Aromatherapy is a practice that has been around for millennia. It engages our most primitive sense - smell - to induce relaxation, alleviate stress, enhance mood, and promote overall well-being. Aromatherapy oils, often interchangeable with the name essential oils, possess potential benefits for skin health, which have garnered attention in the beauty and wellness industry, especially in the skincare world. This article aims to provide a detailed insight into how pure essential oils can support your skin!
Aromatherapy oils are highly concentrated plant extracts that carry the scent, or "essence," of the plants from which they are derived. Most essential oils are composed of complex, bioactive compounds with various properties, making them effective for numerous applications, including skin care. Lavender essential oil, rosemary, tea tree oil, and peppermint oil are just a few examples of the wide array of aromatherapy oils available today.
When it comes to applying essential oils for skin health, the method of application matters. Given their concentration, the highest quality essential oils should generally never be applied directly to the skin undiluted. Instead, they should be combined with carrier oils like jojoba, avocado, or almond oil to ensure safe use.
A common method is to enjoy essential oils through massage therapy. This can be achieved by adding a few drops of your chosen essential oil, such as lavender oil, to a carrier oil. Not only does this dilute the essential oil, but it allows for easy application across wider areas of the skin. This approach is beneficial for skin health as it promotes blood circulation, supports lymphatic drainage, and enables the beneficial compounds in the oils to be absorbed by the skin.
Another method of using aromatherapy oils for skin health is to incorporate them into your daily skincare routine. For instance, you can add a few drops of essential oil to your moisturizer or face mask. Doing a patch test before applying any new blend to your entire face or body is crucial to ensure you don't have an allergic reaction.
Lastly, aromatherapy oils can be diffused in the air using a diffuser, aroma stick, or steam hot water bath. While this method doesn't directly apply the oil to your skin, it benefits your skin by creating a relaxing atmosphere, which can help reduce stress-induced skin issues.
Harnessing essential oils for skin care and massage offers a versatile and therapeutic experience. To safely utilize these potent oils. You can create customized blends using recipes or by trusting your instincts to concoct a combination you love, ideally stored in a rollerball bottle for easy access.
For a relieving massage, concentrate on areas experiencing muscular discomfort, stiffness, or tension. You can also delicately massage the oil into various pressure points such as your temples, wrists, and the area between your eyebrows known as the third eye. Don't forget that you can also indulge in a relaxing foot massage or simply apply a few drops near your nostrils.
You can further incorporate essential oils into your beauty routine by adding them to your preferred cosmetic items like toners, serums, and muscle relaxant creams. Just remember, always dilute the essential oil with a carrier oil first to ensure safe application!
The key to understanding why aromatherapy oils support your skin lies in their bioactive compounds. These compounds can exhibit anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antioxidant properties that can help address various skin conditions and promote healthier skin.
Anti-Inflammatory Properties: Pure essential oils like lavender and chamomile are renowned for their anti-inflammatory properties. When applied to the skin, these oils can help reduce inflammation and soothe irritated skin, making them beneficial for conditions such as eczema and rosacea.
Antimicrobial Properties: Some essential oils, like tea tree and peppermint, possess antimicrobial properties, making them effective in combatting acne-causing bacteria. Regular use can help maintain a healthy skin microbiome, reducing acne outbreaks and promoting clearer skin.
Antioxidant Properties: Many essential oils, including frankincense and rosemary, have potent antioxidant properties. Antioxidants help neutralize harmful free radicals that can cause cellular damage and accelerate skin aging. Incorporating these oils into your skincare routine can help reduce signs of aging such as wrinkles and fine lines.
That's not all! Aromatherapy oils can also help regulate sebum production, promote wound healing, and hydrate the skin, further contributing to a healthier, radiant complexion.
Some oils work better for varied skin types:
Normal skin: Do you have well-balanced, glowing skin? Maintain its radiance with essential oils. Dilute them in carrier oils such as Sweet Almond Oil, known for its softness, or Argan oil, known for its rich nutrients. Essential oils like Orange oil enhance skin clarity while Ylang Ylang balances sebum production.
