Essential oils have been used since the ancient times for hygienic, spiritual, and ritualistic purposes. Today, essential oils are used in spas to help calm, balance, and rejuvenate the mind, body, and spirit. While essential oils can provide many benefits to spa-goers, it is important to do your research to learn the most effective uses for each oil and take the proper precautions to ensure each client’s safety. Check out this list of some of the most effective essential oils used in spas today.
Argan Oil
Argan oil helps treat dry skin and hair, improve elasticity, and reduce skin inflammation. It also helps moisturize skin.
Bergamot Orange
Bergamot orange helps to cleanse oil-prone skin while toning and tightening.
Cypress
Rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties, cypress oil helps protect the skin from oxidative stress and environmental damage, reducing signs of aging and promoting a youthful appearance. “Cypress oil is also known for its astringent qualities, which help tighten and tone the skin, reducing the appearance of pores and improving skin elasticity,” says Katherine Tomasso, director of education at Yon-Ka Paris. “Additionally, cypress oil can improve circulation, helping to reduce puffiness and promote a healthy, radiant complexion.”
Damask Rose
“Damask rose has been linked to having balancing, calming, and anti-aging properties,” says Cathy O’Brien, CEO of Naturopathica.
Eucalyptus
“Eucalyptus is traditionally used in steam rooms to decongest the lungs and sinuses, and support respiratory health,” says Tara Grodjesk, president of Tara Spa Therapy. “It is also used in muscle- or sport-related oils and liniments for relieving muscle tension and joint stiffness, rheumatism, and arthritis.”
Frankincense
“Ancient and spiritual, frankincense is grounding, calming, and reassuring,” says Sherrie Dawkins, aromatherapist at Body Bliss. “It helps minimize the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines, promoting a healthy and radiant complexion. It is useful for dry, sensitive, or mature skin.”
Grapefruit
“Unlike some of the heavier floral oils, grapefruit is unimposing and welcoming,” says Grodjesk. “It is excellent for lymph drainage, so it is important for moving impurities from the system, and for the treatment of water retention and cellulite conditions.”
Hemp
Hemp oil helps reduce inflammation and prevents signs of aging.
Immortelle
Immortelle offers soothing and regenerative benefits that make it useful when helping to heal and repair scar tissue.
Juniper Berry
Juniper berry boasts astringent and clarifying properties, helping to balance oily skin, reduce blemishes, and rejuvenate the complexion.
Kaffir Lime
Kaffir lime helps reduce inflammation, as well as treats acne and slows signs of aging.
Lavender
“Lavender oil’s calming and soothing properties reduce irritation, redness, and inflammation, especially for sensitive skin,” says Tomasso. “With natural antiseptic and antimicrobial properties, lavender helps treat acne by preventing bacteria growth and calming existing breakouts. It also promotes skin healing, and protects against aging, reducing fine lines, wrinkles, and age spots, while encouraging skin cell regeneration. Lavender’s relaxing aroma helps reduce stress.”
Marjoram
Marjoram helps to soften and soothe skin by locking in moisture. It also stimulates collagen and elastin production, treats acne-prone skin, and helps balance skintone.
Neroli
“Neroli offers relaxing benefits and has been linked to having anti-inflammatory, hydration, and skin-regeneration properties,” says O’Brien.
Oregano
Oregano oil can help soothe irritated skin and reduce inflammation, protect skin from damage and premature aging, and tighten pores.
Peppermint
“Peppermint is very cooling and vitalizing, and can be used on the temples, forehead, and neck to relieve mental tension, headaches, and to clear the mind,” says Grodjesk.
Melaleuca Quinquenervia
Also known as niaouli, this essential oil can help clear the mind, aid in concentration, and help rejuvenate tired complexions.
Rosemary
“Rosemary helps reduce fine lines and wrinkles while promoting skin rejuvenation and collagen production,” says Tomasso. “Rosemary also improves circulation, enhancing skintone and texture for a healthier, more radiant complexion.”
Sandalwood
Sandalwood has a woodsy scent and helps calm and relax the mind. In addition to frequent use during meditation, it’s also great for scalp and foot massages.
Tea Tree
“Tea tree is known for its fortifying, cleansing, and purifying properties,” says Dawkins. “It is particularly helpful for acne-prone skin, as it can help combat breakouts and soothe redness.”
Urtica Dioica
Also known as nettle leaf extract, urtica dioica can help combat hair loss, treat acne and eczema, and ease muscle aches.
Vanilla
Vanilla has many benefits for the skin, including reducing acne, slowing signs of aging, and soothing irritated skin.
Wintergreen
Wintergreen’s cool, minty fragrance has a warming effect to help relieve muscle aches and pain.
Xanthoxylum
Extracts from the xanthoxylum species, also known as prickly ash, provide anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antimicrobial properties.
Ylang Ylang
“Ylang ylang has a sweet, floral, and slightly fruity aroma and has been linked to having anti-aging, antioxidant, and hydrating properties,” says O’Brien.
Zdravets
Also known as true geranium, zdravets is helpful for itchy skin and can clear pigmented spots and blemishes on the face. It can also be used to help diminish the appearance of wrinkles.