The aim of any natural therapy is to restore balance to the body - the same is true in using essential oils for skin care. With natural aromatherapy oils and 'base' ingredients, you can support and nourish the skin in a way superior to any synthetic product. While dramatic results can sometimes be seen with skin care ingredients made in a laboratory, natural botanicals can, when properly blended and applied, support long-lasting change without harsh chemical side effects.
While some of the most highly regarded therapeutic grade oils may seem expensive at first, they are effective in such small concentrations as to really make them worthwhile. And their efficacy is well-known; that's why so many laboratory-made preparations use components of essential oils in their formulas. With a one or two ounce bottle to mix in, and an eye dropper, you can easily mix your own blend with the aroma and actions you desire most.
Several essential oils and carriers are held in high-esteem for their regenerative and nutritive properties. With only a small collection of oils, you can make highly-effective recipes applicable to particular skin conditions such as premature aging, UV and other damage, acne-prone skin and more.
The short list of essential oils for skin care - Helichrysum (also known as Everlasting) is one of the strongest anti-inflammatory oils known in aromatherapy. It is also very high in regenerative ketones; compounds which stimulate the regeneration of skin cells. Rosemary Verbenone serves a similar function, being thought to enhance metabolic functioning in the dermis layer, increasing circulation and the elimination of waste products. Lavender has properties similar to Helichrysum, with a wonderful, relaxing aroma; it can bring synergy to a combination of oils and is thought to keep the skin in a balanced, healthy condition. Carrot Seed essential oil is also regenerating, bringing life to tired, pallid skin. Palmarosa essential oil can be included for it's pleasing aroma and anti-septic effects; Niaouli is also recommended for the same reasons, along with it's skin-firming properties.
This includes only a few of the more commonly used essential oils in skin care formulations. Many oils not listed here have properties which can be highly effective for particular skin conditions - further investigation with the specifics of your skin type will likely uncover these for you. Of course, other oils can be added to your blends simply for their pleasing scent; Neroli and Petitgrain, distilled from the flowers and leaves of the bitter orange tree, are often included for this reason.
On to the base ingredients, the carrier oils. These oils serve several functions - they bring the essential oils into the skin, rather than evaporating in to the air. They supply the skin with essential fatty acids - nutrients that the body cannot make, yet are critical to optimal skin health. Finally, some have their own therapeutic healing properties similar to the essential oils.
A few of the most important carrier oils include the following: Rosehip Seed Oil is highly regarded for it's regenerating effects for skin which has been over-exposed to the sun or has other damage. It includes a variety of Vitamin A which acts to increase cellular turnover, similar to Retin-A without the over-drying side effects. Numerous scientific studies have validated this oil's positive effects on damaged or prematurely aged skin. Next is Evening Primrose Oil, which has a significant quantities of gamma-linolenic acid, an important essential fatty acid. Evening Primrose oil has been used to support skin conditions such as psoriasis and eczema, and may help premature skin aging. Finally, Hazelnut oil is possibly the most commonly used base oil for skin care; it is gentle, has little aroma, and is suitable for all skin types. Often, small amounts of Rosehip seed and/or Evening Primrose oil will be included in a blend, with Hazelnut oil comprising the majority of the carrier mixture.
Here are several blends categorized by skin type to get you started. For normal skin, used at any time: In each ounce of Hazelnut Oil, add 15 drops Thyme Linalool, 15 drops Rosemary Verbenone, 15 drops Neroli, and 15 drops Spike Lavender; this blend can work well for acne with it's antiseptic properties, but is an excellent tonic for all skin types.
For sensitive and damaged skin, try: 3/5ths ounce Hazelnut Oil, 1/5 Rosehip Seed Oil, and 1/5 Evening Primrose Oil. To this, add 15 drops Moroccan Chamomile or German Chamomile, 15 drops Helichrysum, 15 drops Lavender, and 15 drops Roman Chamomile. This blend will enhance the regenerative capability of the skin, while reducing the inflammation which accompanies any type of damage and aging.
