Anti-wrinkle power of “Immortelle” essential oil
While strolling around the farmers market in the city of Zagreb (Croatia) last month, I came across a cute little artisan shop. It displayed a variety of adorable vase arrangements with tiny yellow dried flowers. The arrangements looked so pretty and delicate, they reminded me of strawflower arrangements I grew up seeing in Europe and the Middle East. I asked the owner for the name of this flower. “Smilja” – pronounced as Smilya – she said. Then, she went on to tell me that this flower is harvested to produce Immortelle essential oil. The oil is used in anti-wrinkle creams and lotions. Until that moment, little did I know that this tiny flower holds the secret to a healing essential oil called Immortelle, which translates to “Everlasting”.
Immortelle “Helichrysum” essential oil
I was very curious to learn more about this Smilja flower after my brief encounter with the owner of the shop. That evening, upon returning to the hotel room, I logged on to my computer and Googled Smilja. Lo and behold, there were numerous recent articles and news describing the benefits of Immortelle oil, derived from Smilja or Helichrysum flower.
Immortelle (Helichrysum italicum) is yellow flower that grows in sunny, dry and rocky areas around the Mediterranean. It’s called Immortelle because it blossoms in hot areas without water, where only rare plants can survive.
This oil is used for medicinal and cosmetic purposes. It has so many useful anti-inflammatory and healing properties, and is a wonderful oil for anti-aging, and to treat wrinkles, acne scars and redness. Apparently, it is one of the most expensive essential oils in the world, with a staggering price as high as $2,000 US per litre. The reason for this exorbitant price is the fact that it takes about 1 ton of Smilja flowers to make a kilogram of this essential oil.
Demand for Immortelle essential oil is expected to witness “exponential” growth by 2028, based on industry report. Research studies continue to support the healing benefits for skin, body and even mind. As a result, Immortelle is becoming increasingly crucial in pharmaceutical products, Aromatherapy, Skin care products and even food. This explains the oil’s potential growth in the production and use.
Ancient use of Immortelle
The name Helichrysum is derived from two Greek words: helios meaning sun, and chrysos meaning gold, referring to its numerous clusters of tiny yellow flowers. In Ancient Greece, people presented the dried flowers as an offering to the gods. As well, people in Medieval Europe used the flowers as potpourri. In addition, it is used as a flavour added ingredient in sauces in various cultural cuisines around the Mediterranean.
Skin benefits of Immortelle essential oil
According to published editorials on sites such as Medical News Today, Immortelle essential oil contains anti-microbial, anti-biotic and a regenerative blend that boosts skin cell growth and regeneration. It also helps speed up healing of wounds, burns, rashes and reduces scarring.
It is a key ingredient in many cosmetics skincare products. Apparently, it boosts the production of natural skin collagen that reduces the appearance of wrinkles. But that’s not all, there are a number of reasons why Immortelle essential oil is beneficial for the skin like:
- Smoothing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles
- Immortelle essential oil evens out skin tone
- It restores sun damaged skin and helps block UV rays.
- Diminishing under-eye bags
- It also clears up scars and spots
- Soothing sore muscles, cramps, and severe abdominal pain
- Soothing and diminishes rashes caused by allergies
- It is an emergency aid for cuts, sprains, burns and bruises
- Reducing the symptoms of eczema and psoriasis
How I use it
Once I realized the skin benefits of this wonderful oil, I had to buy it while visiting Croatia because I didn’t know if it was available in North America. My hunt for Immortelle essential oil came to an end at Dubrovnik airport Duty Free! I was so excited to find it.
I started using Immortelle essential oil as soon as I got back home by applying a tiny amount on problem spots on my face, specifically around the nose, forehead and corners of the eyes. Sometimes I blend a drop of this oil with a portion of day or night cream for that added benefit. Apparently, to gain the best results when using essential oils, you should mix it with a carrier oil such as Coconut oil or Almond oil, or blend it in with face cream. I noticed my skin felt softer, smoother and less irritated. This was an important test for my hyper sensitive skin. Plus, I love the nutty citrus smell of Immortelle essential oil. And even though I use it primarily on my face, you can use it as an aromatherapy oil.
Risks
We all react differently to skin oils and creams. Therefore, you should always test new essential oils on a patch of skin to make sure it doesn’t cause irritation.
According to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Immortelle “Helichrysum” essential oil is “generally recognized as safe.” However, please use caution when applying it on your skin.
Where to buy Immortelle essential oil
Great news! You don’t have to fly across the Atlantic ocean to find it. It’s available here in Canada and the USA and you can order it online. That being said, I still recommend traveling to Croatia. After all, traveling is remarkably good for your health and mind.
If you are a fan of everything natural like me, I suggest you try Immortelle essential oil. The exciting part is you can order it on Amazon. Here’s the list of 3 products with good reviews and reasonable prices.
Helichrysum “Immortelle” oil by Essential Oil Labs comes at an affordable price and has 4.4 Star reviews.
Helichrysum With Peridot is by Au Natural Organics. The price is mid range with 5 Star reviews. Click on the image to learn more about it.
This is Amazon’s Choice product. I actually like this one because it contains Rose Water, another skin soothing element to use for toning your skin. It is by Puressentials with 5 Star ratings. I am definitely adding this one to my list. For more info, click on the image.
Summary: Immortelle essential oil has been used for centuries in Europe to heal wounds, scars and burns. The price of 1 litre of Immortelle essential oil can go as high as $2000 US and is considered one of the most expensive oils in the world. It is applauded for its unique regenerative and protective benefits in skin care, and anti-inflammatory properties. Reports reveal a growing demand for Immortelle essential oil in pharmaceutical and skin care industries.
4 comments
I love fragrance of essential oil that’s why this post is touched my heart. I love this post and want o say thank you for putting your efforts. I appreciate your Hard work. I use essential oil personally and feel happy to reading in this article.
I love all the healing benefits plants have to offer! I’m an essential oil addict and use a blend by doTerra called Immortelle. It has helichrysum in it as well as other amazing oils for the skin. #thankyoumothernature
I am fan of essential oils and I love using them. This is first time I am hearing of Helichrysum essential oil. Good that it is available in USA. I am going to try this soon. Thanks for sharing .
Heena
Glad you hear that. Please let me know what you think of it. I personally love it 🙂