10 Effective Essential Oils For Pigmentation

Don’t we all just enjoy chilling underneath the sun or simply embracing the soft touch of the sunlight on our skins? But the catch here is that the sun might not love us as much as we love it. We’re talking about skin pigmentation. Skin pigmentation is a very common problem in which the skin turns darker in colour or dark patches appear on certain areas of the face and the body. Among the various reasons, the main culprit behind this is the prolonged exposure to ultraviolet radiation. While this can trigger pigmentation disorders in all skin types throughout the world, but the darker skin tones are reported to be more susceptible, especially in India. But worry not. We’ve got you a list of the 10 most effective essential oils that clear skin pigmentation naturally so that you can enjoy the summer while it lasts.

How Do Essential Oils Help To Treat Hyperpigmentation?

Essential oils are the natural oils extracted from the elements of nature such as various plants and citrus fruits, like lemon, sweet orange and lavender which have incredible medicinal properties. The essence of the active compounds in the plants helps in skin nourishment, regulation of hormonal levels and promote cell renewal. The topical use of essential oils can be highly effective for lightening skin hyperpigmentation and improve skin quality.

10 Best Essential Oils to Get Rid Of Hyperpigmentation

Now let’s have a look at the 10 best essential oils for hyperpigmentation. Ready?

1. Lemon Essential Oil

Lemon essential oil, made from the peel of the Citrus Lemon plant, is extremely effective for hyperpigmentation as it evens out the skin tone by removing the dead skin cells and boosts cell regeneration. 

Scent

Lemon oil has been used in aromatherapy since ages. Its refreshing scent has been shown to improve mood and help keep energy levels high throughout the day.

Blends Well With

• Jojoba oil
• Coconut oil

Caution

Lemon oil is photosensitive and thus its application can have a reverse effect on the skin is exposed to the sun. Make it a part of the nighttime routine.

Benefits

• Possesses antioxidant properties
• Prevents dark spots
• Reduces inflammation
• Has skin bleaching properties

Homemade Recipe

Ingredients

• 3-4 fully ripe, organic lemons
• Coconut oil

Directions

1. Wash the lemons under running water.
2. Remove the lemon zest excluding the white part.
3. Immerse the zest in coconut oil in a pan. Heat for 5 minutes.
4. Collect this in a jar and place the jar aside for a few hours.
5. Strain the oil in a container.

Are There Any Side Effects?

Always perform a patch test before applying it anywhere on the body as it may cause skin irritation. Not suitable for pregnant women and children.

2. Rose Essential Oil

Rose oil hydrates the skin and has constituents that help even out the skin colour. It is a safe and effective essential oil for face pigmentation as it helps fade off the dark spots without causing any harm to the skin.

Scent

The scent of rose oil is intensely sweet and floral.

Blends Well With

• Jojoba oil
• Grapeseed oil

Caution

Rose oil should be used in a minimal amount since excessive use can cause skin irritation.

Benefits

• Rich in antioxidants
• Removes dark circles
• Contains healing properties
• Cell rejuvenator

Homemade Recipe

Ingredients

• Jojoba oil
• Organically grown roses

Directions

1. Crush the roses in a jar. Add oil and mix.
2. Place the jar in hot water for 10 minutes.
3. Put the jar under the sun for 24 hours.
4. Strain the oil and collect in a dark tinted bottle.

Are There Any Side Effects?

Since rose oil is highly concentrated, it should not be used excessively or it may cause skin sensitivity and irritation. Pregnant and nursing women should not use essential oils without a prescription.

Also Read : Benefits & Uses of Rose Essential Oil for Skin, Hair & Health

3. Chamomile Essential Oil

It is the best essential oil for skin pigmentation as it brings out the natural skin glow by erasing the scars, marks and spots on the face.

Scent

This oil has a sweet woody fragrance. It is used in aromatherapy for relaxation.

Blends Well With

• Jasmine oil
• Almond oil

Caution

There are no prominent risks of using chamomile oil.

Benefits

• Soothing effect on the skin
• Reduces skin inflammation
• Protects skin from free-radical damage

Homemade Recipe

Ingredients

• Chamomile flowers, dried
• Olive oil

Directions

1. Put the dried flowers into a jar and immerse them in olive oil.
2. Put the jar under sunlight for 6-8 hours.
3. Transfer the extracted oil to a sterilized jar.

Are There Any Side Effects?

Avoid use if causes irritation after performing a patch test.

4. Lavender Essential Oil

This skin-soothing oil can be used for eliminating the post inflammatory hyperpigmentation on the skin caused by acne scars.

Scent

Lavender oil has a striking camphor-like scent.

Blends Well With

• Peppermint oil

Caution

Always perform a patch test before applying lavender oil on the pigmented skin.

Benefits

• Antibacterial and antiseptic properties
• Remarkable healing properties
• Calming effect on the skin

Homemade Recipe

Ingredients

• Lavender, dried
• Olive oil

Directions

1. Crush the lavender.
2. Pour the oil into a jar and immerse the crushed lavender into it.
3. Keep the jar under sunlight for 2 days.
4. Strain the oil and store in a jar.

