Eficácia dos óleos essenciais no tratamento estético e funcional da pele: revisão integrativa

Abstract

The objective of this study is to evaluate the efficacy of essential oils in aesthetic and functional skin treatment through an integrative literature review. The growing interest in holistic and less invasive methods that combine traditional and modern practices has spurred scientific research into the properties of essential oils. This review is based on studies examining the antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties of these oils, which suggest their use in improving skin texture, reducing signs of aging, and treating cellulite and stretch marks. The PICO strategy was employed to formulate the research question, and searches were conducted in electronic databases such as Google Scholar, PubMed, and ScienceDirect. Articles published in the last 15 years, in English, Portuguese, and Spanish, were selected, with those not peer- reviewed or methodologically insufficient excluded. The results indicated that essential oils possess significant properties that benefit skin health, including antimicrobial and anti- inflammatory potential in acne treatment, antioxidant and anti-aging activities, and improvements in skin homeostasis. Nevertheless, the review also emphasized the necessity for more rigorous clinical studies to substantiate these benefits and establish clear guidelines for the safe use of essential oils. It can be concluded that essential oils have a vast therapeutic and cosmetic potential, necessitating in-depth research to integrate these benefits safely and effectively into skin care and medical treatments.