Eucalyptus essential oil is an essence that should never be missing at home as it is very versatile. This essential oil, in fact, if diffused in the environment, pleasantly smells the house and helps you breathe better, counteracting colds, coughs and stuffy nose. But eucalyptus essential oil is also beneficial for the beauty of skin and hair, helping to combat wrinkles, blemishes, acne and dandruff. Let's try to understand better.
Eucalyptus and skin, what science says
Eucalyptus is a precious ally for the beauty and health of the skin. In fact, the topical application of eucalyptus extracts has been able to restore the damaged skin barrier and improve hydration in case of dry skin. It is believed that this action is due to the ability of eucalyptus to stimulate the production of ceramides, which are lipids physiologically present in the skin to preserve skin hydration and integrity (Ishikawa et al, Int J Cosmet Sci, 2012). Thanks to these properties, eucalyptus has also proved useful in counteracting itchy scalp, seborrheic dermatitis and dandruff (Takagi et al, Clin Cosmet Investig Dermatol, 2018). Eucalyptus also protects the skin from damage from the sun's rays, counteracting inflammation and reducing the formation of wrinkles and dark skin spots (Moreira et al, Pharmaceutics, 2022). But the benefits of eucalyptus are not only for mature, wrinkled, dry and sun-damaged skin, acne-prone skin can also benefit from it. In fact, eucalyptus oil is antimicrobial and useful in combating pimples and blackheads (Park et al, Arch Biochem Biophys, 2018).
Eucalyptus for acne-prone skin
In the case of impure skin, the easiest way to take advantage of the properties of eucalyptus is to prepare a mask. In a small bowl pour 2 tablespoons of ventilated green clay, add tap water or, even better, lemon balm water which helps to rebalance the production of sebum, as much as it takes to obtain a creamy mixture, and 2 drops of eucalyptus essential oil. Apply to cleansed face, leave on for ten minutes then rinse, continue with your usual treatment.
Eucalyptus for mature and dry skin
For an anti-aging, moisturizing and brightening mask, dissolve half a teaspoon of brewer's yeast in a few fingers of warm water. In a small bowl, mix two tablespoons of oat flour, water with yeast, 1 tablespoon of thick Greek yogurt, 1 teaspoon of coconut oil, which is very useful in counteracting the damage of UV rays, promoting the synthesis of collagen and protecting the skin from external threats (Lin et al, Int J Mol Sci, 2018), and two drops of eucalyptus oil, mix and apply on the face for ten minutes. Then rinse and continue with your usual treatment.
Eucalyptus for hair health
You can add 1-2 drops of eucalyptus to one tablespoon of your shampoo. Massage onto your scalp, then rinse. In this way, eucalyptus can help relieve itching, dandruff and scalp irritation for stronger and healthier hair.
