Peppermint Oil Benefits for Healthy Skin and Hair

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What is Peppermint Oil?

Peppermint or Mentha Piperita is an aromatic herb natively growing in Europe. The Plant was first classified by Linnaeus in 1753, as part of the Lamiaceae family. Family members include the equally aromatic Lavender and Rosemary known for their therapeutic properties. Peppermint is a hybrid of watermint and spearmint and is characterized by it’s green to purple lance-shaped leaves.

Extracted from the leaves and soft stems by steam, Peppermint oil is usually is a pale yellow color, containing a variety of minerals and useful organic properties such as:

  • Omega-3 fatty acids
  • Iron
  • Magnesium
  • Calcium
  • Vitamin A & C
  • Potassium
  • Manganese
  • Copper
  • Menthol

Menthol is the property for which peppermint is best known and is an organic compound containing Limone, Acetate, menthone, and methyl esters. These act as a natural cooling and cleansing agent and thus make peppermint a natural anti-bacterial/-viral/-fungal, anesthetic, anti-spasmodic, and anti-inflammatory. All these lead to peppermint being used by ancient civilizations for various medicinal purposes as well as natural beautification.

Top 10 Beauty Advantages of Peppermint Oil

1. Acne

Peppermint oil is an excellent natural and gentle alternative to using for acne treatment. Peppermint helps to lower 5 Alpha-reductase productions, the testosterone responsible for the oil build up that causes acne. It also helps to promote blood flow to oil production glands, which assist in a smooth flow of oil over the skin. Cooling properties inherent to peppermint oil also help open pores while anti-bacterial properties stop potential infections. Anti-inflammatory benefits mean that the unsightly swelling and redness of acne will also lessen.

Peppermint oil face scrubs are effective at gently removing dead skin, brightening skin tone, and improving circulation. Using in combination with a high-fat natural moisturizer such as olive/coconut/avocado oil ensures the skin will refresh while in this receptive state.

A Pantry Peppermint Face Scrub:

Ingredients:

  • 4 drops peppermint oil
  • 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
  • 3 tsp table salt

Instructions:

  • Mix ingredients in a bowl.
  • Apply to face in circular motions.
  • Exfoliate the whole face.
  • Tinse with room temperature water.

Brightening Toner and Daily Freshener:

Ingredients:

  • One spritzer bottle
  • ¾ bottle of mineral water
  • ¼ bottle Apple Cider vinegar
  • 30 drops peppermint oil

Instructions:

  • Mix ingredients in a spritzer bottle.
  • Use as an after cleansing toner or keep on hand for a refreshing body mist.

2. Dry Scalp

The astringent properties of peppermint oil make it an effective treatment for dry and itchy scalps. Which means that the oil production glands will receive better blood flow and therefore regulate the flow of oil over the scalp to normalize any irregularities. Normalizing sebum secretion is essential in nourishing dry, damaged skin on the scalp. Menthol also aids to create a tingling cooling sensation on the head, which limits the need to scratch, which in turn eliminate the embarrassing risk of visible dandruff.

3. Hair Growth

Peppermint oil is lipophilic in its ability to penetrate the scalp surface and reach the hair follicles with its multitude of effects. The increased circulation gained from peppermint oil assists in nourishing the hair follicles and surrounding oil glands. When the scalps oil glands are functioning with sufficient oil flow, the hair roots are nourished and grow stronger and smoother. More follicles are becoming nourished means an increased rate of hair growth as well as less chance of thinning.

Super Scalp Moisturizer:

Ingredients:

  • 1 drop peppermint oil
  • 1 drop jasmine/basil/lavender/bergamot
  • 8 drops carrier oil
  • e.g., almond, olive, avocado, coconut

Instructions:

  • Mix oils together in the same ratio in the required amount.
  • Apply and wrap hair for 30 minutes.
  • Rinse with lukewarm water and towel dry.

This same mixture can be applied to dry and cracked cuticles to encourage healthy nails.

4. Teething

Peppermint oil has been used to help many an irritable toddler over the centuries due to the numbing, tingling and cooling effects of topical applications. This oil can provide natural pain relief to the gums while new teeth cut as well as the anti-inflammatory properties reducing swelling. Another common concern among parents with teething toddlers is the protection and health of these new teeth at these young ages. Mix Peppermint oil in a 1:1 ration with coconut oil for topical application directly to the child’s gums, which can be massaged into the gums by the parent with her little finger. Peppermint oil can also help to prevent early cavities in milk teeth. One must note that infants can react badly to peppermint oil, and one should consult their doctor before giving it to a child in any form.

