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Aromatherapy skincare is thousands of years old but used in the beauty
industry today as much as in the days of Cleopatra. Aromatherapy can
heal, soothe, calm, invigorate and nurture the skin.
 Aromatherapy
oils are not just used on the skin: our sense of smell stimulates the
emotional part of the brain. Certain aromas can trigger a memory; for
instance, lavender reminds me of my Granny, while coconut reminds me of
a holiday in the Seychelles sitting on a hot sandy beach with a pina
colada, bliss......
Oils used in your aromatherapy skincare routine can also have an effect
on the nervous system: lemon can be stimulating, and rose can be
relaxing - simply by taking a breath of air.
Looking after your skin should be both interesting and fun and that's
exactly what aromatherapy skincare is all about.
Some of the uses of aromatherapy in skincare :
BEAUTY - Mix your own lotions, splashes and creams to clear acne,
banish cellulite and wrinkles, rejuvenate your skin and more.
RELAXATION - Use the oils to soak up stress, relieve tension,
soothe your mind, and blitz fatigue.
HEALING - Blend gentle and effective remedies for everything from
colds to headaches, period pains and arthritis.
MASSAGE - Create blends to relax, energize or revitalize your
love life.
You Should Always Follow A Few Safety Rules When Using Essential Oils
:
- Keep oils away from your eyes.
- Pregnant women should avoid using - cinnamon basil, juniper,
fennel, rosemary, thyme, clary sage, oregano, cloves, nutmeg bay,
pimento, berry, sage, hyssop, wintergreen and birch oils.
- Don’t use citrus essential oils, especially bergamot, if you
are going to be in sunlight within four hours. They can have a
photosensitizing effect on the skin, increasing the skin’s sensitivity
to the sunlight and making it more likely to burn.
- Never apply an oil directly to the skin : always mix with a
base, such as shower gel, bath oil, massage oil, face lotion or body
lotion.
The most popular carriers in common use for massage are :
Apricot Kernel Oil - good for all skin types, especially elderly,
inflamed and dry skin. Good for facial care because it is very light and
well absorbed.
Sweet Almond Oil - Nourishing, softening and revitalizing all
skin types. Helps relieve itching, soreness, dryness, inflammation and
wrinkled dry hands.
Jojoba Oil - all skin types, including inflamed, red dry or older
skins, eczema, psoriasis and acne.
Grapeseed Oil - most skin types. Avoid using on sensitive skin,
eczema and psoriasis.
There are several ways to dilute essential oils into carriers :
Add the correct amount of essential oils to the appropriate amount of
carrier oil and shake well.
Add the correct amount of essential oil into an empty bottle. Roll the
bottle between the hands to mix the essential oils.
Gentle
glycerine soap is a great way of using essential oils.
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