Cedarwood oil is a high-quality essential oil that has been used as a healing agent for centuries. But despite its known healing benefits, many people don’t realize all the positive effects cedarwood oil has on the skin.
Particularly, cedarwood oil is an outstanding ingredient for calming dry, inflamed skin. This makes it ideal for those struggling with acne, eczema, or everyday dry skin. In fact, this essential oil has been revered since ancient India for its potent medicinal properties on skin.
Here’s how this surprising essential oil can help calm dry and irritated skin.
About Cedarwood Oil
Cedarwood oil, also known as Atlas cedarwood, is a natural essential oil that has been revered for its therapeutic properties for centuries. Extracted from the wood of cedar trees through a distillation process, cedarwood oil offers numerous soothing benefits for the skin. Some of these healing qualities may include anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, antifungal, astringent, sedative, and insecticidal properties. But it’s the potent anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties that truly set it apart.
One of the notable qualities of cedarwood oil is its anti-inflammatory benefits. This means that it may help reduce inflammation in the skin, making it beneficial for various skin conditions that result in redness, swelling, and irritation. By calming inflammation, cedarwood oil can provide relief and promote a healthier complexion.
Cedarwood oil is also recognized for its antifungal and antiseptic properties. Which make it effective against certain types of fungi and bacteria that can cause skin infections. It can also be used to help combat conditions like athlete’s foot or nail fungus, promoting healthier skin and nails.
These beneficial properties of cedarwood oil help to address common skin concerns, including irritation, dryness, and clogged pores, making this essential oil a powerful ally in your skincare routine. And beyond its therapeutic properties, cedarwood oil is also appreciated for its sweet, woody aroma. This makes it a popular choice for scenting spaces, and it can be used in diffusers or added to homemade cleaning products to impart a refreshing and natural fragrance.
Fun fact: Cedarwood oil can be used as a natural insect repellent because the aroma of cedarwood oil is highly repellent to pests like mosquitoes, moths, and fleas!
Cedarwood Oil History & Fun Facts
Cedarwood oil has a rich history that spans back centuries and is intertwined with the traditions and beliefs of ancient civilizations. The use of cedarwood oil can be traced back to ancient Egypt and India, where it held great importance for rituals and natural healing.
In ancient Egypt, cedarwood oil played a crucial role in the embalming process. The Egyptians believed in preserving the body for the afterlife, and cedarwood oil was highly valued for its ability to help maintain the integrity of the deceased. It was often used in combination with other aromatic oils and resins, creating a potent blend that not only preserved the body, but also imparted a pleasant scent.
Beyond Egypt, cedarwood oil found its way into the realm of Ayurvedic medicine in ancient India. Ayurveda, an ancient holistic healing system, recognized the powerful properties of cedarwood oil and utilized it to address various health conditions, including skin ailments. Its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties made it an effective remedy for skin issues such as acne, eczema, and psoriasis. The oil was often used in massage oils, ointments, and herbal preparations to promote skin health and rejuvenation.
Benefits of Cedarwood Oil on Skin
Cedarwood oil offers a range of impressive benefits for the skin, making it a valuable ingredient in skincare products. Its anti-inflammatory properties help soothe and calm irritated skin, making it effective in addressing certain skin conditions. Plus, the oil’s antiseptic qualities help cleanse the skin and prevent bacterial growth, promoting a healthier complexion.
With its multifaceted benefits, cedarwood oil serves as a natural and versatile solution for maintaining clear, healthy skin. Here are some of the top benefits of cedarwood oil on skin.
Can Soothe Inflammation
Cedarwood oil is shown to possess powerful anti-inflammatory properties, making it an effective remedy for soothing inflamed skin. Whether you’re dealing with redness, irritation, or swelling, the oil may help alleviate these symptoms. It works by reducing inflammation at the cellular level, providing relief and promoting a calmer complexion.
For individuals with sensitive or reactive skin, incorporating cedarwood oil into their skincare routine can be particularly beneficial. When exposed to irritants or environmental aggressors, sensitive skin tends to react with heightened inflammation. By using skincare products that contain cedarwood oil, such as a nourishing cream or serum, one can harness its soothing benefits and help alleviate irritation.
For instance, after cleansing, if your skin tends to become red and irritated, applying a nourishing cream enriched with cedarwood oil can help reduce redness and calm the skin, providing relief from discomfort.
Similarly, individuals with eczema, often suffering from itchy and inflamed skin, may benefit from cedarwood oil. The oil’s anti-inflammatory properties may help soothe the itching and reduce redness, promoting relief and comfort to those experiencing eczema flare-ups. By calming the inflammatory response, cedarwood oil helps alleviate the symptoms of eczema and promotes a more balanced and comfortable skin condition.
Cedarwood oil also helps to replenish and retain moisture in the skin, addressing the dry and dehydrated skin often experienced during eczema flare-ups. By restoring the skin’s moisture balance, cedarwood oil helps to relieve the tightness and dryness associated with some skin conditions, and supports the overall health of the skin barrier.
May Reduce Bacteria
As an antiseptic and antimicrobial, cedarwood oil possesses remarkable properties that allow it to combat bacteria and other harmful microorganisms effectively.
