It has a lot of essential oils. But unlike the world’s tea trees, lavender, and peppermints that get a lot of attention in the skincare space, cypress oil flies a little under the radar. But it shouldn’t! The ingredient has been well studied and shown to have a number of proven topical benefits, especially for oily or acne-prone skin.
What is cypress oil?
Cypress oil is a highly concentrated essential oil obtained by steam distillation from the stems, parts and leaves of the cypress tree, an evergreen plant primarily found in the Mediterranean. It’s essential to keep in mind that this is an essential oil, a powerful herbal extract, and not the classic skin care oil you might think of. (like coconut or jojoba). In short, this means that you never want to put cypress oil, or any other essential oil for that matter, directly on your skin. It should always be diluted with a carrier oil such as coconut or jojoba or mixed into another skin care product.
Cypress oil benefits for the skin
Cypress oil is antimicrobial, meaning it can help slow the spread of bacteria, viruses and fungi. It is this essential property, particularly the antibacterial part, that makes it potentially useful in striving with acne.
Has Antiviral Properties: A 2015 review found that cypress oil works effectively against viruses, namely the herpes simplex virus that causes herpes. It can also help deal with warts caused by human papillomavirus or HPV.
Astringent: In addition to being a great choice for those with acne-prone skin, cypress oil is also an astringent, meaning it can be used to draw out excess oil and narrow the skin, thereby minimizing the appearance of pores obvious. As an added benefit, cypress oil is gentler on sensitive skin than witch hazel. (Witch hazelnut is one of the most common and well-known astringent.)
Reduces muscle pain: Cypress oil is considered an antispasmodic, as it can help reduce muscle pain and cramps and stimulate circulation. It clarifies why it is widely used during massage therapy. Cypress oil is often claimed to be an effective essential oil to aid effort with cellulite (this goes back to the oil’s circulating ability), but there are no studies proving these effects.
Side effects of cypress oil
Since cypress oil is an astringent, it can cause dryness and irritation, especially if you have sensitive skin. It can also cause redness and a burning sensation. A true allergy to cypress oil is also possible, so both experts recommend doing a DIY patch test before using the essential oil on your entire face or body.
Apply a small measure (diluted, a little more) to your inner forearm and watch for 24 hours. If your skin erupts with hives, or if it itches or burns, discontinue use immediately. Now you know how powerful cypress oil is, so first of all, be careful to use it real, reducing the possibility of unwanted side effects.
So how to use?
Cypress oil is an essential oil, do not use it, do not apply it directly to the skin. If you’re trying to reap the opposite benefits from acne, try mixing a drop or two with some of your skincare products. When combined with a mask, it provides an excellent spot treatment. It’s also a good way to mix it with a moisturizer that contains hydrating and soothing ingredients (omega 3 fatty acids and ceramides are two of the best choices).
A way to help offset the potentially drying side effects of cypress oil and defend the skin barrier in the process. Also, it’s a good idea to pair it with a product containing hyaluronic acid. Hyaluronic acid is a humectant that can help balance some of this dryness in the oil by drawing moisture back into the skin. It can keep the skin plump and bright. Cypress oil fights acne and bacteria.
To use for muscle-soothing purposes, you can dilute it with a plant-based carrier oil such as jojoba or avocado to create your own massage oil. (Again, you only need a drop or two, as with cypress oil a little goes a long way.)
A few other valuable points: Essential oils don’t work well with water-based products – think lighter serums or lotions – may cause the mixture to separate. In addition, it should not be mixed with other products that stimulate circulation or swallowed. At the end of the day, as long as you use it properly, cypress oil can be an excellent essential oil to work in your skincare routine, especially if you’re dealing with blemishes and/or a lot of oil.