Aromatherapy Skin Care

Aromatherapy Care for
Your Skin

Essential Oils are not just valuable to us because of their aromas, their properties can be beneficial to us in other ways as well.

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Most people think of inhalation or air diffusion when they think of aromatherapy. However, the molecular properties of essential oils make aromatherapy skin care safe and effective.

Essential oils contain hundreds of organic constituents, including hormones, vitamins and other natural elements that make a plant's taste, smell and medicinal properties unique from all others. These characteristics are critical to that plant's survival.

lavender.gif (13175 bytes) For example, a plant's unique fragrance attracts insects for pollination. The highly volatile oils that evaporate from the leaves of the plant act as a protectant from predators or adverse conditions such as drought or flood. When applied to the human skin, these essential oils provide similar benefits.

Effects of Essential Oils Upon The Skin

Like plants, human skin produces a protective, oily substance know as sebum. Essential oils absorb easily through the skin's sebaceous glands. Once they penetrate the skin, essential oils can help stimulate and regenerate healthy skin cells following damage or injury. Because they are so readily absorbed, they can also help reduce bacterial and fungal infections and soothe sensitive, inflamed skin. The key to aromatherapy skin care is to match your individual skin type with the appropriate essential oils and their benefits.

Aromatherapy Skin Care For Different Skin Types

A number of essential oils can be used for all skin types. Lavender, geranium, rose, neroli and ylang ylang are so versatile or balancing that they are recommended for more than one skin type. Their benefits include soothing anti-inflammatory, healing and nutritive.

Essential oils like rosemary, carrot seed, rosewood and sandalwood work best for dry skin. Small amounts of peppermint or rosemary stimulate oil production and increase circulation.

Basil, eucalyptus, cedarwood, cypress, lemongrass, spike lavender and ylang ylang help normalize oily skin. Sage and lemongrass also slow down oil production.

Combination skin - oily in the "T zone" and dry around the eyes, cheeks and mouth - is the most common skin type. It should be treated like two separate faces, using a combination of essential oils for dry and oily skin.

Create Aromatherapy Skin Care Products In Your Own Home

Regardless of your skin type, you can create aromatherapy skin care products in your own kitchen. With a little creativity and experimentation you can create a personalized aromatherapy skin care regimen that fits your skin type and needs.

Here are some basic recipes to get you started.

Moisturizing Cream
for Dry Skin

10 drops rose
8 drops patchouli
8 drops sandalwood
5 drops lavender
4 drops bergamot
4 fl. oz. almond oil
3 fl. oz. rosewater
1/2 oz. beeswax

Melt the wax and almond oil in a double boiler. Decrease the heat and add the rosewater gradually in a thin stream, vigorously beating the mixture all the while. As soon as the water is incorporated, remove from heat. When the mixture cools and turns creamy, add the essential oils.

Facial Mask for Oily Skin

10 drops lavender
5 drops bergamot
3 drops clary sage
3 Tablespoons white corn meal
3 Tablespoons almond meal
Rosewater or orange flower water

Mix white corn meal and almond meal (freshly ground raw almonds work best). Add the essential oils. Add just enough rosewater or orange flower water to make a wet paste. In a circular motion, gently massage the mixture onto the face, avoiding the soft tissues under the eyes. Leave the mixture on for five to 15 minutes, then rinse off thoroughly with warm water. Finish the treatment by splashing cold water on the face to close pores.

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