Are There Any Side Effects?

The use of lavender oil can sometimes cause allergic reaction, nausea or headache.

5. Frankincense Essential Oil

Topical application of frankincense oil is proved to help fade off scars and pigmentation.

Scent

It has a sweet woody scent to it that is widely used in aromatherapy to ease stress.

Blends Well With

• Lavender oil
• Sandalwood oil

Caution

A patch test should be performed to ensure the oil is safe to use.

Benefits

• Moisturises skin
• Removes spots, marks and scars
• Inhibits bacterial activity

Homemade Recipe

Ingredients

• Frankincense, 8 tbsp.
• Safflower oil

Directions

1. Crack the frankincense using mortar and pestle.
2. Pour safflower oil and the resin into a jar.
3. Let sit the jar under sunlight for 24 hours.
4. Strain the oil and store it in a container.

Are There Any Side Effects?

Pregnant and nursing women are not advised to use this oil.

Also Read : 15 Amazing Frankincense Essential Oil Benefits

6. Sandalwood Essential Oil

 Sandalwood oil is the perfect choice for treating skin pigmentation as its antifungal and anti-inflammatory properties account for removing the dark spots and blemishes from the skin.

Scent

Sandalwood has been a part of the fragrance industry since a very long time due to its incredibly sweet woody aroma.

Blends Well With

• Bergamot oil
• Lavender oil

Caution

The topical use of this oil is likely to be safe.

Benefits

• Prevents skin ageing
• Cures hyperpigmentation naturally
• Soothing effect on the skin

Homemade Recipe

Ingredients

• Sandalwood powder
• Olive oil

Directions

1. Add a cup of the oil to a quarter ounce of sandalwood powder in a jar.
2. Let the jar sit in a sunny spot for about a week.
3. Strain the mixture to extract sandalwood oil.

Are There Any Side Effects?

Not suitable for pregnant and nursing women.

7. Argan Oil

Argan oil is rich in vitamins A and E. Moroccan argan oil moisturises the skin and reduces inflammation. It’s extremely beneficial for clearing hyperpigmentation naturally.

Scent

Its scent can range from that of olive oil, but with a hint of fruity smell to odourless.

Blends Well With

• Coconut oil

Caution

No prominent risks have been reported by its application.

Benefits

• Restorative properties
• Provides skin nourishment
• Vitamin E helps with depigmentation

Homemade Recipe

Moroccan Argan oil is made after a long and intense procedure. You can’t possibly DIY it.

Are There Any Side Effects?

Discontinue use if any form of discomfort is experienced after performing a patch test.

8. Carrot Seed Essential Oil

Carrot seed oil is rich in antioxidants and shows antiseptic properties.

Scent

This oil has an earthy fragrance that helps in balancing emotions.

Blends Well With

• Rosewood oil
• Cedarwood oil

Caution

Always use a carrier oil along with carrot seed oil.

Benefits

• Improves water retention
• Rejuvenates skin cells
• Nourishes skin

Homemade Recipe

Ingredients

• Carrots
• Coconut oil

Directions

1. Peel the carrots and then grate.
2. Add the oil and a few drops of water to fully immerse the grated carrot in a jar.
3. Keep the jar in a hot water bath for 10 minutes.
4. Drain and pour the oil in a jar.

Are There Any Side Effects?

No side effects have been documented after the use of this oil.

9. Geranium Essential Oil

Geranium oil is made from the leaves of the rose geranium plant. It is effective for curing skin related issues.

Scent

This is a sweet-smelling oil with a minty-rose undertone to it.

Blends Well With

• Lavender oil

Caution

This oil is safe for use to reduce skin pigmentation.

Benefits

• Facilitates the regeneration of skin cells
• Antibacterial properties
• Reduces acne flare-ups

Homemade Recipe

Ingredients

• Rose geranium leaves, chopped
• Sunflower oil

Directions

1. Fill one-third of a jar with the leaves.
2. Pour enough oil to completely cover the leaves.
3. Place the jar in a sunny spot for a week.
4. Strain the mixture to extract oil. Store the oil in a jar.

Are There Any Side Effects?

It is safe when used in a reasonable amount.

10. Sweet Orange Essential Oil

Scent

Blends Well With

• Rosemary oil

Caution

Sweet orange essential oil is completely safe for use.

Benefits

• Boosts the cell regeneration process.
• Promotes collagen production
• Antioxidant due to the presence of vitamin C

Homemade Recipe

Ingredients

• Orange peels, dried
• Undenatured ethyl alcohol

Directions

1. Dice the peels and put into a jar.
2. Warm the alcohol by putting the bottle into a hot water tub.
3. Pour the warm alcohol into the jar with the peels.
4. Set aside for 24 hours before storing the extract in a sterilised jar.

Are There Any Side Effects?

It is safe when used in a reasonable amount.

Also Read : Orange Oil for Skin - Benefits and Side Effects

Disclaimer: All the content on www.anveya.com/blogs/top-tips is solely for information. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or a qualified health care provider. The information, suggestion or remedies mentioned on this site are provided without warranty of any kind, whether express or implied.