Rosemary oil isn’t just for the kitchen or the first aid kit. It’s also a great ingredient to use for skin and hair health. It’s no secret that many over the counter products today contain chemicals that are less than ideal for our skin and hair. Rosemary oil gives you the power to make some of your own at home treatments that not only save you money but also keep you free from man made fragrances and chemicals. When using the oil cosmetically, quality is of the utmost importance. A poor quality oil will not only be ineffective but may actually have negative and dangerous side effects. Also always be sure to conduct a test patch to make sure that there is no allergy to the oil and its components present. Here are some suggestions for using rosemary oil at home for cosmetic issues.
Skin Benefits Of Rosemary Essential Oil
Under Eye Puffiness
Rosemary oil helps to increase blood circulation, which can help with dark circles and puffiness under the eyes. Mix the oil with a cold-pressed carrier oil and apply it carefully on the affected areas, being sure to not get the oil into the eyes themselves. It should feel refreshing and help to brighten and tighten the surrounding skin.
Anti-Aging
Rosemary oil is high in antioxidants which can provide your skin with fabulous results. By ridding the skin cells of negative energy and helping to promote the growth of new cells in a faster manner, skin usually begins to shine. Wrinkles and fine lines can also disappear with continued use of the oil. Use rosemary to treat sagging and loose skin anywhere on the body. It may also help to lighten dark spots and even out skin tone for a more youthful appearance.
Acne
Because of rosemary oil’s antibacterial properties, it’s a great option for treating acne. When combined with coconut oil, it works as a great acne preventative solution. There is a bit of an adjustment stage when applying the oils to your face but after a few days your skin should look better than it has in ages. The oil is also great for improving the appearance of acne scars and associated redness. Rosemary oil can also be used to make a toner that will easily remove excess oil without drying out the skin.
Moisturizer
If you find that your skin is becoming more dry as the weather turns cooler, rosemary oil may be able to save your skin. It can also help heal more serious skin conditions, such as dermatitis, eczema and psoriasis. Because of the oil’s anti-inflammatory properties, it is useful in reducing associated swelling with irritated skin. It may also be able to help heal burns, by speeding up the cell production process, resulting in a shorter healing time, less pain and a reduced risk for scarring.
Stretch Marks
Stretch marks aren’t dangerous but they can be less than desirable. A combination of essential oils, including rosemary, have been used by many with successful results. Blend lavender oil, rosemary oil, lemon oil, melissa oil and olive oil together and apply it to stretch marks several times a day until desired results are achieved. Keep in mind that most essential oils should not be used during pregnancy or while you are breastfeeding. If you have stretch marks from pregnancy, you may need to wait before using essential oils to treat the area.
Hair Benefits of Rosemary Essential Oil
Dandruff
Dandruff is usually harmless but can be embarrassing. One of the main causes of dandruff is a mild infection of the scalp. It can also develop if the scalp remains dry for a long period of time. By applying diluted rosemary, an infection may be cleared and the scalp should be remoisturized, leaving it healthier and dandruff free. For best results, mix rosemary with another oil that can have positive effects on the scalp, like tea tree oil. If there are any signs of irritation, like redness or itchy bumps, either dilute the oil further before applying against after allowing the irritation to heal or look into a milder oil.
Hair Regrowth
One of rosemary oil’s most well known and common uses is for hair regrowth. Hair loss is common in both men and women and can have a negative effect on someone’s self esteem. Rosemary has been used as a hair growth stimulator for centuries but recent studies have begun to see if there is any scientific proof behind the claims. While scientists would still like to explore the oil more, early results have shown promising results. Rosemary may eventually become the natural hair growth treatment that people have been searching for. The oil can simply be added to your existing shampoo or used in a homemade version, which may be more beneficial for individuals suffering from a steeper degree of hair loss. Some over the counter shampoos are actually linked to hair loss.
Darken Hair Color
Instead of grabbing a box of hair dye, try using rosemary oil. It is known for its darkening properties and can help cover up gray hairs or change the overall color of your hair to a darker tone. The effects won’t be immediate but with consecutive use, rosemary oil can gently and softly darken your hair without damaging it like some of the harsh chemicals found in hair dyes might.
Hair Conditioner
Instead of using over the counter products or having deep conditioning treatments done on your hair, try using rosemary oil instead. Consistent use of the oil should leave your hair soft and manageable. Make a conditioning mask to use once a week by mixing the oil with coconut or jojoba oil. Apply the mixture to your scalp and allow it to soak into each strand for at least half an hour. Once a month, try to leave the solution in overnight. When you rinse it out, you should be left with smooth and shiny hair that is easier to maintain and style.
