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Acne shows up for a variety of reasons. It may be the result of clogged pores, excessive oil production, and bacteria. Your diet, hormones and stress levels can cause acne, as can some prescription medications, including birth control pills. Since essential oils can help reduce bacteria without damaging skin, and, since they can help nourish and protect skin, they can be ideal for fighting or preventing acne for most people. Using an oil to combat excessive oil seems counterproductive, but essential oils’ unique soothing and healing properties nourish the skin while reducing or eliminating acne. Lavender, clary sage, and other acne friendly essential oils can help balance out the natural oils in your skin, targeting acne without causing dryness or irritation.

True to its name, an essential oil is the "essence" of any given plant. It is a highly concentrated liquid derived from a plant's flower, wood, leaf, nut, bark, root, seed, peel, or rind. Most essential oils contain a variety of antioxidants, minerals, vitamins, fatty acids and other revitalizing and healing components. Once extracted from the plant, the oils can be used in a vast number of ways, many of which you yourself can benefit from.

If you’ve ever had a stuffy nose or cough, you’ve probably used over-the-counter remedies with eucalyptus oil in them. Eucalyptus oil is often used in cold and congestion products to help get you through the sniffles, but you may be surprised to know that eucalyptus oil uses don’t stop there. The clean fresh scent and the therapeutic benefits of eucalyptus essential oil can also be applied to your home, beauty routine and natural skin care.

The cosmetic world has been dipped in the “liquid gold” also known as argan oil. The antioxidant-rich oil has begun to take over the shelves of beauty supply stores, drug stores and online retailers like Amazon. With argan oil’s revitalizing and hydrating properties, it’s no wonder this ingredient has skyrocketed in popularity in many hair, skin, and nail products. If you haven’t jumped on the argan train already, now is the time to add it to your beauty routine.

After a rose sheds its petals, it’s left with a tiny “fruit” called the hip of the rose, from which Rosehip oil is extracted, and how the name rosehip originated. Next time you see a rose no longer in bloom, remember that the most healing part of the rose is still there in the hip. In contrast to the commonly known fragrance of the rose, rosehip oil gives off a woodsy scent reminiscent of timber in a forest.

Peppermint oils are cooling, refreshing essential oils utilized by aromatherapists. Capable of soothing muscular tension, calming the nasal cavity and assisting with mental focus, peppermint is a time-tested and versatile oil, which has received many accolades in recent years. Peppermint is also used to ease headaches, migraines, colon pain, chest congestion and sinus swelling. While used for skin health, peppermint is primarily an all-around solution for internal pain and digestive issues.

When you think of lemon essential oil, you’re likely to reminisce about its fresh, invigorating scent. Lemon, commonly occurring in supplements as limonene, is a safe, all-natural ingredient used to improve your mental and physical well-being. Essential oils, like limonene, are used in aromatherapy and/or topical applications. Follow all manufacturer's safety instructions to avoid any adverse reactions to the oil.

Frankincense is one of the most critically acclaimed oils in the world of essential oils. It’s obtained from several Boswellia tree species and serves as a perfume, skin purifier and even a tea component. Frankincense is popular for good reason. It’s been used effectively for over 5,000 years. Its resin, once collected, is one of the world’s most popular topical skincare ingredients. To understand why it’s so popular requires a bit of knowledge.

While you may pay attention to the foods you consume and the calories they contain, how closely do you really read the nutrition labels? Estimates show that many Americans are not consuming certain key nutrients in their diets, nutrients that have significant health benefits. Among these key nutrients that are missing from many American’s diets are medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs).