Facial aromatherapy is about more than the application of smell. According to aromatherapist Jeanne Rose, it is about delivering the essential oils of healing plants to the facial skin to enable the emergence of a radiant, healthy complexion that does not need to be covered with cosmetics to express its real beauty. Some essential oils may cause allergic reactions in some people so it's best to consult with a certified aromatherapist when selecting the best oils for any type of aromatherapy.
Dry or Puffy Facial Skin
According to "The Aromatherapy Book," you can make an aromatic mixture perfect for sensitive skin by combining 1/2 ounce fennel seeds and 1/2 ounce rose geranium leaves. Add 1 cup water and let it steep while gently stirring and mashing for about 10 minutes. Strain the cooled mixture though cheesecloth and add five drops essential oil of Rose Geranium. Use as a rinsing wash for dry or puffy facial skin. Keep essential oils out of the reach of children and never ingest them without the advice of a holistic practitioner, because most essential oils are highly toxic when taken internally.
Hot Oily Skin
You can create a cooling facial spray that aromatherapists believe will reduce the complaint of hot, oily skin while lifting the spirits and promoting a sense of calm. To make your own facial spray, fill an eight ounce cosmetic sprayer with six ounces chilled spring water. Add six drops Spearmint essential oil, two drops tuberose essential oil and four drops Ylang Ylang essential oil, and shake vigorously before each use. The antimicrobial components in this facial spray are believed to combat acne inflammation.
Revitalizing Steam
Steam is widely understood to open the pores of the skin, which makes it the perfect companion to delivering the healing effects of aromatic essential oils. Pour boiling water into a basin. Add eight drops each of chamomile, calendula and rose essential oils to the basin of water. Lower your face to the basin and cover your head with a towel draped to contain the rising aromatic steam. Let it penetrate your skin while inhaling deeply for 10 minutes. Rinse the skin with cool water that has been infused with a few drops of lavender essential oil for a fresh-looking complexion. When using boiling water for facial care, be sure that children and pets are safely contained to prevent scalding.
Balancing Facial Skin
According to European skin expert Dr. Hashka, balancing the skin requires the replenishment of oil lost through weather, stress, and harsh cleansers. To make your own balancing oil,combine in a small bottle one part extra virgin olive oil, one part sweet almond oil, and one part calendula oil. To the oil mixture add five drops rose essential oil, five drops chamomile essential oil and six drops lavender essential oil. Apply a few drops to your palms and gently press the oil into clean facial skin daily to even skin tone and enhance a youthful complexion free from blemishes.
Mature Skin
Jeanne Rose believes that mature skin will benefit from a regimen intended to address dryness and broken capillaries. To a basic carrier oil composed of 8 oz. extra virgin olive oil infused with calendula flowers, add 10 percent wheat germ oil, 10 vitamin E capsules, five drops blue chamomile oil and 10 drops cypress essential oil, five drops patchouli essential oil, and five drops rose geranium essential oil. This oil can be applied to mature skin for a revitalizing facial massage that will help to renew skin cells for a healthy glow. Look for a natural facial sunscreen containing lavender essential oil to reduce additional sun damage for a lifetime of beautiful, youthful skin.
References
- "The Aromatherapy Book"; Jeanne Rose; 1992
- "Organic Body Care Recipes: 175 Homeade Herbal Formulas for Glowing Skin & a Vibrant Self" ;Stephanie Tourles;2007
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