Essential Oils - What Are Their Uses in Skin Care?

Properties of the essential oils that are beneficial to our skin are as follows.

They are anti-septic, stimulate and regenerate cell growth, assist with wound healing, improve circulation and muscle tone, aid in reducing inflammation, stop itching, improve the integrity of your skin and regulate sebum production.

To gain the most benefit from your skin care it is important to use high quality ingredients.

The environment in which they are kept is important, stored in a cupboard or drawn away from direct sunlight, with an even temperature. I keep my raw products in a cooler.

It is very important to have the correct dilutions and combinations of essential oils to achieve your desired result and so that they do not work against each other. If you are unsure consult with a fully qualified Aromatherapist.

You can have your skin care custom made to suit your specific condition.

Acne is a very common condition and I have had very good results using specific essential oils. There are a variety of causes that produce acne and it is important to understand what the cause is and address it. Some of the symptoms are inflammation, pain, skin sensitivity, depression and low self esteem. Essential oils are excellent for reducing scarring and as you can see the effects of acne are more than skin deep.

Surgical scars can most certainly be reduced dramatically with the applications of specific essential oils for example Rose, Frankincense and Myrrh. These oils are exceptional for a healthy, glowing skin. Frankincense and Myrrh are natural skin preservatives and keep your skin looking younger.

First aid using essential oils

How many times have you burnt yourself while cooking or stoking a fire? For myself I always reach for Lavender! It is exceptional and can be applied directly onto a minor burn, preferably straight away and several times after, you will experience an immediate response. The pain and scarring is reduced, often there will be no scarring. Cold water and Ice are important to use if you have a more than a minor burn as the cooler temperature assists in preventing your skin from cooking. Do not hesitate to go to hospital if you have a serious burn.

Insect bites, I am everyone's mosquito repellent, much to my disappointment, they drive me crazy and all I can say is thank goodness for essential oils like Patchouli, Lavender and German Chamomile! These oils stop itching as they are anti-pruritic, reduce inflammation. For those of us that are sensitive and have nasty reactions they aid in the healing of my skin. I carry Patchouli with me everywhere I go for emergency first aid. I recommend it be in your first aid kit along with Tea tree and Lavender.

Minor cuts and abrasions can be treated easily and very effectively through topical applications and sprays.

We know how painfully itchy and uncomfortable measles and chickenpox are, Yes?

Using an essential oil blend as a body spray and in the bath prevented my daughter from scratching herself raw. She does not have one scar!

There are dozens of conditions and symptoms of the skin that are treated successfully ending with excellent results. To learn more about how Aromatherapy and the use of essential oils can support and heal your skin, talk to a qualified Aromatherapist.

I invite you to join me on Facebook where you will receive tips, recipes and inspiration on Aromatherapy.
Julie Nelson
Aromatique Essentials
http://www.aromatiqueessentials.com.au/
http://www.facebook.com/aromatiqueessentials

Original article

Healing Essential Oils and Their Uses

· Body Methods

Use 1 drop of your chosen essential oil on a tissue or hanky and sniff when necessary, this is great when you have a cold and put Eucalyptus on it.

· Inhalation

Add hot water to a bowl, preferably steel or china rather than plastic add 2 or 3 drops of your chosen oil and then cover your head and the bowl with a towel and breathe in the vapours. Keep your eyes closed and have your head about 250cm above the bowl.

· Massage Oil

This is probably the most common way of using the oils. Make up a blend consisting of 50 mls of carrier oil, such as sweet almond oil and add 15 to 30 drops of essential oils to it. You can use 2 or 3 different healing essential oils depending on what you are treating. The benefits of having a massage are enormous; not only does it increase your metabolism but will also assist in relaxing the muscles, helping remove waste from the system, improve circulation, help relieve both mental and physical fatigue, help reduce pain, tension and anxiety and can help improve skin tone.

Healing Essential Oils for the bath

· Bathing with these oils can help both the aches and pains but also relieve any stress of the day, there is a calming and very relaxed feeling during and after a bath that has had essential oils added. If you have a blend then use as directed otherwise use a maximum of 8 drops. Run the bath and then add the oils, keep the door closed so the aromatic smell stays in the room and soak for as long as you can, 10 minutes at least. Relax and breathe in the vapours.

· Shower

Have a shower as usual and after you have rinsed off put your chosen oil/blend onto a face cloth or sponge and rub over your body quite briskly while you stand under the running water, this will not only make your skin feel alive but you get the added benefit of breathing the aromatic smell as well.

· For your hands

Add 2-3 drops of healing essential oil to a basin or bowl of warm water and soak for 10 minutes; you can also do the same for your feet. To help with Athletes foot add 2-3 drops of Tea Tree oil to your foot bath and soak in that for at least 10 minutes.

· Room Sprays

Room sprays are great if you want a natural air freshener, they can also be used when coughs and colds are present. Get a plant sprayer and add 300 mls of warm water, to that add 4 drops of your chosen essential oil and spray as you would normally, be careful not to spray on good wood.

Healing Essential Oils for Children

· Water Bowl

I have always used this method with babies and young children. If they have a blocked nose or cold put boiling water into a bowl and add 2-3 drops of Eucalyptus essential oil to this, then place at the head of the cot/bed for toddlers and in the middle for babies. The aromatic steam will help to clear the airways and give the child a better sleep. If you are doing this at night the bowl can stay there for the night.

You can also use the water bowl method for any room in the house, maybe you just want to have a refreshing, or relaxing feeling room, shut the windows and doors and allow the aroma to fill the room, give it at least 5 minutes.

These are just some of the ways you can use healing essential oils to help with healing and relaxation, their uses and benefits are many and when you learn how to use them you will find what fits best for you.

Ramari Tauroa-Tibble is the Author of a Self-Help E-Book, has had experience with Marriage Counseling and has used essential oils for healing friends and family for a number of years To learn more about essential oils, their uses and how you can use them effectively to solve your problems visit http://healingessentialoils.org/

Original article