Geranium Oil for Skin Care

Geranium oil is used in the practice of aromatherapy for a wide variety of skin care problems. You can use it in various ways. Geranium oil is suitable for all ages and you can combine it with other essential oils for greater effect. Consult a health care professional or qualified aromatherapist before you use geranium oil for skin care.

Geranium Oil

Geranium oil, Pelargonium graveolens, is extracted from the leaves of the geranium plant by distillation. According to Julia Lawless, in the "Illustrated Encyclopedia of Essential Oils," geranium oil is sometimes known as rose geranium oil. The types of geranium oil differ depending on the plant species from which they are extracted; for example, you might find geranium oil described as Bourbon geranium. This is a reference to the area in which it grows. Geranium oil might be slightly different in chemical composition, depending on where it is cultivated, but in general most geranium oils have the same physical properties.

Types of Skin

You can use geranium oil for all types of skin. It is suitable for teenage skin, daily skin care and skin care for pregnant and premenstrual women, in addition to skin care in menopause. Geranium oil is popular with women because of the wide number of problems, specific to women, that it can be used for.

Uses

Use geranium oil for skin conditions such as acne, dermatitis, congested skin, oily skin, eczema, mature skin, dry skin, tender breasts, stretch marks and cracked nipples. According to Patricia Davis in "Aromatherapy: An A-Z," geranium oil is an astringent, antiseptic and stimulant. Combine geranium oil with rose, lavender or orange blossom for greater effect.

How to Use

Use geranium oil in a blend or carrier oil or lotion, such as apricot oil or a simple white lotion base; do not apply it undiluted to the skin. You can use geranium oil in a massage blend and massage it over the whole body or use it in a blend that is part of your daily skin care routine, such as a face cream. Use geranium oil in moderation.

Cautions

Geranium oil is, in general, nontoxic, non-irritating and non-sensitizing when you use it correctly. However, if you are pregnant or are using it on a child, have certain health conditions or are taking prescribed medication, you should consult a health care professional before you use geranium oil. In addition, use it with caution if you have sensitive skin, as there is a slight risk of contact dermatitis, depending on the variety of geranium oil you use.

References

• "Illustrated Encyclopedia of Essential Oils"; Julia Lawless; 1995
• "Aromatherapy: An A-Z"; Patricia Davis; 1999
• "Aromatherapy for Women"; Shirley Price; 2003