits psychoactivity by activating TRPV3 channels in the brain. FASEB J [Internet]. 2008 [cited 2025 Sep 3]; 22(8):3024–34. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2493463/.
8. Embong NH, Soh YC, Ming LC, Wong TW. Revisiting reflexology: Concept, evidence, current practice, and practitioner training. J Tradit Complement Med [Internet]. 2015 [cited 2025 Sep 3]; 5(4):197–206. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4624523/.