For clearing excessively oily and acne-prone skin, to one oz. of Hazelnut oil, add fifteen drops each of Myrtle essential oil (use the green, rather than red, variety), Eucalyptus Dives, Spike Lavender, and Rosemary verbenone. The Myrtle is special in that it dissolves the sebum clogging skin pores, and the Eucalyptus calms the output of the sebaceous (oil-producing) glands.
For skin appearing tired and lifeless, and a healthy glow with this blend: 1/5th ounce of Rosehip Seed and 4/5ths ounce Hazelnut oil. To this add 15 drops Carrot Seed essential oil, 15 drops Lemon verbena, 15 drops Niaouli, and 15 drops Rosemary Verbenone. The strong, revitalizing qualities of Carrot Seed and the firming effect of Niaouli combine with the natural detoxifying properties of the Rosemary and Lemon verbena to make an excellent restorative blend. For aging skin, for tightening and regeneration, blend in 5 ounces of Hazelnut oil and 1 ounce of Rosehip seed oil, 15 drops of Green Myrtle, 15 drops of Cistus or Rock Rose essential oil, and 15 drops of Rosemary Verbenone. The essential oil concentration is kept low here so the blend can be used near the eyes - if any irritation occurs, limit use near sensitive areas.
So there are a few tried-and-true aromatherapy skin care blends to use in your natural beauty regime. You can easily mix and match the oils described to create your own blend, and add any oils you really like the aroma of (be aware that a FEW essential oils are VERY strong, and should not be used on the skin - the more common of these include Cinnamon, Clove, Oregano, and Red Thyme - consult with a knowledgeable practitioner if you are unsure about the safety of any oil). A word about purchasing oils for your blends - do NOT use anything labeled as a 'fragrance oil' - these are synthetic reproductions of essential oils that will likely cause an allergic reaction. DO seek out a reputable source. And oils, like wine, do vary greatly from maker to maker. A higher price can mean a significantly nicer oil (though not always) - one that is sweeter, or more well-rounded - only a few oils should smell 'medicinal' - Spike Lavender is a little 'camphorus' in general - but a good Rosemary verbenone should have a very appealing scent . Despite the initial outlay, you are more likely to continue to use a blend that you really like the aroma of, and that has therapeutic effects. Though once you find the oils you adore, you're more than likely to continue the practice of making your own blends for some time to come. - 15255
While some of the most highly regarded therapeutic grade oils may seem expensive at first, they are effective in such small concentrations as to really make them worthwhile. And their efficacy is well-known; that's why so many laboratory-made preparations use components of essential oils in their formulas. With a one or two ounce bottle to mix in, and an eye dropper, you can easily mix your own blend with the aroma and actions you desire most.
Several essential oils and carriers are held in high-esteem for their regenerative and nutritive properties. With only a small collection of oils, you can make highly-effective recipes applicable to particular skin conditions such as premature aging, UV and other damage, acne-prone skin and more.
The short list of essential oils for skin care - Helichrysum (also known as Everlasting) is one of the strongest anti-inflammatory oils known in aromatherapy. It is also very high in regenerative ketones; compounds which stimulate the regeneration of skin cells. Rosemary Verbenone serves a similar function, being thought to enhance metabolic functioning in the dermis layer, increasing circulation and the elimination of waste products. Lavender has properties similar to Helichrysum, with a wonderful, relaxing aroma; it can bring synergy to a combination of oils and is thought to keep the skin in a balanced, healthy condition. Carrot Seed essential oil is also regenerating, bringing life to tired, pallid skin. Palmarosa essential oil can be included for it's pleasing aroma and anti-septic effects; Niaouli is also recommended for the same reasons, along with it's skin-firming properties.
This includes only a few of the more commonly used essential oils in skin care formulations. Many oils not listed here have properties which can be highly effective for particular skin conditions - further investigation with the specifics of your skin type will likely uncover these for you. Of course, other oils can be added to your blends simply for their pleasing scent; Neroli and Petitgrain, distilled from the flowers and leaves of the bitter orange tree, are often included for this reason.
On to the base ingredients, the carrier oils. These oils serve several functions - they bring the essential oils into the skin, rather than evaporating in to the air. They supply the skin with essential fatty acids - nutrients that the body cannot make, yet are critical to optimal skin health. Finally, some have their own therapeutic healing properties similar to the essential oils.
