Fine lines, wrinkles, cellulite, stretch marks, and sagging, crepey skin are all common problems for many of us, especially as we get older.
It happens as our skin loses its elasticity.
And with that, our skin starts it lose its tone, firmness, and youthful appearance.
The good news is that research suggests that some essential oils may help boost collagen production, increase skin cell renewal, improve elasticity, promote firmer skin, and visibly tighten skin.
Below I share …
- the best essential oils, carrier oils, and other key ingredients for tightening skin
- simple DIY recipes using these essential oils to make your own anti-wrinkle serum, cellulite cream, firming body butter, magic eye serum, stretch mark cream, tightening body oil, and more.
Best Essential Oils for Skin Tightening
These essential oils do many things to help improve skin elasticity. While the specific properties differ among essential oils, in general they improve skin hydration, provide antioxidant protection against free radicals, tighten pores, soothe redness, increase collagen production, and improve blood circulation.
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Cinnamon essential oil
Research has found that cinnamon essential oil promotes collagen production and synthesis as well as tightening and firming
Collagen is a protein building block to the skin. It gives elasticity and strength to the skin, helping to keep our skin from sagging, reducing fine lines and wrinkles, and giving the skin a plump, youthful appearance. Wrinkles are thought to be caused by a breakdown of collagen in the skin, causing skin to become more fragile and loose.
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Coffee essential oil
Coffee essential oil has a small amount of caffeine which can help temporarily tighten skin,
Coffee oil helps improve blood circulation. When more blood flows to the surface of your skin, your skin gets more nutrients and vitamins. This helps your skin regenerate, producing more new, young, healthy skin cells more often.
The result? Skin appears tighter, firmer, and more elastic. And the increased blood circulation also brings a fresh glow and radiance to your skin – a great bonus!
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Dill essential oil
Research has found that dill helps improve skin elasticity
Dill oil can help lessen the appearance of under-eye bags, cellulite, stretch marks, and other loose skin.
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Frankincense essential oil
Frankincense oil is made of very small molecules that can penetrate deeper into skin for faster anti-aging results. This promotes skin oxygenation which helps improve skin tone, promotes new cell growth, and boosts elasticity.
Frankincense is especially beneficial for mature skin. It has anti-oxidative properties which slow oxidative stress and are extremely beneficial for renewal of healthy, more elastic skin cells.
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Geranium essential oil
Geranium oil is ultra nourishing. It promotes healthy, clear, glowing skin.
It sloughs away dead skin cells, moisturizes, improves circulation, and promotes regeneration of new cells.
Perhaps most importantly, it stimulates collagen production which helps skin cells retain their rigid structure and strength. This makes geranium great for sagging skin. Plus, it helps smooth fine lines and wrinkles
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Grapefruit essential oil
Grapefruit oil helps improve blood circulation. As a result, more blood flows to surface of skin which delivers more vitamins and nutrients to all layers of skin. This helps skin reproduce more efficiently and more frequently.
Grapefruit is one of the most widely used essential oils to help improve the appearance of cellulite.
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Helichrysum essential oil
Helichrysum oil is one of the most potent and trustworthy essential oils when it comes to fighting the signs of aging.
It’s soothing and healing, reduces inflammation, reduces age spots, scars and wrinkles by increasing cell turnover.
Helichrysum is such a powerhouse for skin tightening because it’s fantastic at both increasing cell renewal and boosting collagen production.
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Jasmine essential oil
Jasmine oil is often used in facial serums and treatments. It’s great for improving the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
It helps improve circulation, hydrates, and promotes skin elasticity.
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Juniper Berry essential oil
Juniper oil is high in antioxidants which helps it repair, renew, and strengthen the epidermal layer of skin.
It also improves the look of cellulite by helping drain excess fluid buildup from the lymphatic system and helping to reduce unwanted dimples.
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Lavender essential oil
Lavender oil is an antioxidant that fights free radicals contributing to skin damage.
