Adding Aromatic essential Oils to your Natural Skincare Routine

Regular usage of natural skin care products can improve the health and appearance of your skin, particularly when they contain natural ingredients of 100% purity.

Aromatic essential oils

Aromatic plant oils have been used for thousands of years since ancient civilizations for their powerful therapeutic effects on the human body and mind. For instance, essential oils were used by the Egyptians, Greeks, Romans, Aztecs and Chinese for beautification (perfume and body care) as well as for treating physical and psychological problems. 

Essential oils are also used as incense during religious rituals. In the East, juniper is burnt in Tibetan temples as a way of purification; while in the West, frankincense resin is used during the Roman Catholic mass for important ceremonies.

Through our sense of smell, essential oils can influence our state of mind. In modern times, aromatic essential oils have been found effective in relaxing people and reducing their anxiety levels. In two recent studies, patients were exposed to orange and lavender essential oils before their dental treatments began. 

The analysis results showed that in comparison to the control group, both orange and lavender aromas not only reduced patients’ anxious feelings but also improved their mood (Lehrner J, Et Al, 2000; Kritsidima M, Et Al, 2010).

The essential oil is, in a way, the heart and soul of a plant. Plants carry a distinctive scent which attracts bees and pollinating insects, whilst repelling unwelcome bugs at the same time, which works as a self-defense mechanism. 

According to research findings, between 70 and 100 chemical components can be found in a pure essential oil, depending on the species and the harvest season. These concentrated oils are normally extracted by steam distillation from the barks, flowers, leaves, seeds or roots of a particular herb, plant or tree.

Nowadays, there are many essential oils sold online throughout the world. Calendula (marigold) oil, chamomile oil, eucalyptus oil, lavender oil, geranium oil, jasmine oil, rose oil, tea tree oil, frankincense oil, ginger oil, and carrot seeds oil are just a handful of examples. 

When purchasing essential oils, make sure that you choose a good brand which sells 100% plant-derived essential oils. There are synthetically made essential oils available on the market, so watch out! If you can afford it, it’s worth spending more on a good product with a certified quality.

How to use essential oils?

Essential oils are concentrated and powerful, hence you should use them in moderation. It is best to dilute essential oils with plant oils for topical applications, especially if the potency of the oils can lead to irritation. Sweet almond oil, coconut oil, argan oil, grape-seed oil, jojoba oil and olive oil are some good choices to use as base oils.

For a first-time user, it is recommended that you do a skin tolerance test to ensure that you don’t have an allergic reaction or any irritation. Apply the oil on the crook of your elbow and leave for 48 hours before proceeding to apply to your face, neck or body. If you notice a reaction (redness, itching, stinging, etc.), do not use the oil.

These are a few factors to take into consideration before deciding to use any essential oil.

·         Don’t apply essential oils to the eyes, eye contour or ears.

·         If you have epilepsy, it is not recommended that you use essential oils.

·         Women during pregnancy should avoid using some essential oils. According to aroma-therapist Patricia Davis in her book ‘Aromatherapy an A-Z’, basil, birch, jasmine, juniper, myrrh, thyme, rosemary, tarragon and cedarwood are amongst some of the essential oils which women in pregnancy are forbidden to use.

·         Store the oils responsibly, making sure to keep out of reach of children younger than 6 years old.

Uses of essential oils

There are many ways that essential oils can be used. Here we will focus on the most common applications.

·         Topical application: directly apply diluted essential oils to skin for antiseptic and anti-inflammatory effects, moisturisation, pain relief or healing. For example, thyme, eucalyptus, lavender and lemon are effective antiseptics for treating cuts, insect bites and spots. German chamomile, Roman chamomile, and lavender oil are beneficial for eczema, infected wounds, bumps and bruises as they help relieve inflammation.

·         Inhalation: add a few drops of essential oils into a pot of hot water and inhale for 5-10 minutes to treat symptoms of a cold and to calm the nervous system. You can also use an essential oil diffuser to purify the air, relax an overloaded mind and improve sleep quality. A few good oils you can use are chamomile, lavender, sandalwood, frankincense, marjoram, bergamot and rose oil. If you suffer from respiratory allergies or asthma, avoid inhaling diffused essential oils.

