Can helichrysum essential oil help improve skin?
MS in Aromatherapy, Registered Aromatherapist, LMT, Professional AIA and NAHA Member
Can helichrysum essential oil help improve skin?
Helichrysum bloom extracts have long been used topically for a variety of skin issues. Today, many commercial products are available that contain this plant, beneficial for its skin regenerative properties and characteristic scent (1). Several modern scientific studies have shown helichrysum to have antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and skin improving properties (1,2).
Here are a few studies showing that helichrysum may help with a variety of skin conditions.
A few significant in vitro and in vivo studies have been conducted. There has been some evidence to show that helichrysum extracts may improve skin wound healing (3,4). Components of the essential oil also showed activity to improve collagen and elastin in skin (5).
In a small study with reconstructive surgery patients, helichrysum combined with musk rose oil was applied topically to the affected area. It helped reduce inflammation, edema, bruising, and pain (6). More research is needed.
Helichrysum Essential Oil Skin Serum Recipe
Combined with a few other natural ingredients, this recipe can help bring a healthy glow to your skin! As discussed above, helichrysum has been used in skin products for its regenerative effects. The base oil, jojoba, absorbs into the skin without being greasy. Vitamin E has shown to have antioxidant activities beneficial to skin.
Sea buckthorn is added as a favorite for the skin related to its carotene content. Orange in color, it helps to give the skin a glowing hue.
Helichrysum Skin Serum Ingredients:
- 2 ounces of jojoba carrier oil
- ¼ ounce of sea buckthorn carrier oil
- 2 single drops of vitamin E oil
- 10 single drops of helichrysum essential oil
Instructions: Combine all 4 ingredients together in a small glass bottle with a dropper. Apply a pea sized amount onto the skin. A small amount goes a long way!
With its orange pigment, this serum could cause stains on clothing. For those with sensitive skin, do a skin patch test on the inner arm before applying onto the face.
Helichrysum and Cognition
Another benefit of helichrysum essential oil is its uplifting aroma. It is complexly spicy, herbal, floral, and warm. One small study showed that people who inhaled a blend of peppermint, basil, and helichrysum essential oils had reduced levels of cognitive fatigue (7). More research is warranted.
For an aromatic pick up, try sprinkling a few drops of helichrysum essential oil onto fresh cut sprigs of rosemary, and placing the bundle in a small vase.
References
- Ninčević, T., Grdiša, M., Šatović, Z., & Jug-Dujaković, M. (2019). Helichrysum italicum (Roth) G. Don: Taxonomy, biological activity, biochemical and genetic diversity. Industrial Crops and Products, 138, 111487. Link: http://biodiv.iptpo.hr/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/Nincevic_2019_IndCrop.pdf
- Viegas, D. A., Palmeira-de-Oliveira, A., Salgueiro, L., Martinez-de-Oliveira, J., & Palmeira-de-Oliveira, R. (2014). Helichrysum italicum: From traditional use to scientific data. Journal of ethnopharmacology, 151(1), 54-65. Link: https://estudogeral.uc.pt/bitstream/10316/27162/1/Helichrysum%20italicum%20From%20traditional%20use%20to%20scientific%20data.pdf
- Grčić, N., Esch, S., Hensel, A., & Dias, A. C. P. (2017). Assessment of Helichrysum sp. extracts on in vitro keratinocyte proliferation and differentiation: potential use of plants for improved wound healing. Zeitschrift für Phytotherapie, 38(S 01), P07. Link: https://www.thieme-connect.com/products/ejournals/html/10.1055/s-0037-1607159
- Han, X., Beaumont, C., & Stevens, N. (2017). Chemical composition analysis and in vitro biological activities of ten essential oils in human skin cells. Biochimie Open, 5, 1-7. Link: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2214008517300123
- Fraternale, D., Flamini, G., & Ascrizzi, R. (2019). In Vitro Anticollagenase and Antielastase Activities of Essential Oil of Helichrysum italicum subsp. italicum (Roth) G. Don. Journal of medicinal food. Link: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/31199702
- Voinchet, V., & Giraud-Robert, A. M. (2007). Utilisation de l’huile essentielle d’hélichryse italienne et de l’huile végétale de rose musquée après intervention de chirurgie plastique réparatrice et esthétique. Phytothérapie, 5(2), 67-72. Link: http://www.drgiraudannemarie.fr/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/HE-dhélichryse-et-Rose-musquée-1.pdf
- Varney, E., & Buckle, J. (2013). Effect of inhaled essential oils on mental exhaustion and moderate burnout: a small pilot study. The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, 19(1), 69-71. Link: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23140115
For more research about helichrysum, please visit: https://www.earthtokathy.com/helichrysum-helichrysum-angustifolium-research/
The information at this page is not intended to diagnose, treat, or prevent disease. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. With medical conditions, consult a Doctor before using herbs and essential oils.
