Aromatherapy involves the use of essential oils from a wide array of plant sources--petals, leaves, seeds, bark, roots and tree resins. It has been used for thousands of years and most likely originated in ancient Egypt and India. Essential oils contain the active ingredients, the life force, of a plant in a highly concentrated form. Because they are so potent, with few exceptions they should never be applied directly to the skin. The most common way of using aromatherapy for skin care is to put several drops in a carrier oil, such as almond or grapeseed oil.
Rosewood
The essential oil of the rosewood tree can be used in a variety of skin care preparations. It is an antibacterial, an antiseptic and a cell regenerator. According to Marcel Lavabre in his "Aromatherapy Workbook," rosewood oil has a score of 5 on a scale of 1 to 5 for its skin healing powers. It's a useful addition to acne preparations for its antiseptic properties, and its cell regenerating powers are beneficial for aged skin, sensitive skin and wrinkles. It also balances both dry and oily skin.
Geranium
Geranium essential oil is an astringent, an antiseptic and a cellular stimulant. It's appropriate for both normal and oily skin and has cell rejuvenation properties that are essential for clear, glowing skin. This essential oil has a pleasant, floral aroma and is a welcome healing addition to body creams, lotions and facial preparations. These can be used on a daily basis to nourish the skin. According to Lavabre, geranium oil scores a 3 on a scale of 1 to 5 for its use in skin care.
Lemon
Lemon oil is one of the most versatile essential oils. Because of its strong antiseptic effects, it is particularly useful in skin care. Acne, dermatitis and oily skin are some conditions that can benefit from this fresh-smelling oil. It can be added to facial tonics and toners, moisturizers and night oils. Lemon oil, along with all citrus oils, is photosensitive. You should not expose your skin to sunlight for at least three hours after applying. This stimulating scent rates a 4 for its skin care properties.
Chamomile
Both German and Roman chamomile are cultivated for their essential oils. Their active ingredient is chamazulene, a strong anti-inflammatory agent. This makes chamomile essential oil a particularly good choice for treating skin conditions such as infections, wounds, eczema and burns. Chamomile is well known for its calming properties. Skin preparations such as bath and massage oils, which reach the whole body, especially benefit from the addition of this essential oil with a sweet green aroma. For their skin care properties, German and Roman chamomile rate 3 and 5, respectively.
Preparations
Aromatherapy skin care preparations are easy to make at home. Always dilute essential oils in a carrier oil. Almond, apricot kernel, hazelnut and olive oil all make excellent carriers and are nourishing for the skin. Jojoba oil is another good choice. It is not really an oil, but a liquid wax from the jojoba bean and so will not go rancid like other oils.
For a massage or bath oil, use between 10 and 12 drops per ounce of carrier oil. For facial oils and lotions, use 30 to 40 drops per ounce. You can also add essential oils to your favorite unscented cream or lotion.
Topical application calls for 60 drops of the chosen essential oil per ounce of carrier oil. Use five drops of this mixture per spot.
Essential oils penetrate the skin and are completely absorbed in one to two hours.
Try mixing three or four of your favorite aromatherapy oils for your own custom skin products.
References
- "Aromatherapy Workbook"; Marcel Lavabre; 1990
- "The Complete Book of Essential Oils & Aromatherapy;" Valerie Ann Worwood; 1991
- "The Illustrated Guide to Massage and Aromatherapy;" Catherine Stuart, Editor; 2005
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