It seems like each week I notice a new scar and just when my patience begins to wear I find an essential oil like vetiver essential oil that has healing benefits my face and body can benefit from. Whether I'm accidentally tripping over myself and creating an annoying scar on my leg or gone overboard scratching an itchy mosquito bite or have a tiny scar left over from a blemish, it seems like vetiver oil could be my new healing bestie. The skin benefits don't stop at scar removal either! Vetiver oil truly wants what's best for your skin, no matter your woes.
Vetiver oil is a perennial leaf that can grow to be six feet tall and live for approximately 50 years. The oil is made from the root and gives us a sweet, earthy aroma that is less "piney" than cedarwood, but as musky as sandalwood. Its popularity is growing in Western skincare products because of its benefits on our aging skin, as well as the lovely scent. Since vetiver doesn't grow naturally in the United States, produced largely in India, Haiti, and the Philippines, you could find yourself spending a pretty penny on beauty products containing this essential oil. Pure vetiver essential oil, however, is easy to get your hands on, and even easier to make your own products with. Here are six ways to do just that!
1. Natural Scar Remover
According to Organic Facts, vetiver oil is considered cicatrisant (healing) because of its ability to lift scars and heal wounds by replacing the damaged skin cells with new healthy cells. This particular recipe is how I'm relieving years of shaving mistakes that have lead to serious scarring.
I use equal parts of grapefruit and vetiver essential oils (generally 12 drops all together), two ounces of rose water, and one teaspoon of lemon juice. This scar removal treatment can be used twice daily, but be sure to do a test patch to make sure your skin doesn't have a reaction.
2. Acne Treatment
Vetiver oil is a natural antiseptic making it a great addition to your regular cleansing routine. According to sources at Anne Marie Gianni Skincare, the essential oil is also antibacterial which means it can remove bacteria that gets trapped in our pores leading to blackheads, acne, and cysts. Use vetiver with your fave natural cleanser; I like to use vetiver and jasmine essential oil in my weekly green clay face mask.
3. Complexion Restorer
Since vetiver essential oil is so amazing at treating scars like they don't belong on your body, it's also going to be a go-to essential oil for restoring damaged complexions. My advice for anyone with mild complexion issues is to use vetiver essential oil with a restorative carrier oil like macadamia nut oil or sweet almond oil.
4. Intense Moisturizer
Vetiver Essential Oil, $8, Amazon
The root of vetiver holds water and is often used to hydrate soil, but I'm more interested in how this plant can hydrate my face with the summer sun threatening to suck out all my natural moisture. I like to add vetiver oil to mango butter and coconut oil for a natural body oil that will keep my skin hydrated and smelling deeeee-lish!
5. Anti-Aging Tonic
Cold Pressed Camellia Seed Oil, $27, Amazon
Loaded with antioxidants and hydrating qualities, vetiver essential oil is definitely fighting the war on premature aging. It is well-known for its calming effects on the mind as well as the skin. Puffy faces can benefit from its anti-inflammatory properties and those with age spots or damage from the sun will see benefits from this oil over time. Apply with your fave anti-aging carrier oil twice daily.
6. Stretch Mark Cream
African Shea Butter, $7, Amazon One of the biggest claims vetiver essential oil can make is its ability to diminish the appearance of stretch marks. Since the oil deeply penetrates the skin it restores moisture, lifts the scar, and treats the inflamed area. Stretch marks are certainly beautiful, but this can treat any inflamed or irritating instances. Anyone who has lifted the appearance of stretch marks naturally knows, treating them takes time and diligence. To see any benefits, use a pure form of vetiver essential oil with shea butter and treat your stretch marks at least twice daily.
Image: Harry Rose/Flickr; Kristin Collins Jackson
