Applications of Essential Oils and Aromatherapy in the Field of Dermocosmetics

Aromatherapy and essential oils, with a history of 6,000 years, have been used for improving physical appearance and preventing diseases. Essential oils possess antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, making them useful in treating bacterial, fungal, and viral infections, pain, burns, cancer, wound healing, migraines, anxiety, depression, and insomnia. Recently, they have gained prominence in dermocosmetics for preventing hyperpigmentation, reducing aging signs, maintaining skin elasticity and moisture, and treating acne. Green tea, immortelle, thyme, and rosemary oils are used for their moisturizing properties in skincare. Tea tree, lemongrass, thyme, and lavender oils are used for acne due to their antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory effects. Sage, woundwort, and lavender oils are used for hyperpigmentation due to their antityrosinase effects. Thyme oil is used for skin aging due to its antioxidant properties and inhibition of collagenase, elastase, and hyaluronidase. Essential oils also serve as natural preservatives in cosmetics due to their antimicrobial properties.