Beauty products are in a constant state of evolution – with every new update, the products keep getting better. But there are some special ingredients and recipes that have been passed down from generation to generation, occasionally re-surfacing when nothing else works. One such ingredient rooted in Ayurveda is frankincense oil.
What Is Frankincense Oil?
Now there’s a lot of misconception surrounding this oil – mainly around the fact that it’s resin. And it is, but not the kind you make jewellery and decorative frames out of. Instead, frankincense is a specific type of resin harvested from the Boswellia tree that has been used in skincare and cosmetics for thousands of years.
With a woody, spicy smell, it can be applied to the skin or taken orally as a supplement. It was mainly used in India and parts of Africa for arthritis, asthma, and digestion. Cosmetically, it has anti-inflammatory properties, reduces swelling and itching, and works to disinfect as well as tighten pores (which means it’s magical for bacterial/fungal acne). It also stimulates the growth of new cells and is, therefore, quite an ideal solution for acne scars too!
Where Do I Start?
Frankincense is usually used as an essential oil. You can mix it with a carrier oil and apply the product topically for a homemade anti-ageing face serum. You can add it to your bath for a stress-relieving shower and can even find it as an ingredient in many good shampoos and conditioners since it strengthens your hair from the root down.
More than laser therapy and beauty drips, I hold fast faith in products like these because I believe there’s a reason they’ve been passed down for generations. It’s always scary to incorporate a new product into your routine, especially an essential oil, but to make things a little easier, here are five products with frankincense oil that you can start with!
5 Frankincense Infused Products For A Beginner
The Phool Frankincense Essential Oil claims to heal acne, wrinkles, and open pores on the skin. Mix it with a few drops of a light oil like jojoba for the best effect. You can also use coconut oil, but I don’t recommend using coconut oil on acne-prone skin since it can aggravate your acne and cause bigger breakouts.
The Juicy Chemistry Tamanu, Kakadu Plum & Frankincense Organic Face Wash is one more good option to invest in – mainly to try out how your skin reacts to the ingredients. This face wash gently cleanses, works to reduce the appearance of blemishes, and has been clinically proven to increase skin radiance!
A moisturiser infused with frankincense is also a good idea if you’re hesitant to experiment with the oil. The Mirah Belle Anti Aging Frankincense & Wheatgerm Day Face Cream is infused with orchids and works to strengthen your skin and tackle signs of ageing.
The Neal’s Yard Remedies Frankincense Nourishing Cream is a little expensive, but a good face cream, especially if you’re dealing with dry skin or active acne, and need something to soothe the inflammation.
Lastly, when it comes to bath products, you can try the Kimirica Earth Balsam Frankincense Shampoo which is a gentle cleanser infused with aloe, balsam and frankincense. The shampoo smells incredible and will really transform your hair wash days, along with the texture of your hair.
I know I’m including this oil in my weekly rituals from now on!
Featured image: Unsplash
