Essential Oils for Wrinkles: Firm, Hydrate, and Smooth Skin Naturally

By: Linda Robison / Facial Fitness Specialist.

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If you’re like me, you’ve probably noticed your skin doesn’t bounce back the way it used to — especially around the eyes and mouth. Fine lines seem to show up faster, and dryness can make everything look more creased than it really is.

I’ve found that essential oils, when used correctly, can make a noticeable difference in how my skin looks and feels. They help my skin look more hydrated, smoother, and yes — more glowy — without heavy creams or harsh ingredients.

I LOVE that dewy, glowy look my face has when I use essential oils in my routine — especially how they help soften the look of fine lines around my eyes.

In this guide, I’ll walk you through the essential oils I personally use and how I work them into my everyday routine at home.

Sometimes that’s a few drops in a sugar scrub, using them as part of my face oil routine, or pairing them with a gentle at-home face lift massage, depending on what my skin needs that day.

What are essential oils—and how do they help reduce wrinkles?

Essential oils are concentrated plant extracts that I use to help my skin feel more hydrated and look smoother over time.

When used correctly, they support a healthier-looking complexion and can help soften the look of fine lines—especially when skin feels dry or tired.

ABZ Tip: Looking for gentle wildcrafted daily hydrating facial oils that boost glow and won’t clog pores? These are different from concentrated essential oils, which are used in small amounts to target wrinkles and elasticity. Check out my clean beauty face oil picks here.

How do essential oils tighten skin and smooth wrinkles?

I like using oils like frankincense and neroli to help skin look a little firmer and more refreshed. As skin changes over time, these oils support a smoother appearance and help skin feel more resilient.

They’re also naturally rich in antioxidants, which help protect skin from everyday stress and keep it looking soft and healthy.

Which essential oils are best for aging skin—and why?

Here’s why I keep reaching for certain essential oils in my routine:

• Calm and comfort – Oils like chamomile and rose help skin look less irritated or puffy.
• Boost moisture – Sandalwood and rose help skin feel softer and more hydrated.
• Support elasticity – Frankincense and neroli help skin look firmer over time.

How to use essential oils safely on your face (step-by-step)

Essential oils are potent, so I always dilute them before using them on my face. A simple rule I follow is about 6 drops of essential oil per 1 ounce of carrier oil.

It’s gentle, effective, and helps avoid irritation—especially around the eyes.

Which carrier oils should you use with anti-aging essential oils?

Carrier oils help dilute essential oils and provide extra benefits. Some of the best carrier oils for facial wrinkles include:

• Jojoba Oil: Mimics the skin's natural oils and is easily absorbed.
• Argan Oil: Rich in antioxidants and essential fatty acids.
• Rosehip Oil: Known for its anti-aging properties and high vitamin A content.

If you’re brand new to oils in general and want to see how I actually layer them with cleansers, scrubs, and sunscreen, you can peek at my face oil routine for softer, glowing skin.

That’s where I walk through when I use facial oils, how many drops I use, and how I keep things from feeling greasy.

My daily essential oil routine for smoother, firmer skin

How to Incorporate into Your Routine

This is how I usually work essential oils into my routine.

Daily Treatments

• Morning: Cleanse your face, apply a toner, and then use a light essential oil blend followed by sunscreen.
• Evening: Cleanse your face, apply a toner, and then use a more nourishing essential oil blend. 

ABZ Tip: If your skin is sensitive try a homemade soap free face wash.

Weekly Treatments

• Face Masks: Use DIY face masks with essential oils once a week for deep hydration.
• Exfoliation: Gently exfoliate your skin with a sugar scrub that includes essential oils. This is my favorite weekly routine!!

Seasonal Adjustments

Adjust your essential oil blends based on the season. For example, use more hydrating oils in the winter and lighter oils in the summer.

Now let's try some recipes listed below:

DIY essential oil recipes for glowing, wrinkle-free skin

Anti-Aging Face Serum

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons of jojoba oil
• 5 drops of frankincense oil
• 5 drops of rosehip oil
• 3 drops of lavender oil

Instructions:

1. Mix all the ingredients in a small glass bottle.
2. Apply a few drops to your face and neck every night before bed.

Acne-Fighting Face Mask

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon of honey
• 1 teaspoon of tea tree oil
• 1 teaspoon of chamomile oil

Instructions:

1. Mix all the ingredients in a bowl.
2. Apply to your face and leave on for 15-20 minutes.
3. Rinse off with warm water.

Hydrating Body Oil

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup of coconut oil
• 10 drops of ylang ylang oil
• 10 drops of sandalwood oil

Instructions:

1. Mix all the ingredients in a glass jar.
2. Apply to your body after showering for soft, hydrated skin.

Top 6 essential oils for wrinkles—and how each one helps

Frankincense Essential Oil

Best for wrinkles and aging skin. It helps to:

• Reduce the Appearance of Wrinkles: Helps skin look smoother.
• Improve Skin Elasticity: Help mature skin look firmer and more youthful.
• Even Skin Tone: Reducing the appearance of dark spots and scars.

Rose Essential Oil

Great for mature skin because it:

• Hydrates: Keeps the skin moisturized and plump.
• Contains Antioxidants: Protects the skin from free radical damage.
• Soothes: Reduces redness and inflammation.

Clary Sage Essential Oil

Is effective for aging skin:

• Regenerates Skin Cells: Promoting a youthful appearance.
• Balances Oil Production: Preventing both dryness and excess oil.
• Reduces Inflammation: Calming irritated skin.

Lemon Essential Oil

One of my favorite summertime routines!! It gives a refreshing lift to the skin. It can also:

• Brightens the Skin: Reducing the appearance of dark spots.
• Exfoliates: Removing dead skin cells for a smoother texture.
• Tightens Pores: Giving the skin a firmer look.

Neroli Essential Oil

This is excellent for sensitive skin and fine lines. It can:

• Reduces Fine Lines: By promoting cell regeneration.
• Improves Elasticity: Making the skin more resilient.
• Calms the Skin: Reducing redness and irritation.

Sandalwood Essential Oil

Sandalwood is known for its soothing properties. It:

• Moisturizes Deeply: Keeping the skin hydrated.
• Reduces Wrinkles: By promoting cell regeneration.
• Calms Inflammation: Making it ideal for sensitive skin.

Are essential oils safe? Tips, warnings, and how to store them

Contraindications
Some essential oils may not be suitable for everyone. For example, lemon oil can make the skin more sensitive to sunlight, so it's best used at night. Always consult with a healthcare provider if you have any concerns.

Storage Tips
Essential oils should be stored in dark, glass bottles away from direct sunlight and heat to keep them effective. 

Frequently asked questions about essential oils and wrinkles

Takeaway:

Essential oils are one of the easiest, most affordable ways to support aging skin—naturally. Whether you're adding a few drops to your moisturizer or making your own custom serum, these little bottles can make a big difference.

Want more glow-boosting tricks that actually work? Check out my other natural beauty guides or subscribe to the ABZ newsletter for more tips like this!

Remember, healthy skin with fewer wrinkles is a comprehensive approach. It involves a good diet, regular face massages, sun protection, and DIY beauty hacks for youthful, glowing skin.

Sources:

The Best Essential Oils for Your Skin 
The Ultimate Guide to Essential Oils for Skin Care 
10 Best Essential Oils for Skin
The 8 Best Essential Oils for the Face 

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