A few of the most important carrier oils include the following: Rosehip Seed Oil is highly regarded for it's regenerating effects for skin which has been over-exposed to the sun or has other damage. It includes a variety of Vitamin A which acts to increase cellular turnover, similar to Retin-A without the over-drying side effects. Numerous scientific studies have validated this oil's positive effects on damaged or prematurely aged skin. Next is Evening Primrose Oil, which has a significant quantities of gamma-linolenic acid, an important essential fatty acid. Evening Primrose oil has been used to support skin conditions such as psoriasis and eczema, and may help premature skin aging. Finally, Hazelnut oil is possibly the most commonly used base oil for skin care; it is gentle, has little aroma, and is suitable for all skin types. Often, small amounts of Rosehip seed and/or Evening Primrose oil will be included in a blend, with Hazelnut oil comprising the majority of the carrier mixture.
Here are several blends categorized by skin type to get you started. For normal skin, used at any time: In each ounce of Hazelnut Oil, add 15 drops Thyme Linalool, 15 drops Rosemary Verbenone, 15 drops Neroli, and 15 drops Spike Lavender; this blend can work well for acne with it's antiseptic properties, but is an excellent tonic for all skin types.
For sensitive and damaged skin, try: 3/5ths ounce Hazelnut Oil, 1/5 Rosehip Seed Oil, and 1/5 Evening Primrose Oil. To this, add 15 drops Moroccan Chamomile or German Chamomile, 15 drops Helichrysum, 15 drops Lavender, and 15 drops Roman Chamomile. This blend will enhance the regenerative capability of the skin, while reducing the inflammation which accompanies any type of damage and aging.
For clearing excessively oily and acne-prone skin, to one oz. of Hazelnut oil, add fifteen drops each of Myrtle essential oil (use the green, rather than red, variety), Eucalyptus Dives, Spike Lavender, and Rosemary verbenone. The Myrtle is special in that it dissolves the sebum clogging skin pores, and the Eucalyptus calms the output of the sebaceous (oil-producing) glands.
For skin appearing tired and lifeless, and a healthy glow with this blend: 1/5th ounce of Rosehip Seed and 4/5ths ounce Hazelnut oil. To this add 15 drops Carrot Seed essential oil, 15 drops Lemon verbena, 15 drops Niaouli, and 15 drops Rosemary Verbenone. The strong, revitalizing qualities of Carrot Seed and the firming effect of Niaouli combine with the natural detoxifying properties of the Rosemary and Lemon verbena to make an excellent restorative blend. For aging skin, for tightening and regeneration, blend in 5 ounces of Hazelnut oil and 1 ounce of Rosehip seed oil, 15 drops of Green Myrtle, 15 drops of Cistus or Rock Rose essential oil, and 15 drops of Rosemary Verbenone. The essential oil concentration is kept low here so the blend can be used near the eyes - if any irritation occurs, limit use near sensitive areas.
So there are a few tried-and-true aromatherapy skin care blends to use in your natural beauty regime. You can easily mix and match the oils described to create your own blend, and add any oils you really like the aroma of (be aware that a FEW essential oils are VERY strong, and should not be used on the skin - the more common of these include Cinnamon, Clove, Oregano, and Red Thyme - consult with a knowledgeable practitioner if you are unsure about the safety of any oil). A word about purchasing oils for your blends - do NOT use anything labeled as a 'fragrance oil' - these are synthetic reproductions of essential oils that will likely cause an allergic reaction. DO seek out a reputable source. And oils, like wine, do vary greatly from maker to maker. A higher price can mean a significantly nicer oil (though not always) - one that is sweeter, or more well-rounded - only a few oils should smell 'medicinal' - Spike Lavender is a little 'camphorus' in general - but a good Rosemary verbenone should have a very appealing scent . Despite the initial outlay, you are more likely to continue to use a blend that you really like the aroma of, and that has therapeutic effects. Though once you find the oils you adore, you're more than likely to continue the practice of making your own blends for some time to come. - 15255
About the Author:
The author is a natural health professional utilizing organic essential oils and essential oil blends.
