As awareness of natural ingredients and oils increases, so does the amount of natural alternatives for skin conditions. When you find a routine that at least doesn't perpetuate breakouts, it's unlikely you'll want to stray into unknown territory, even if you aren't exactly over the moon with your new skin product. Personally, I am still searching for that natural something that isn't just "great for acne," it's great for MY acne. As my quest continues, I couldn't help but get my hopes up that geranium oil could treat my acne while doing some pretty other amazing things for my skin and hair at the same time.
Geraniums were a big part of my childhood. My mother is committed to her large flower garden — it's literally her personal playground. Unfortunately, my sister and I are allergic to most living things, and something in that garden, other than the pounds of pollen it produced, was slowly killing us each spring. When the giant lilac bushes at the edge of her garden were replaced with geraniums, years of wheezing and sneezing subsided dramatically. I like to think of geraniums as The Flower That Saved Springtime At The Jackson's, and after reading up on the benefits of geranium for beauty, I like to think of geraniums as the flower that can solve skin conditions as well.
Geraniums have everything you want to create an ideal environment for healthy, flawless skin and hair. After the oil is extracted from the leaves and stems of the flower, it has powerful healing properties. By being antibacterial, antifungal, and antiseptic, geranium essential oil can kill germs and bacteria that causes outbreaks, eczema, and skin rashes. It's also antimicrobial and antibiotic, which means the oils can help get rid of free radicals before and when they cause infection. Geranium essential oil can actually balance sebum production which means it's a great natural alternative for dry, oily, and combination skin — basically this flower has benefits for all skin types. The oil is well known as a natural cicatrisant, which means it heals scars and evens skin tone — that, and the fact that it can actually tighten skin makes it a true boss at making your skin soft and supple.
Due to the lack of scientific research performed on geraniums, these healing flowers don't get the fame and notoriety they deserve for being a leader in curing acne and eliminating sags and wrinkles. Fortunately, this oil is completely safe and natural for you to try out. Give yourself a test patch on the inside of your elbow to ensure you won't end up with any irritation on your face. Hey, if it doesn't make your acne vanish instantly, at least you get a face mask with a soothing scent.
Here are a few ways geranium has made its way into my heart and medicine cabinet.
1. Geranium Green Clay Mask
From Aura Cacia's recipes, this mask slowly draws out impurities and leaves your skin silky soft. Use one tablespoon of water, one tablespoon of green clay and add eight drops of geranium essential oil and four drops of patchouli essential oil. I used rose infused water instead of tap water for extra anti-aging and toning benefits. Leave your mask on until it dries before rinsing off with lukewarm water.
2. Spot Remover
Rosehip Oil, $8, Amazon | Lemon, $6, Amazon | Geranium, $13, Amazon | Frankincense, $19, Amazon
A great home remedy to get rid of scars — especially acne scars — is to use a cup of rose hip oil and add six drops of frankincense, six drops of geranium, and four drops of lemon essential oil and store in a dark colored bottle.
4. Hair Tonic Water
Since geranium can stimulate hair growth, it only makes sense to spritz some of this tonic on our locks. Infuse your water with geranium essential oil for glowing, healthy hair. Make sure you store your spray in a dark container or in your refrigerator to keep the oil from spoiling.
Image: Martin LaBar, Superfantastic, Premshee Pillai/Flickr; Kristin Collins Jackson
