You may know the minty, fresh aroma of peppermint oil due to its extensive use in aromatherapy. But there's so much more to this magical multipurpose oil. For one, it has numerous benefits when it comes to skincare. Read on to find out more. 

Table of Contents

• Can I Apply Peppermint Oil Directly to the Skin?
• What Are the Benefits of Peppermint Oil for Skincare?
• It Can Do Wonders for Acne
• Relieves Itchy Skin
• Removes Dead Skin Cells
• Hello Soft Lips
• For Scalp Health
• To Heal Sunburns
• What Are the Other Uses of Peppermint Oil?
• What Are the Side Effects of Peppermint Oil?
• Wrapping it Up

Can I Apply Peppermint Oil Directly to the Skin?

No, you should never apply peppermint essential oil, or any other oil for that matter, directly to your skin, as it can cause skin burns and sensitization. Always ensure that you dilute the essential oil properly in a carrier oil, such as olive oil or coconut oil. You can then apply it safely on your skin. 

What Are the Benefits of Peppermint Oil for Skincare?

Peppermint essential oil can benefit your skin in several ways: 

It Can Do Wonders for Acne

Peppermint oil works exceptionally well to treat acne and eliminate bacteria responsible for acne, due to its antiseptic and antibacterial properties. It can be used on its own or in combination with another essential oil that can help fight acne, such as eucalyptus oil.

If you have oily or acne-prone skin, you can also prepare a clay mask and add to it a few drops of peppermint oil (properly diluted in a carrier oil) and apply it all over your face. Wash it after 15 mins. Use at least once a week for best results. 

Relieves Itchy Skin

The main active ingredient in peppermint oil is menthol, which has cooling properties and can help relieve itchy skin on your face and body. Use 2-3 drops of this essential oil, mixed with coconut oil, to gently massage the affected area. 

An alternative way to use it would be to mix 10 to 20 drops (diluted in a carrier oil) with a 50 ml mixture of water and apple cider vinegar in equal parts. Spritz this mixture on your face whenever your skin feels itchy or irritated, making sure to avoid your eyes.  

Removes Dead Skin Cells

You can use peppermint oil to make a DIY scrub. All you need is some brown sugar, a few drops of olive oil, and 2 drops of peppermint oil. Do a patch test on your arm, just to test how rough it feels on your skin, and make sure that you scrub your face gently to avoid irritation. 

Hello Soft Lips

Peppermint oil also has nourishing properties, which is why it is a start ingredient in many lip balms. You can also, of course, use 100% pure peppermint oil to make a homemade lip balm. 

All you need is equal quantities of coconut oil, beeswax, and shea butter. Melt the solid ingredients together and allow the mixture to cool down. Add a few drops of peppermint oil right before it congeals and move to a metal container. That's it, you now have your DIY moisturizing lip balm!

For Scalp Health

Peppermint oil stimulates blood circulation to the scalp, leading to improved hair health. It may also help boost hair growth and improve overall hair quality. Additionally, it has anti-inflammatory properties and it works well to treat dandruff and other scalp conditions. 

Add 2 to 3 drops of peppermint oil to your regular hair oil and massage it on your scalp for 5 to 10 minutes. Let it sit for at least an hour and then shampoo and rinse with cold (or lukewarm) water. Over time, you may see a significant difference in your hair growth and overall hair quality. 

To Heal Sunburns

Due to its anti-inflammatory and cooling properties, peppermint oil can be effective in healing sunburns. You can use a generous amount of aloe vera gel and add a few drops of peppermint oil (properly diluted in a carrier oil) to it. Massage it gently onto the sunburns to relieve inflammation and heal them faster.

What Are the Other Uses of Peppermint Oil?

Peppermint (Mentha piperita) is a multipurpose medicinal herb and is a popular traditional remedy for many conditions. 

Peppermint oil, in particular, produces a cooling sensation and can calm pruritus and help treat other skin conditions. It is also beneficial in relieving tension headache and sore throat, due to the menthol in its composition. For tension headaches, it is best applied topically every 30 minutes. 

Peppermint oil can also help treat nausea and vomiting and was even shown to be useful in treating post-operative nausea. 

One of the simplest ways to use this oil is by adding a few drops to your diffuser. Alternatively, you can put one drop in your palm, cup your hands around your nose and inhale. 

What Are the Side Effects of Peppermint Oil?

Some of the common side effects of peppermint oil are allergic reactions, skin irritation, rashes, mouth ulcers and heartburn, the majority of which can be avoided if the oil is properly diluted for topical applications and if a patch test is performed before the first application. 

Wrapping it Up

Now that you know all the wonders peppermint oil can do for your skin, I want to recommend you my favorite one: 

WOW Peppermint Essential Oil

I love WOW Peppermint Essential Oil because it is 100% pure and has a powerful fresh, minty aroma. It has intense cooling and refreshing properties, which makes it perfect to use on the skin. It delivers numerous health benefits due to its analgesic, antiseptic, antispasmodic, astringent, decongestant, and stimulant properties.