New Moon Body Work and Botanicals
616 East Charles Street
104
La Plata, MD 20646
More Complementary & Integrative Healthcare Articles
Essential Oils In Skin Care
Essential oils offer a wealth of benefits for healthy skin, whether they are being used to target a specific problem, address aging tissues, or simply support and nurture the vital organ that is our skin. Because of their easy absorption, essential oils penetrate the epidermis easily and deliver nutrients to the living layer of our skin which houses important glands and nerves, and collagen and elastin fibers, which give the skin resiliency and firmness. Essential oils are plant derived, natural substances with a low risk of adverse reactions. Here are some of the most important skin oils
Lavender is anti-inflammatory which tones down redness, heals burns, and decreases general inflammation, which prematurely ages skin. It is an excellent sunburn remedy especially when mixed with aloe gel. It stimulates healthy skin cell renewal, which is important both cosmetically and in specific skin treatments such as acne, wound healing, and scars.
Rose oil is very expensive but is only needed in very small quantities to help with skin cell renewal and inflammation. It is specific for ageing skin, helping to smooth fine lines. Rosewater, which is a by-product of the distillation of rose oil, is an excellent toner for the skin, and is a perfect acidity level the skin needs to be healthy.
Patchouli is pungent oil is an excellent anti-fungal, and like lavender, promotes healthy skin cell growth. It is a sebum regulator and useful for acne. Although strong smelling, only a small amount is needed to be useful and it blends very well with other oils.
Geranium oil possesses a rose-like aroma and is one of the most potent anti-inflammatory oils. It helps regulate sebum, tones redness, and is anti-bacterial as well, making it useful for wound healing and acne.
Chamomile is a very soothing oil, beneficial for very irritated tissues. It is also mild enough for use on babies, as is lavender. Skin that is itchy, very inflamed, or prone to stress related breakouts would benefit from this oil.
Essential oils to be used safely must always be diluted with a carrier oil, aloe gel, or other liquid to not irritate the skin, as they are concentrated plant essences. These carrier substances can also add to the effect of the skin care treatment.
