Are essential oils good for skin? Is aromatherapy legit? These are just some of the popular questions people wonder when they are looking to buy essential oils. If you are wondering the same questions or want to learn more about these oils, then read on below.

We’ve created a simple guide to essential oil scents to help you better understand how they work.

Without a doubt, essential oils are definitely having a moment right now. From diffusers to skincare and home sprays, there are so many products that are infused with essential oils.

They are popular for a good reason. They work so well!

What are essential oils, anyway?

Essential oils are extracts from plants. They are pretty much the “essence” of the plant. Not all plants produce essential oils but those that do are used in a variety of different ways.

These oils are very potent and highly concentrated. While they are all-natural, they are pretty powerful stuff. You don’t have to oil up too much because a little goes a long way!

How to use them

There are many uses of essential oils. They can be diffused, mixed in moisturizers and some can even be applied directly on skin, but the most popular use is for aromatherapy. These plant oils have different scents that have many benefits for users. But since each scent has a different benefit, it can get a little bit confusing.

But don’t worry, our simple guide to essential oils should make things a little bit easier for you.

Here’s a guide to help you out, so the next time you go oil shopping you know exactly what to get:

To help you sleep

lavender, patchouli, sandalwood, ylang-ylang, cedar, chamomile, frankincense

Sleep is important! Adults need 7-9 hours of sleep for the body to function optimally. Lack of sleep will not only make you lose your glow, it can also lead to serious illnesses. The problem is, for many people, it can be difficult to find time to get a good night’s sleep. There are a number of essential oils that can help achieve that quality shut-eye you’ve been needing. Taking a whiff of the oils listed above before bedtime should help induce sleep.

For extra energy

lemon, ginger, grapefruit, eucalyptus, peppermint, rosemary, spearmint

Essential oils are not only for inducing sleep and relaxation, there are some that also give you a boost of energy. If you have a busy week ahead and need to power through, apply the energizing essential oils on your pulse points, temples or neck. Instead of loading up on caffeine, which can be bad for you, go for the natural essential oils instead. Aside from the energy boost, you’ll also be smelling good all day.

For anxiety

lavender, jasmine, chamomile, bergamot, rose, ylang-ylang

Dealing with anxiety and stress can be so debilitating. It can mess with your whole day and even prevent you from sleeping properly. Anxiety can attack anyone, creeping up even when you least expect it. There are several tricks you can do to lessen anxiety and stress, from self-care reset days to practicing mindfulness. Aside from these, essential oils also do a great job in alleviating anxiety and tension. Apply or massage anti-anxiety oils on your pressure points, sit back and chill.

For inflammation

peppermint, tea tree, oregano, bergamot, rosemary, grapefruit

Essential oils are not only good for treating mood problems, they are also effective anti-inflammatory agents. A lot of plants naturally have anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties, which is why they are popular ingredients of vegan skincare products. Tea tree, lavender, rosemary, peppermint and grapefruit are just some of the most popular ones that can combat acne and oily skin. These essential oils are typically mixed with moisturizing agents to create an effective but gentle acne-fighting skincare product. One study reports that some oils are even more effective than benzoyl peroxide in treating acne. More importantly, they are much more gentle on skin, so you won’t have to worry about harsh side effects.

From boosting your mood to making your skin healthier, essential oils definitely have so many benefits. They are definitely worth trying and stocking up on your beauty shelves. In case you get confused, just refer to our guide to essential oil scents to help you out!