Sensitive Skin: Sensitive skin requires gentle care. Apricot Kernel oil and Evening Primrose Oil, both known for their calming effects, can help reduce inflammation. Essential oils like Lavender and Roman Chamomile soothe irritation and increase skin resilience.
Dry Skin: Moisturization is key for dry skin. Avocado Oil, rich in nourishment, and Cucumber Seed Oil, great for hydration, can help lock moisture in. Essential oils like Geranium balance sebum production, and Neroli improves skin texture.
Mature Skin: Aging skin needs care that boosts collagen and reduces wrinkles. Pomegranate Seed Oil and Rosehip Oil serve as perfect carriers. Essential oils like Frankincense nourish the skin, while Carrot Seed oil reduces fine lines. Rosemary Verbenone essential oil protects aged skin and stimulates hair growth.
Acne Prone Skin: Acne-prone skin benefits from carrier oils like Pumpkin Seed Oil and Jojoba Oil, known for repairing damaged skin and dissolving sebum. Essential oils like Tea Tree Oil and Lemon oil can eliminate bacteria and improve skin texture.
Oily Skin: Despite the seeming contradiction, oils can help control oily skin. Hazelnut Oil balances sebum production, and Thistle Oil rejuvenates the skin. Essential oils like Geranium and Palmarosa essential oil help manage sebum overproduction.
Given the highly concentrated nature and potential risks associated with essential oils, it's imperative to handle them judiciously. Internal consumption of essential oils is strongly discouraged.
Certain demographics should refrain from using essential oils unless under the guidance of a medical professional, including:
Older adults
Children under the age of 12
Pregnant or breastfeeding women
Moreover, the presence of pets in the surroundings should be taken into account as certain essential oils can pose hazards to them. Due to their potent concentration, incorrect dosage or misuse of essential oils can lead to significant health complications. Much like other potentially hazardous items that should be kept out of the reach of children, it's essential to store your oils responsibly. If you have young children in your household, ensure all essential oils are securely stored and out of their sight to avoid accidental ingestion or contact.
If you're currently on any medication or have health conditions such as hypertension, low immunity, or epilepsy, it's advisable to consult a doctor before using essential oils.
As proponents of everything natural and clean, we use certain essential oils in our products! Specifically, we offer The Shankara Aromatherapy collection. This set offers a diverse selection of aromatic oils designed to cater to your every mood. Specifically formulated to soothe, invigorate, or promote tranquility, each oil blend provides a unique sensory experience. The Relaxing oil encourages relaxation, the De-Stressing oil helps ease tension and stress, and the Reviving oil stimulates vitality and alertness. Handcrafted from all-natural, high-quality ingredients, these oils harmonize the power of Ayurveda and Western science to create a holistic self-care experience. Whether used in a diffuser, for massage or added to bath water, Shankara's Aromatherapy oils offer a transformative journey of scent with health benefits that enhances your overall well-being.
We also offer our incredible range of Body Oils. Immerse yourself in the comforting embrace of Shankara's aromatherapy body oils. Designed to hydrate your skin, soothe your senses, and enhance your overall wellness, these versatile oils can serve as moisturizers, massage enhancers, or enriching bath additives. Experience a luxurious treat that marries skin nourishment with mental tranquility. Some highlights of the range include Nourishing Foot Oil, Harmonising Oil, Muscle Release Oil, and Sundarya Body Oil.
We cannot forget to mention Shankara's Sacred Essence Lotus Rose! It is a sublime aromatherapy offering that marries the delicate, uplifting scent of lotus with the rich, romantic notes of rose. This beautifully curated blend is designed to soothe your senses, promote tranquility, and uplift your spirit. Ideal for use in a diffuser, during a massage, or as a refreshing personal scent, the Sacred Essence Lotus Rose invites you into a sensorial journey of serenity and elegance, embodying the timeless charm of natural botanical fragrances.
Aromatherapy oils represent a natural, versatile tool for skin care, providing an array of benefits stemming from their unique bioactive compounds. They can promote healthier skin by combating inflammation, controlling microbial growth, and warding off oxidative stress when used correctly and safely. H Your skin is unique, and what works for one person might not work for
you, so be patient in your journey to find the right oils that fit your skin's needs.