It’s great for circulation; lavender oil increases blood flow to skin allowing oxygen and nutrients to reach skin for renewal and healing.
And it helps replace old skin cells with new ones which leads to smoother skin texture and a more radiant complexion.
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Lemon essential oil
Research has found that lemon essential oil applied topically to the skin is a strong antioxidant.
Lemon oil reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Plus, it’s also a skin brightener.
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Neroli essential oil
Neroli is one of best essential oils for tightening skin. It contains citral – a compound that helps skin cells regenerate.
Plus, its antimicrobial and antioxidant properties make neroli a powerful healer.
Neroli oil also moisturizes skin which helps reduce appearance of crepey and sagging skin as well as plump fine lines and wrinkles.
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Myrrh essential oil
Myrrh oil is a powerful antioxidant. It may even be more effective than vitamin E in eliminating free radicals.
It improves skin flexibility by boosting elasticity which is great for minimizing fine lines and wrinkles.
And myrrh facilitates improved cell renewal, helping create younger, healthier, firmer skin cells.
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Rose essential oil
Rose oil is a powerhouse of anti-aging goodness!
It’s both an antioxidant and an anti-inflammatory that can help lessen redness, puffiness, and stressed-looking skin.
Rose essential oil also improves blood flow which makes skin look smoother and gives your complexion a youthful, pinkish glow.
And it helps keep skin moisturized and improves skin elasticity to lessen the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
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Rosemary essential oil
Research has found that rosemary oil has antioxidative properties that fight free radicals and skin aging.
Research has found that rosemary essential oil improves skin hydration and elasticity. This hydration makes skin appear plumper, tighter, and firmer.
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Sandalwood essential oil
Sandalwood oil helps retain moisture which makes skin look plumper and more taut.
It has astringent properties to help get rid of dull-looking skin and increase cell turnover so that there’s less dead-skin cell buildup.
And sandalwood also promotes the development of fresh skin cells.
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Sweet Orange essential oil
Like many other citrus essential oils, sweet orange is high in antioxidants that fight skin aging.
It stimulates collagen production and helps improve skin elasticity and firmness.
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Ylang Ylang essential oil
Ylang ylang oil contains antioxidants that help with skin rejuvenation.
It also has a toning effect that helps smooth fine lines and wrinkles.
Best Carrier Oils for Skin Tightening
Almost all carrier oils will plump and hydrate the skin helping make skin appear more taught and youthful. The carrier oils listed below are particularly good choices to use in skin-tightening DIYs.
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Almond Oil
- one of the gentlest oils
- extremely nourishing
- rich in antioxidants like Vitamin D
- excellent emollient known for its ability to soften and recondition the skin
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Apricot Kernel Oil
- very gentle and nourishing
- full of vitamins A, C, and E, antioxidants that protect the skin from signs of aging and sun damage
- quickly absorbs into skin
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Evening Primrose Oil
- high levels of essential fatty acids
- this is a powerhouse of an oil– small amounts are often added to other carrier oils to enhance their beneficial effects
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Grapeseed Oil
- helps reduce the appearance of stretch marks
- helps tighten loose skin
- slightly astringent so it stimulates blood flow
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Jojoba Oil
- Unlike other oils and butters, the wax structure of jojoba oil is very similar to the natural oils of our skin.
- antibacterial properties
- full of antioxidants and nutrients that help soothe and calm inflammation
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Pomegranate Oil (aka pomegranate seed oil)
- great anti-aging oil
- full of antioxidants that help prevent cell damage from free radicals
- improves skin elasticity
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Rosehip Seed Oil
- rich source of essential fatty acids that are wonderful at fighting dryness and the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles
- helps increase cell turnover and new growth, revealing new, more youthful-looking skin
- one of the richest plant sources of vitamin c that supports collagen production and is great for skin elasticity!