A recent study found that cedarwood oil has a strong antibacterial effectiveness against the growth of particular bacteria that lead to skin infections, including Micrococcus luteus and Serratia marcescens. This ability to inhibit the growth of bacteria on the skin plays a crucial role in reducing the risk of inflammation, and maintaining clean and healthy skin.
The oil’s antiseptic and astringent properties work in synergy to provide a comprehensive approach to skincare, addressing both cleanliness and skin texture.
Has Acne-Fighting Potential
Cedarwood oil’s multifaceted properties, including being antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, and astringent, establish it as a highly effective natural remedy for acne. Its diverse range of benefits addresses multiple factors contributing to acne breakouts, making it a valuable addition to acne-fighting skincare routines.
One of the primary causes of acne is the overgrowth of bacteria on the skin. Cedarwood oil’s antiseptic properties play a crucial role in combatting these acne-causing bacteria, and have been shown to help treat acne-prone or blemished skin.
Incorporating cedarwood oil into acne-fighting formulations can help prevent the proliferation of acne-causing bacteria and promote a clearer complexion. But beyond acne, it can also be beneficial for individuals dealing with minor skin irritations, cuts, or abrasions, as it helps keep the affected area clean and aids in preventing potential infections.
Consistent use of cedarwood oil in acne skincare routines can also help in reducing the appearance of acne scars. Its soothing properties promote skin healing and can contribute to fading the discoloration and marks left behind by acne breakouts.
Combats Clogged Pores
As a natural astringent, cedarwood oil may have the ability to tighten and tone the skin by constricting the tissues. This unique property allows it to remove debris, excess oil, and impurities from the pores, making it particularly effective in maintaining clear and healthy skin.
By unclogging the pores, cedarwood oil plays a crucial role in preventing the formation of blackheads and breakouts. When the pores become congested with excess sebum, dead skin cells, and environmental impurities, they can become enlarged and prone to blockages. However, the astringent nature of cedarwood oil helps to contract the pore size and remove the buildup, minimizing the likelihood of blackheads and breakouts.
Cedarwood oil’s astringent effects are not limited to the face. It can also be used in scalp and hair care. For instance, by adding a few drops of cedarwood oil to a clarifying shampoo, it can help remove excess oil and buildup from the scalp, promoting a healthier scalp environment and reducing the likelihood of dandruff or itchiness.
Can Alleviate Dry Skin
Dry skin can be a frustrating and uncomfortable condition, but cedarwood oil provides a remarkable solution with its excellent moisturizing properties. This natural oil serves as an effective remedy for dryness by helping to alleviate discomfort and restore the skin’s natural moisture balance.
Cedarwood oil acts as a moisturizer by creating a protective barrier on the skin’s surface. This barrier helps to lock in moisture and prevent transepidermal water loss, which is the process of water evaporating from the skin. By forming a barrier, cedarwood oil ensures that moisture is retained within the skin, keeping it hydrated and nourished.
Regular use of cedarwood oil has the ability to yield noticeable benefits, leaving the skin feeling softer, smoother, and more supple. Its moisturizing properties can help relieve tightness and itchiness associated with dry skin, providing a soothing and comforting sensation. It’s worth noting that cedarwood oil’s moisturizing effects are not limited to individuals with dry skin. Even those with normal or oily skin can benefit from its hydrating properties.
Promotes Hair Growth
Beyond its skin benefits, cedarwood oil has gained recognition for its remarkable ability to stimulate hair growth. This oil possesses properties that may promote blood circulation to the scalp, leading to nourished hair follicles and encouraging healthy hair growth.
Over time, you may observe improvements in hair thickness and volume, as well as a healthier scalp. The nourishing properties of cedarwood oil contribute to the overall health of the scalp, reducing dryness, itchiness, and flakiness.
Helps Disinfect Scrapes and Cuts
Due to its antiseptic qualities, cedarwood oil can serve as a valuable agent for disinfecting minor wounds, scrapes, and cuts. Its natural properties contribute to the prevention of infection, and support the healing process of such skin injuries.
Cedarwood oil possesses inherent antiseptic properties, which means it has the ability to inhibit the growth and spread of microorganisms, including bacteria and fungi. When applied topically to minor wounds, scrapes, or cuts, cedarwood oil helps create an environment that is less conducive to bacterial or fungal growth, reducing the risk of infection.
What to Consider When Buying Cedarwood Oil Products
It’s clear cedarwood oil offers many benefits for the skin, but it’s important you choose high-quality cedarwood oil products to get the most out of this ingredient. When buying products, consider factors like:
- Quality: Ensure that you are purchasing high-quality cedarwood oil from reputable brands or suppliers. This will help ensure that the oil is pure and free from any contaminants or dilutions that may affect its efficacy.
- Ingredient List: Check the ingredient list to determine the concentration of cedarwood oil in the product. Higher concentrations may be more effective for certain skin concerns.
- Formulation: Consider the overall formulation of the product. Look for products that contain complementary ingredients that address your specific skin concerns. For example, if you have dry skin, a moisturizer with cedarwood oil and hydrating ingredients like Tremella (also known as snow mushroom) which pulls moisture to the skin, may be beneficial.
And of course, before using any new skincare product, perform a patch test on a small area of your skin. This helps to identify any adverse reactions or sensitivities before applying the product to your entire face.
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