5. Herpes Simplex Virus

Recent testing on peppermint oils effects on the Herpes simplex virus, especially the drug-resistant strain. Scientific testing proved that a Herpes sample showed an anti-viral activity measured at 99% after 3 hours of incubation with peppermint oil. Which is thought to be due to the anti-viral, anti-inflammatory and cooling benefits of peppermint oil as well it’s lipophilic ability making useful for topical applications. Many topical cold sore medications and balms contain peppermint oil as its skin brightening properties also reduce the public visibility of cold sores, which is the most common form of the virus.

6. Eczema & Psoriasis

For dry and itchy skin or more severe cases such as eczema and psoriasis, peppermint oil also proves to be a useful and gently natural remedy. Peppermint oil’s anti-inflammatory and cooling properties help soothe itchy skin while the more profound lying benefits of increased circulation regulate the skins oil flow. Which means the skin can heal and reduces dry flakey skin at a surface level.

Anti-Itch Oil:

Ingredients:

  • 1 tbsp Moringa oil
  • 5-7 drops peppermint oil
  • 5-7 drops sandalwood oil

Instructions:

  • Mix ingredients in a bowl.
  • Apply to the affected area.

7. Lice

Another of peppermint oil’s natural characteristics is that of a pesticide, which has led to it being used widely for lice treatments in various methods. The cooling effects of peppermint oil additionally aid in calming the scalp, reducing scratching and promote healing of the scalp.

Emergency Lice Treatment:

Ingredients:

  • 2 tbsp shampoo
  • 15 drops peppermint oil
  • 1 tsp neem oil

*Neem oil contains the active ingredient azadirachtin which prevents multiplication.

Instructions:

  • Mix in a bowl.
  • Apply evenly through hair.
  • Cover hair with a shower cap and leave for 10 minutes.
  • Remove cap, wash hair, towel dry and comb with a fine tooth comb.

8. Burns

Due to peppermint oil’s menthol percentage of more than 40%, it works immediately to reduce inflammation and cool the area. Mix 20 drops of peppermint oil for 100 ml of mineral in a spray bottle to make an instant relief spray for an oven and steam burns, oil burns, and scalds.

9. Sunburn

Sunburnt skin can also benefit from the calming nature of peppermint oil. Peppermint oil naturally reduces redness, swelling, and warmth associated with sunburn. Mixing 1 part peppermint oil and one part coconut oil and applying the salve to the sunburnt areas makes a nourishing and hydrating aftersun lotion.

10. Lips

Due to peppermint oils circulatory benefits, it can be used to treat chapped lips. The anti-bacterial and anti-microbial properties mean it has been a favorite for lip treatments against fever blisters and cracked lips for ages. These same properties ensure any open cracks stay free from infection. The increased circulation that comes from peppermint oil can have a plumping effect on lips, which has recently become popular.

Natural Lip Plumping Scrub:

Ingredients:

  • 2 tsp sugar
  • ½ tsp Himalayan/ Sea salt
  • 1 tsp coconut oil (or other carriers)
  • ¼ tsp raw honey
  • Five drops peppermints oil

Instructions:

  • Mix in a bowl.
  • Spoon mixture into an airtight container.
  • Exfoliate by applying with a finger and rubbing lips together.
  • Wipe off excess with a wet wipe and massage residual oils into your lips.

Carrier Oils

In many of the recipes discussed above a carrier oil is mentioned, most commonly olive or coconut oil. These oils are natural carrier oils which are oils used as a base to dilute more concentrated essential oils, like peppermint. Specific recipes will call for different dilution ration, yet a general rule of thumb is for every 1 part essential oil one should mix four parts carrier. Which ensures the oils are not overwhelming to the body by burning, itching, or irritating the applied area. There are many alternatives to olive and coconut oil as carriers such as jojoba, almond, avocado, and grape seed oil.

It is advised to look into the recommended dilution ration of any essential oil you are working with, especially when applying to children, the elderly, those with kidney or liver disease and pets.

For Healthy Skin and Hair use Peppermint Oil

We can see that peppermint oil is a useful tool for anyone facing hair or skin issues as well as provide direct and instant solutions to everyday problems such as burns and fever blisters. However, the dilution ratios must always be appropriate to usage and patient specifications to avoid a painful or uncomfortable encounter.