Other Great Ingredients for Skin Tightening
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Aloe Vera Gel
- naturally helps to increase collagen production
- malic acid in aloe improves skin elasticity
- has a mild astringent property that tightens pores and skin
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Caffeine
- temporarily tightens skin
- stimulates blood flow
- reduces fluid retention (making it great for cellulite scrubs, under eye creams, and more)
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Vitamin E
- antioxidant that helps fight the harmful effects of free radicals like wrinkles and brown age spots
- protects and nourishes skin
- softens and moisturizes skin which is great because well moisturized skin tends to look more youthful and less wrinkled
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Witch Hazel
- natural astringent
- minimizes the appearance of pores
- reduces inflammation
Essential Oil Recipes for Skin Tightening
1. Firming Facial Gel
Hydrates and tightens face. Easy way to give yourself a mini facelift anytime you want.
to make: mix 1 tablespoon aloe vera gel with 1 drop juniper berry essential oil, 2 drops geranium essential oil, and 2 drops neroli essential oil.
to use: wash face and pat skin dry. Then apply about 1/2 teaspoon of firming gel all over face. If desired, apply moisturizer after firming gel has dried.
2. Anti-Aging Serum for Wrinkles
Boosts collagen, improves elasticity, and plumps skin to reduce appearance of wrinkles
ingredients: Rosehip seed oil, vitamin E, frankincense, lavender, rose, sandalwood, and helichrysum essential oil
find the full recipe here for Anti-Aging Serum
to use: Apply small amount around eyes using light, upward strokes so as not to pull or tug at the skin. This serum can also be applied to other areas of the face (forehead, laugh lines around mouth), neck and décolletage.
3. All-Over Skin Firming Blend (great for loose, sagging, & crepey skin)
Gives skin a more youthful appearance by improving elasticity and firmness
to make: mix together 1 teaspoon jojoba oil, 1 teaspoon evening primrose oil, 4 drops coffee, 3 drops geranium, 2 drops sweet orange, and 1 drop cinnamon
to use: apply to body before dressing in morning
4. Cellulite Cream
Helps reduce the look of cellulite, visibly lifting & firming hips, butt, and thighs
to make: find my basic body butter recipe here and substitute 20 drops grapefruit and 10 drops juniper berry essential oil
find the full recipe here for Soft & Silky Whipped Body Buter
to use: a little body butter goes a long way. Start with a pea-sized amount for each thigh. You can always use more if you need it. But you’ll probably be surprised at how little you need. Remember your homemade whipped body butter doesn’t have any fillers; it’s all butters and oils.
5. Grapefruit Exfoliating Scrub
Boosts circulation and tones skin
to make: mix together 1 tablespoon almond oil, 1 tablespoon pomegranate seed oil, 1/4 cup fine sea salt, and 10 drops grapefruit essential oil. Adjust the amount of oil and salt as needed to get the consistency you prefer.
to use: massage scrub onto skin using a circular motion. Rinse with warm water and pat skin dry.
6. Nourishing Body Oil
Boosts collagen production, increases cell regeneration, and improves skin firmness
to make: combine the following in a glass bowl or measuring cup and then pour into 8 oz spray bottle– 1/4 cup fractionated coconut oil, 1/2 cup apricot kernel oil, 2 Tbsp rice bran oil, 2 Tbsp safflower oil, 1 tsp vitamin e oil, 10 drops neroli essential oil, 20 drops sweet orange essential oil, 10 drops lemon, and 15 drops geranium essential oil.
to use: After a shower or bath, pat skin dry, then apply this nourishing dry body oil to arms and legs. It feels light and absorbs into skin quickly, leaving a smooth finish.
Tip: to avoid your bathroom floors getting slippery from the oils, spray or apply the oils to your hands and then rub into your arms and legs.
7. Tightening Face Serum
Helps hydrate skin, minimize the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, and promotes firmer, younger-looking skin
to make: mix 1 oz rosehip seed oil with drops 4 myrrh, 4 drops sandalwood, drops 6 frankincense, 6 drops geranium, and 5 drops rose essential oil
to use: apply tightening serum to face and neck, massaging into the skin in an upward motion. Follow with moisturizer for best results.
