Aromatherapy Skin Care

Aromatherapy For Skin

Aromatherapy is a form of treatment that makes use of essential oils and other plant extracts. Essential oils have the ability to heal various skin conditions and improve the overall texture of skin and are therefore gaining importance in skin care as well as other related fields. Generally, these oils are used in a diluted form made by adding a few drops of the desired oil to one’s regular cream or body lotion. They may also be added to jojoba oil as jojoba tends to suit every skin type. Storing the jojoba blend in an airtight bottle, in the refrigerator, is recommended to keep in from becoming stale. A capsule of vitamin E oil or a few drops of wheat germ oil may be added to the combination to enhance its benefits and prevent it from going rancid. A few drops of these oils may also be added to warm water and used for a final rinse after a bath as well. It is recommended to use this oil during the night for an added effect.

Essential Oils For Aromatherapy

There are a number of essential oils that are known to benefit the skin due to their deep cleansing, toning, nourishing, germ fighting and healing properties. These oils have the capacity to seep deep into the skin and repair damaged cells and regulate the circulation of blood and natural oils as well. However, it is necessary to bear in mind that it takes approximately a month and a half for new skin cells to replace the previous layer. Hence, the benefits of aromatherapy would be determined only after regular use of the same over a considerable period of time.

Geranium, lavender, rosewood and sandalwood are suitable for every skin type. They regulate the secretion of natural oil from the sebaceous glands thus ensuring that the skin is not too oily nor too dry, rough and flaky. They are also known to prevent acne, various forms of skin irritation and reduce skin sensitivity, leaving the skin smooth and nourished. Birch, cypress, rosemary and orange are known to be beneficial in improving blood circulation and preventing cellulite buildup. To delay the aging process, blue chamomile, Vetiver, frankincense, rosewood and sandalwood have proved to be very useful. Lavender oil has excellent antiseptic properties and is used to be effective in treating minor cuts, bruises and burns. Chamomile is known to soothe the skin and provide relief from sunburns and eczema. Peppermint oil is useful in reducing the itchy sensation caused by insect bites.

Benefits of Aromatherapy Massage

Aromatherapy has been used for several thousand years for spiritual, mental and physical health. In this, essential oils are extracted from leaves, flowers, roots and bark, and mixed with oil or lotion before massaging it into the skin. Aromatherapy is also administered by using the essential oils in candles, incenses, and bath salts.

History of aromatherapy: The ancient Egyptians were known to extract essential oils by soaking plants and then filtering the oil through a linen bag. However, the term ‘aromatherapy’ was coined in the 1920s by a French chemist, who used essential oils to treat the wounds of soldiers during the World War I. He continued experimenting with the oils and found out that essential oils of plants are stimulating, antiseptic and calming.

How does Aromatherapy Work: It is believed that essential oils activate the nerve cells in the nose, which further send certain impulses to the limbic system of the brain. It can relieve stress, calm the mind, and stimulate the immune system. An aromatherapy practitioner can prescribe the right combination of oils depending upon the health problem that you are suffering from. Tiny amounts of oil are mixed with massage oil and rubbed into the skin.

Types of Aromatherapy: Aromatherapy can be enjoyed in three main ways.

• Massage: This popular method can be experienced by getting essential oils mixed in massage lotions applied directly to the skin through a massage. The application of oil on the skin improves the functioning of the immune system, and kills bacteria. The massage can create a feeling of relaxation and reduce depression by calming frayed nerves.

• Olfactory: The healing fragrances of the essential oils are released by burning scented candles or by mixing bath salts in warm water. The fragrance of the essential oils can release chemicals like Serotonin, Endorphins, and Enkephalin, which induce relaxation.

• Cosmetic: In this, the essential oils are applied on the body, skin and hair. The oils are often mixed with cosmetic products like bath soaps and face creams.

Health Benefits of Aromatherapy: Aromatherapy massage can heal several health problems. These include -

• Dermatitis

• Panic attacks

• Earaches and headaches

• Vertigo

• Urinary tract infections

• Depressions

• Anxiety

• Irritability

• Fatigue

• Menstrual cramps

Aromatherapy can also be used as a complementary therapy to heal:

• Laryngitis

• Flatulence

• Cancer

• Stress

• Arthritis

• Herpes

• Allergies

• Chickenpox

More Health Benefits:

• Research has proved that aromatherapy can increase the satisfaction of birthing mothers and enhance the experience of labor.

• Aromatherapy can also improve the symptoms of shingles outbreak.

Aromatherapy Candles - Magical light with wafting scents

Aromatherapy candles let the essential oil vapors diffuse into your senses. You can use these to get your energy flowing, enhance a romantic evening, create contentment after a stressful day, or get in touch with your inner self.

There are wide ranging scented candles to choose from, some are even made from Beeswax. This is among the purest materials used; besides they burn cleanly and efficiently while a sweet honey fragrance emerges. Also these candles are environmentally friendly and non-polluting.

Palm wax candles, blended with essential oils are created for their fragrance as well as to define the metaphysical focus. These address the energy of the oils, and so have a subtle medicinal effect.

Adding to the aroma is the look; you can choose the floating flame gel candles. Their transparency makes the gentle yellow light shimmer through the overall effect is quite mesmerizing.

Along with the pillar candles you can even get sophisticated jar candles, the flame flickers through translucent glass, casting optical shadows as the fragrance soothes the soul.

The wonderful part is that your aches and worries slowly disappear, as you smell the sometimes sweet or spicy, or even warm aromas. So light an Aromatherapy candles ? let the peace envelope you.

The Handy Aromatherapy Home Kit ? Always Have It Around

Aroma therapy can do two things to me either I have delicious vibrations that lift my moods or calm down my senses to a serene contentment. Reasons I have a fairly good kit at home. It?s like having the combination of spring and autumn wafting through the senses.

My kit was put together by an Aroma Therapist; she calls it the Basic Survival Kit.? I?ll share some of its secrets.

All basic aroma therapy kits have various oils, candles, and other scented items ? but when we choose these we have to focus on the essential oil being used. When you choose your range make sure that they actually benefit you and your senses.

You must remember the essential oils are at the heart of aromatherapy. So you should use the essential oils that suit your needs. Some of the most common aromatherapy plants are lavender, sandalwood, cedar, eucalyptus, juniper, sage, tea tree, geranium, ylang ylang, and rosemary. These need to be in the right quantities, so as to enhance your senses.

There is a wide range of products available. Right from the basic undiluted oil, these have to be mixed as directed and used in your daily bathing and cleansing regime. You can use bathing salts, exfoliates, moisturizers, toners and cleansers created from these essential oils. These not only contribute to your daily beauty regime, but revitalize your skin and your senses making each day a happier one.

One of the important things in your kit is the diffuser. Basically diffusion helps in dispersing the aroma of essential oils to fill a space. You can choose a simple or even an elaborate one; basically make sure that you can handle it. There are also several blends of oils available you can choose a range that your suits moods and your needs. To spread the fragrance around the area, you can even choose from a range of candles and incense sticks.

Create your own customized kit and you’ll find yourself in much happier place.