Aromatherapy for Skin
Aromatherapy is a great way to treat a variety of skin conditions as well as providing simple natural remedies for your skin care.
The effectiveness of plants has been well documented, and the term Natural, used in skin care, has come to imply that the products are safer, kinder and more efficacious. It also includes enhancing a persons feeling of wellbeing and are some of the reasons why people choose natural skin care products. It is important to know first if natural skin care products are the right option for you.
Acne, Eczema and Psoriasis are the three most common skin conditions.
Acne is the most common skin issue, it can affect people between the age of 11 and 30 not just affecting the face, but the upper back, neck, shoulders and chest. Breakouts and flare ups typically occur when pores become clogged with both oil and skin cells, often driven by hormones.
Essential oils which are effective at treating Acne are: Chamomile, Geranium, Lavender, Tea Tree, Juniper berry, Neroli, Petigrain, Rosemary & Grapefruit.
Eczema (atopic dermatitis) appears on the skin as scaly and dry patches around different areas such as the hands, elbows, cheeks, face and scalp. Ecezema can be very sore, itchy and at times painful, causing a lot of discomfort. It is common among children, but can also present itself amongst adults too. Eczema is often a long term condition which can flare up and can be managed and treated effectively when cared for. Aromatherapy offers an alternative natural approach to treatment which is very effective. Making your own lotions through mixing appropriate essential oils, creating bath salt blends for bathing, and incorporating massage are a few ways in which aromatherapy can be used to treat Eczema.
Essential oils effective at treating Ecezema are
Bergamot, Roman Chamomile, Cedarwood, Juniper Berry, Lavender, Myrrh, Frankincense, Palma Rosa, patchouli and Palma rosa, Tea tree and Ylang Ylang.
Psoriasis is a common skin condition, believed to be caused when the body rapidly generates new skin cells with concurrent inflammation in the skin, characteristics of psoriasis are red scaly patches and plaques of skin appearing on areas of the body such as knees, elbows, feet, scalp and back. Like eczema, psoriasis can be itchy and painful and can effect a persons self esteem.
Essentail oils for Psoriasis are
Bergamot, carrot seed oil, Roman Chamomile, Lavender, Juniper berry and Tee tree oil.
Aromatherapy is also great for skin care. Aromatherapy facials, blending in lotions, balms, soaps, masks and oils are all great ways to keep your skin healthy and vibrant.
Essential oils useful for Dry & Dehydrated skin that lack sufficient moisture in the cells are Roman Chamomile, Geranium, Jasmine absolute, lavender, Neroli, Rose absolute, Rosewood, Sandalwood and Ylang Ylang.
For combination skin, characterised by a mix of different skin types, such as oily and dry. Useful essential oils for combination skin are: Geranium, Lavender, Neroli, Palma Rosa and Sandalwood.
Oily skin is characterised as shiny, thick and often firm, with pores appearing enlarged. This complexion can often cause black heads & blemishes. Oily skin can greatly benefit from natural products rather than harsh soaps and astringents containing lots of alcohol.
Regular Natural clay masks and steam treatments will help to unblock pores and prevent blackheads.
Essential oils useful for oily skin are: Bay laurel, bergamot, clary sage, cypress, Geranium, Lavender, juniper berry, Rosemary, Sandalwood, Tea tree, thyme and Ylang Ylang.
And Finally….
Essential oils useful For ageing and maturing skin:
Chamomile, frankincense, Lavender, Neroli, Palmarosa and Patchouli.
Selecting a good carrier oil is also important when thinking about a suitable blend for treating skin conditions. Natural cold pressed vegetable oils are incorporated into moisturising preparations for their emollient properties, they contain natural abilities to protect and deliver the skin with appropriate vitamins and fats.
Carrier oils great for Skin care are:
Carrot oil, Avocado oil, Rose hip oil, Sunflower, Jojoba, evening primrose oil and sweet Almond.