Frankincense Oil Benefits for Skin and Health

By Essential Synergy Team — Wellness Advocates & doTERRA enthusiasts

The short answer is that frankincense essential oil is one of the most versatile oils for both skin health and overall wellness. Known as the "king of oils," frankincense has been treasured for thousands of years for its ability to support healthy-looking skin, promote feelings of relaxation, and enhance your meditation or mindfulness practices. Whether you're looking to support your skincare routine, create a calming atmosphere, or add depth to your wellness rituals, frankincense oil offers a wide range of benefits that make it a true essential in any collection. In our experience, it's the oil we recommend most often to those new to aromatherapy because of its gentle nature and incredible versatility across so many areas of daily life.

What Makes Frankincense Oil Special?

Frankincense essential oil comes from the resin of Boswellia trees, native to regions of Africa and the Middle East. The steam-distillation process captures the oil's rich, woody, slightly sweet aroma along with its beneficial compounds.

What sets frankincense apart is its balanced chemical profile. The oil contains alpha-pinene, limonene, and other naturally occurring constituents that contribute to its soothing properties. This makes it suitable for a wide range of applications—from topical use to aromatic diffusion.

Unlike some essential oils that have a single primary use, frankincense truly shines across multiple wellness categories. It's become a cornerstone in natural beauty routines, mindfulness practices, and daily wellness rituals for good reason.

Frankincense Oil Benefits for Skin

One of frankincense's most celebrated applications is in natural skincare. Here's how you can incorporate it into your beauty routine:

Supporting Healthy-Looking Skin

Frankincense oil is often added to facial serums, moisturizers, and toners to help promote the appearance of healthy, radiant skin. To use it:

1. Add 1-2 drops to your moisturizer — Mix with your favorite unscented carrier cream or facial oil
2. Create a DIY facial serum — Combine 2-3 drops frankincense with 1 tablespoon jojoba or argan oil
3. Include in your evening routine — Apply diluted frankincense oil before bed to support your skin's natural overnight renewal process
4. Mix into clay masks — Add 1 drop to your weekly face mask for an aromatic spa experience

Reducing the Appearance of Imperfections

Many people turn to frankincense to help minimize the appearance of occasional skin imperfections. The oil's properties make it a gentle option for supporting skin clarity when diluted properly with a carrier oil.

Aromatherapy Benefits Beyond the Skin

Application Method	Primary Benefit	Best Time to Use
Diffuser (3-4 drops)	Promotes feelings of peace and relaxation	Evening meditation, before bed
Topical (diluted)	Supports healthy-looking skin	Morning and evening skincare routine
Inhalation (1-2 drops in palms)	Helps center thoughts and emotions	During yoga, prayer, or reflection
Bath (2-3 drops with Epsom salts)	Full-body relaxation experience	Weekly self-care ritual

Health and Wellness Uses for Frankincense

Beyond skincare, frankincense oil offers multiple wellness benefits that can enhance your daily routine.

Emotional Balance and Grounding

Frankincense has been used in spiritual and meditation practices for millennia. Its warm, grounding aroma helps create an environment conducive to mindfulness and reflection. We often recommend diffusing frankincense during:

• Morning meditation or prayer
• Yoga practice
• Journaling sessions
• Quiet reading time
• Before sleep to establish a calming bedtime routine

The oil's centering properties make it especially helpful during times of transition or when you need to feel more grounded.

Supporting Your Wellness Routine

Many wellness enthusiasts incorporate frankincense into their daily supplement routine by taking it internally. When using a high-quality, pure essential oil like doTERRA Frankincense, you can:

• Add 1-2 drops to a veggie capsule as part of your daily wellness regimen
• Place a drop under your tongue (hold for 30 seconds before swallowing)
• Add to warm water, tea, or honey for a soothing wellness drink

Note: Only use essential oils internally that are labeled as dietary supplements. Always follow label instructions and consult a healthcare professional if you have questions.

Combining Frankincense with Other Oils

Frankincense blends beautifully with many other essential oils. For a comprehensive guide on pairing and usage, check out our detailed Frankincense Oil Benefits and Uses Guide. Some favorite combinations include:

• Frankincense + Lavender — Ultimate relaxation blend for diffusing before bed
• Frankincense + Wild Orange — Uplifting yet grounding aroma for morning routines
• Frankincense + Myrrh — Traditional pairing for meditation and spiritual practices
• Frankincense + Geranium — Beautiful addition to skincare formulations

How to Get Started with Frankincense Oil

If you're new to frankincense, here's a simple approach to begin experiencing its benefits:

1. Start with aromatic use — Diffuse 3-4 drops in the evening to become familiar with the aroma
2. Add to your skincare — Mix 1 drop with your nighttime moisturizer for a week
3. Incorporate into meditation — Place a drop in your palms, rub together, and inhale deeply before your practice
4. Experiment with blends — Try combining frankincense with complementary oils like lavender or wild orange
5. Consider a kit — The Home Essentials Enrollment Kit includes frankincense along with other foundational oils

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I apply frankincense oil directly to my skin? Always dilute frankincense essential oil with a carrier oil (like fractionated coconut oil, jojoba, or sweet almond oil) before topical application. A safe dilution is typically 1-2 drops of essential oil per teaspoon of carrier oil for adults. For facial use, you can add 1-2 drops to your existing unscented moisturizer.

How often should I use frankincense oil in my skincare routine? You can use frankincense daily in your skincare routine, both morning and evening. Start with once-daily application to see how your skin responds, then adjust based on your individual needs and preferences.

What's the shelf life of frankincense essential oil? When stored properly in a cool, dark place with the cap tightly sealed, frankincense essential oil can maintain its quality for several years. The oil may thicken over time, which is normal—you can warm the bottle gently in your hands to restore flow.

Can frankincense oil help with the appearance of aging skin? Many people incorporate frankincense into their anti-aging skincare routines to help support the appearance of healthy, youthful-looking skin. While we can't make specific age-reversal claims, frankincense is valued for promoting the appearance of skin smoothness and radiance when used consistently.

Is frankincense safe to use during pregnancy? Pregnant or nursing women should consult with their healthcare provider before using any essential oils, including frankincense. While generally considered gentle, individual circumstances vary and professional guidance is important.

What makes doTERRA frankincense different from other brands? doTERRA sources frankincense from Boswellia trees in Somalia and uses careful steam distillation to preserve the oil's beneficial compounds. Each batch undergoes rigorous third-party testing to ensure purity and potency, with results available through the Source to You program.

Conclusion

Frankincense essential oil truly deserves its reputation as a foundational wellness oil. From supporting beautiful-looking skin to creating peaceful moments of reflection, this ancient oil continues to prove its value in modern wellness routines. Whether you're just beginning your essential oil journey or expanding your collection, frankincense is an investment in versatile, daily wellness support.

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