If you are interested in natural means of caring for your skin, your treatment arsenal should not be without essential oils. They are a great way to address a variety of issues from acne to eczema, as well as just helping your skin look healthy and glowing. For the most part, it is a good idea to dilute these oils with carrier oils such as jojoba or sesame oil because the pure form can be too strong for the skin.

Here are just a few essential oils that are particularly good for skin care:

Carrot Seed Oil

Carrot seed has a long history of use in skincare, and it is a common ingredient in products geared towards treating dry skin, wrinkles, sun-damage and the general signs of aging. It seems to be particularly beneficial for dryness, though it can be used by people with oilier complexions who are interested in reaping its other benefits.

Lavender Oil

Lavender oil is probably best known for its soothing properties, helping you distress, relax and get a good night’s sleep. But, it is also a great oil for skincare. Because it has strong antibacterial properties, one of its primary uses is treating acne. It is also recommended to improve the appearance of aging skin.

Tea Tree Oil

Tea tree oil has long been used for a variety of skin care woes; it is a common ingredient in acne products in particular. It is commonly touted as an alternative to benzoyl peroxide–which can be a bit harsh and drying on the skin, especially for anyone out of their teens—due to several studies showing it to be as effective with fewer side effects. Its acne-fighting properties are courtesy of its strong antibacterial qualities; it is also highly anti-fungal, making it a good alternative for treating fungal infections of the skin and nails.

Lemongrass Oil

Lemongrass oil is a good choice if you just want to improve the overall appearance of your skin—get that youthful glow back if you will. It can help you achieve this goal due to its detoxifying properties, helping draw impurities out of the skin that can dull its appearance. Its astringent properties can tighten up the pores and give your skin a smoother, more even-toned appearance. It is a very popular natural skin care treatment in India and Sri Lanka.

Rose Oil

If your primary concerns are aging or sensitivity, rose oil can be a great treatment for you. Not only can it improve the overall appearance of the skin, it is effective for repairing broken capillaries and fading acne scars and other marks on the skin, as well as stretch marks.

Bergamot

Bergamot is a particularly fragrant oil and a common ingredient in perfumes. It is also great for the skin to. Its antiviral properties make it a great natural treatment for treating cold sores, and its antibacterial properties can fend off acne. Bergamot oil is also touted for its ability to reduce the oiliness of the skin.

Geranium

If your primary skin concern is fading scars and other unwelcome spots on the skin, geranium is a good oil with which to experiment. It is also known for its wound healing properties, and eliminating body odor. It is a particularly fragrant oil that is said to be very soothing.

Clary Sage

Clary sage offers a multitude of benefits for the skin. If your skin is of the oily and/or pimply variety, this essential oil is known to ease inflammation and normalize the oil production in your skin. It is also considered a ‘revitalizer’ making it a good choice if you just want to boost your skin’s glow and make it look healthier.

Citrus Lemon Peel

Citrus lemon peel oil is known for a variety of cure alls including its antibacterial proprieties. It also used to help brighten the skin. Another benefit is that it aids in the removal of skin tags which can be an unsightly blemish on ones skin.

With any natural treatment, it is important you be patient and consistent with the use of these oils as it can take a bit for them to work their magic. It may also take some trial and error. Before you slather them on full bore, test the oil on a small patch of skin to ensure you do not have a bad reaction.