Frankincense oil has a long history of use in traditional medicine and beauty practices. In fact, it’s considered an ancient beauty secret.
In recent years, frankincense resin oil for skin has become increasingly popular as a natural and safe skincare ingredient.
This article will explore the many potential benefits of using frankincense oil for skin. You’ll learn about the properties of frankincense oil, how to use it safely and effectively, and what precautions to take.
What is frankincense?
Frankincense is a resin, a sap-like substance, that comes from trees in the Boswellia family. These trees take around 40 years to mature.
The Boswellia genus includes several different species of trees, and they only grow in the Arabian peninsula. The resin from each species has slightly different properties and a different chemical makeup.
People have used frankincense for thousands of years in perfumes, incense, and traditional medicines. In recent years, more people have turned to frankincense oil for their skin. Here’s what the science says.
How is frankincense essential oil obtained?
Frankincense oil comes from frankincense resin, which harvesters obtain by “tapping” the frankincense tree. Tapping means cutting or scraping the tree’s trunk. The tree creates resin at the wound to heal it, but this process takes time and resources.
Once the harvesters collect the resin, they use steam distillation to extract the essential oil. Steam distillation involves forcing steam through the resin, which causes the oil to evaporate. The steam is then cooled, and the oil is separated from the water.
Why frankincense is good for the skin: Properties and benefits
Frankincense essential oil is touted as a natural remedy for all sorts of skin conditions. But what’s behind the hype? Here are some of the key properties and benefits of frankincense oil for skin health.
Key properties of frankincense oil
Frankincense boasts a powerful combination of properties that contribute to its skin-loving reputation:
- Antioxidant: Frankincense helps protect skin cells from damage caused by free radicals, which can contribute to premature aging.
- Anti-inflammatory: It can help soothe irritated skin and reduce redness and swelling associated with conditions like acne or eczema.
- Astringent: Frankincense can help tighten pores and tone the skin, giving it a smoother appearance.
- Antibacterial and antifungal: These properties can help fight off bacteria and fungi that can cause skin infections.
Benefits for skin health
These properties translate into a range of potential benefits for your skin:
- Collagen production: Some research suggests that frankincense oil may help boost collagen production, which is essential for maintaining skin elasticity and reducing the appearance of wrinkles. More collagen means plumper, younger-looking skin.
- Inflammation reduction: Frankincense can help calm inflammation, making it a potential ally for those with acne, rosacea, or other inflammatory skin conditions.
- Free radical defense: By fighting free radicals, frankincense helps protect skin from environmental damage and premature aging.
- Hydration and elasticity: Frankincense can help hydrate the skin and improve its elasticity, leaving it feeling soft, supple, and more youthful.
Benefits of frankincense essential oil in facial skincare
Frankincense essential oil is a popular ingredient in facial skincare products, and it has a range of benefits that make it a great addition to your routine.
Anti-aging effects
Frankincense can help reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines, which are some of the most visible signs of aging. It may also prevent scar tissue from forming.
Addressing skin imperfections
If you’re looking to reduce acne and blemishes, frankincense may be a good option. It can also improve your skin tone and reduce discoloration.
A 2017 review suggests that frankincense may also help reduce the appearance of stretch marks, although more research is needed to confirm this.
Skin regeneration and protection
Frankincense promotes cell regeneration, which can help to keep your skin looking healthy and youthful. It also plays a role in protecting your skin against environmental damage, such as from the sun and pollution.
One study looked at how well boswellic acids (a key ingredient in frankincense) protected skin. Researchers found that boswellic acids improved skin elasticity and reduced sebum production. This could make frankincense a good ingredient for anyone with oily skin.
Another study found that boswellic acids reduced inflammation and protected against UV damage, which can cause premature aging.
Overall, frankincense essential oil is a versatile ingredient that can offer a range of benefits for your skin. Whether you’re looking to reduce the signs of aging, address skin imperfections, or protect your skin from environmental damage, frankincense may be worth considering.
How to use frankincense oil on your face: A step-by-step guide
It’s important to remember that you should never apply frankincense oil directly to your skin. Always dilute it with a carrier oil before you put it on your face.
For facial application, a 1-2% dilution of frankincense oil to carrier oil is usually recommended. What does that mean? If you’re making a facial blend, for every 100 drops of carrier oil, add only 1 or 2 drops of frankincense oil.
Before applying frankincense oil to your entire face, do a patch test on a small area of skin to make sure you don’t have an adverse reaction. Wait 24 hours to see if any irritation occurs.
Once you’ve determined that frankincense oil is safe for your skin, you can use a rose quartz facial roller, or even create your own DIY essential oil roller bottles, to help the diluted oil penetrate more deeply.
What skin types is frankincense good for?
The great news is that frankincense oil is usually safe for all skin types.
It’s known for having balancing effects on oil production, so it can help to keep oily skin in check without drying out drier skin.
It also has soothing properties and may help calm irritated skin, no matter your skin type.
Choosing and Using Frankincense Products
If you’re buying frankincense oil for your skin, you want to make sure you’re choosing a high-quality product. Look for a frankincense essential oil that doesn’t have added fillers or carrier oils.
And make sure you know what you’re buying. Different varieties of Boswellia trees product frankincense resin. You should research which variety is used in the product you’re buying.
That way, you can find the product that works best for you.
Other ways to use frankincense oil
Frankincense oil isn’t just for your skin. You can also use it for:
- Aromatherapy. Diffuse frankincense oil into the air and breathe it in. Some people find the scent relaxing and grounding.
- Massage oil. Mix a few drops of frankincense oil with a carrier oil, like jojoba or almond oil, and massage it into your muscles.
- Hair care. Add a few drops to your shampoo or conditioner to promote a healthy scalp and shiny hair.
With its earthy fragrance and potential therapeutic properties, frankincense oil is a versatile addition to your self-care routine.
Things to keep in mind
If you’re pregnant or breastfeeding, you should be extra careful when using frankincense resin oil. Most sources recommend avoiding it altogether at these times, as not enough studies have been done to ensure its safety.
As with any new skincare ingredient, you should always do a patch test before applying frankincense resin oil to a larger area of your skin. This will help you see if you have any allergic reactions.
And if you’re taking prescription medications such as blood thinners or diabetes medicine, talk to your doctor before using frankincense resin oil.
Closing Thoughts
Frankincense oil may help improve your skin tone, reduce blemishes, and fight inflammation. Whether you’re dealing with acne, wrinkles, or dry skin, frankincense resin oil may be worth a try.
Remember to use it safely and responsibly by diluting it with a carrier oil and performing a patch test before applying it to your face.