Peppermint essential oil skin benefits

Peppermint essential oil is a highly concentrated essential oils made from the leaves of the peppermint plant. This plant is a hybrid of species of the spearmint and water mint plants. It has a strong, cool and refreshing aroma. Peppermint essential oil has many skin benefits and is used in skin care products due to it cooling and soothing properties.

So let us start by knowing the benefits of peppermint essential oil as far as your skin is concerned.

Peppermint essential oil skin benefits

Peppermint oil has many benefits. As mentioned above peppermint oil has a cooling and soothing effect on the skin. This makes it ideal for sunburns, itching and other skin irritations. This essential oil has anti-inflammatory properties, which can help to get rid of redness and swelling in the skin.

Peppermint oil is beneficial for acne-prone skin. This because of its anti-microbial properties that can help to combat bacteria and other microorganisms that cause pimples. Peppermint oil has hydrating properties. This can help to moisturize and nourish the skin.

Peppermint oil is known to stimulate blood flow. This will help to improve the overall health and appearance of the skin.

Now peppermint oil is an essential oil. Being so it has to be diluted before using it on your skin with a carrier oil like olive oil or coconut oil. When used in an undiluted form it can cause skin irritation. This is truer for people with sensitive skin. A common question that we are asked is answered below.

Can peppermint oil be used on face?

Yes peppermint oil can be used on the face. But as mentioned above it has to be diluted properly with a carrier oil before use.

Mentioned below is the right way to dilute peppermint essential oil and method to use the oil on the face.

How to use peppermint oil on face?

There are many ways by which you can use peppermint oil on your face. But before using it must be properly diluted. The carrier oil that you can use to dilute peppermint oil can be olive, coconut or sweet almond oil. You will need one or two drops of peppermint oil and one teaspoon of carrier oil whichever is available in the kitchen.

Mix the two oil together. You will get the diluted version of your peppermint oil. A very important step that you must take before using the oil on your face is to test it on a small area of the skin. Apply some oil on the inside of your wrist.

Wait for 24 hours to see if there is any redness or irritation. In most cases there won’t be any and you can freely use it on your face. Apply the diluted oil on the skin. While doing so massage gently.  Avoid applying the oil to broken, irritated or sensitive skin.

Peppermint oil can increase your skin sensitivity towards the sun. So best use it during a time of the day when you are sure you won’t move out of the house. Even if you have to move out then use sun protection.

Finally comes storage. You can store the diluted peppermint oil in a cool, dark place. Use it within 6 months to ensure maximum freshness and effectiveness. The need for storage will occur if you have prepared the oil in large quantities. Always maintain the ratio that is mentioned in the preparation section.

In conclusion

Peppermint essential oil has many skin benefits. It has a cooling and soothing effect on the skin. It is anti-inflammatory and has anti-microbial properties. It can also hydrate the skin and stimulate blood flow.