·         Massage: essential oils are easily absorbed via the skin into the bloodstream, affecting local and general blood circulation. Adding aromatic essential oils to your massage oil can enhance the benefits of massaging in many ways: improvement of the appearance of skin, relief of muscular pains and tension, boosts to blood circulation, and either relaxation or stimulation of the body and mind.

Is it safe to take essential oils orally?

Some aromatherapy practitioners believe that the ingestion of any essential oil is toxic. One supporter of this idea is the modern aromatherapy pioneer Madam Marguerite Maury, who developed the massage techniques from which today’s aromatherapy model has been established. 

Her practical works in skin rejuvenation plus years of research and observations in the 1950s and 1960s led her to conclude that when used correctly, certain essential oils could promote healthier and younger-looking skin and hair. 

As she was concerned about the safety of ingesting essential oils, she claimed that the safest way to use essential oils is via topical applications. Likewise, the renowned aromatherapy expert and writer Danièle Ryman holds the same view; she is also strongly against the practices of taking essential oils internally.

However, according to the US Food and Drug Administration’s Generally Recognized As Safe list, some essential oils are safe to ingest. Toxic reactions are the result of taking contaminated oils or taking excessive doses.  

Generally speaking, the French are relatively passionate about essential oils and they are accustomed to take essential oils internally (in a very small amount and with precaution). For example, peppermint essential oil is classified as food grade. It is taken to treat nausea and headaches, and to promote concentration.

DIY - Essential Oil Skincare Recipe

Here I am sharing with you an easy salt scrub recipe, so give it a go and try making it at home!

It contains lavender essential oil, one of my favourites. This oil smells divine and acts as a powerful stimulant and natural tranquilizer if you are feeling under the weather or suffering from physical fatigue or stress. 

It is also renowned for its antiseptic power and its ability to speed up the healing process in cases of burnt skin, insect bites, cuts or infected wounds. It can be used to treat skin conditions such as acne, athlete’s foot, dermatitis, eczema and psoriasis.

If it happens that lavender is not to your liking, or you simply want to try using a different oil, then opt for geranium, palmarosa, peppermint, Ylang Ylang, or sweet orange essential oils.

Note: Remember that some essential oils are sensitive to sunlight when applied topically and that they can make your skin become photosensitive. Any essential oils which are derived from citrus fruits can potentially be photosensitive unless they are specially treated. If you prefer the scent of lemon, sweet orange, grapefruit, bergamot or mandarin, keep in mind that it is best to use these oils at night rather than during the day.

Recipe: Organic Lavender Coconut Oil Salt Scrub

Ingredients:

·         1 cup of organic virgin coconut oil (it is solid but melts under low heat and has a lovely coconut smell)

·         1 cup of Epsom salt (alternative: pink Himalayan salt or sea salt)

·         15 to 20 drops of organic lavender essential oil

Method:

1.      Pour the coconut oil and Epsom salt into a medium bowl and mix the two ingredients with a spoon or an electric mixer till a paste-like texture is formed.

2.      Add the lavender essential oil into your mixture and gently stir the paste a few times till mixed and you’re done!

- Store the scrub in a glass pot or jar with a secure top and seal it firmly.

- Keep the scrub in a cool, airy place, and avoid contact with heat and direct sunlight.

 

Usage:

The best time to use is right after coming out of the shower. Apply a generous amount of the Lavender Coconut Oil Salt Scrub to your neck, shoulders, arms, chest, legs and feet; then gently massage your skin in circular movements to remove dead skin. Remember not to use this scrub on your face or any sensitive and delicate areas in your body. Rinse off with warm or cold water when you have finished. You should see the results straightaway; expect to see soft and glowing skin!

‘Scent is a potent wizard that transports us across thousands of miles and all the years we have lived.’ – Helen Keller

‘Mind and Matter are mutually enfolded projections of a higher reality which is neither matter nor consciousness.’ – David Hoffman