8. Coffee Body Scrub
Reduces the appearance of cellulite as it hydrates and smooths skin
to make: mix 1/3 cup brown sugar with 1/3 cup coconut oil with electric mixer until it is fluffy and creamy. Then add 2 tablespoons of ground coffee, 1/3 cup liquid unscented Castile soap, and 15 drops grapefruit essential oil. Stir just until ingredients combined.
to use: apply to wet skin in the shower, massaging in circular motions, then rinse clean with warm water.
9. Stretch Mark Cream
Helps reduce the look of stretch marks
to make: Using a double boiler melt 1/4 cup coconut oil, 2 tablespoons cocoa butter, and 2 tablespoons shea butter. Then once fully melted, cool mixture to room temperature and add the following — 2 tablespoons apricot kernel oil, 2 tablespoons rosehip seed oil, 2 teaspoons vitamin E oil, 20 drops lavender, 15 drops frankincense, 10 drops grapefruit, and 15 drops helichrysum essential oil.
to use: use circular motion to apply to thighs, hips, stomach, breasts, and other areas of concern
10. Magic Eye Serum
Tightens under-eye skin, reducing puffiness and improves the appearance of eye bags
ingredients: sweet almond oil, vitamin E, cypress, geranium, and frankincense essential oil
find the full recipe here for Magic Eye Serum for puffy eyes
to use: wash face and pat dry, then gently apply roller under each eye. tip: For an extra boost, I keep this roller in the fridge. It feels great going on, and the cool temperature further helps to reduce my puffiness.
11. Firming body butter
Visibly tightens and smooths skin
to make: find my basic body butter recipe here and substitute these skin-tightening essential oils — 4 drops lavender, 3 drops grapefruit, 5 drops lemon, 6 drops jasmine, and 10 drops sweet orange
find the full recipe here for Soft & Silky Whipped Body Buter
to use: a little body butter goes a long way. Start with a pea-sized amount for each arm and a couple “peas” for each leg. You can always use more if you need it. But you’ll probably be surprised at how little you need. Remember your homemade whipped body butter doesn’t have any fillers; it’s all butters and oils.
12. Pore-Tightening Toner
Make a simple homemade facial toner to tighten skin, reduce fine lines, and make pores appear smaller.
ingredients: witch hazel (astringent to tighten skin), vitamin E (antioxidant that blocks free radicals from the skin and increases cell regeneration), and geranium, cypress, and lavender essential oils (reduce the appearance of fine lines, while toning and beautifying skin)
find the full recipe here for pore-tightening facial toner
to use: after washing face, apply toner with a cotton round, using gentle upwards motion all over face (avoiding eyes). Finish by moisturizing face with serum or face cream.
13. Anti-Aging Cucumber Eye Mask
Soothes and tightens area around eyes, giving a more youthful appearance
to make: In a blender puree 1/2 cucumber (peeled, seeded and roughly chopped) and 2 tablespoons rose water. Pour into a bowl and add 1 teaspoon evening primrose oil, 2 drops sandalwood essential oil, and 2 drops geranium essential oil.
to use: Soak cotton pad cucumber mixture. Then place 1 soaked cotton pad under each eye. Leave on for 10-15 minutes. Rinse.
tip: You can freeze 20 cotton pads in the cucumber and oil mixture. To use after freezing, simply allow pad to thaw for about 10 minutes before using.
14. Rejuvenating Face Scrub
Gently exfoliates, soothes skin, and encourages cell renewal for skin that looks and feels more youthful
to make: finely grind 1 tablespoon dried lavender buds, 1 tablespoon dried rose petals, and 1 tablespoon old-fashioned oatmeal (uncooked). Pour into a bowl and add 3 drops rose essential oil. Mix well.
to use: Put 1 teaspoon of powder in palm. Add a touch of water to form paste. Apply to clean skin. Leave on for 5-10 minutes, then massage mask on skin in circular motion and rinse thoroughly.
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