The International Organisation for Standardization defines an essential oil as a product manufactured by either vapor- or water-distillation, mechanical processing of by dry distillation of stem, leaves, flowers, bark, and seeds of plants. Extensive research on the therapeutic potentials and properties of essential oils has been gaining momentum for the past few decades.
Essential oils for skin can be applied topically, or with carrier oils for treating skin issues. As essential oils have antimicrobial properties, they have become critical ingredients in many cosmetic products. More importantly, their incorporation does away with the need to add any preservatives in products.
As essential oils for skin have specific effects, they are also used independently or in combinations for their synergistic effects on health.
ESSENTIAL OILS FOR SKIN
Here is a guide for choosing the right essential oil for your skin and hair needs. Notably, one can combine different essential oils harmoniously depending on what could give you the desired outcomes!
DRY SKIN
Dry skin can occur because of a variety of reasons such as using harsh chemical soaps, exposure to hot and cold climate, frequent swimming in chlorinated water, dehydration, or age-related reduction in sebaceous gland activity. Some hormonal factors are also known to affect the skin, making it very dry. Most people use creams and moisturizers to remedy it but few know the value of essential oils.
Lavender essential oil contains laneol acetate, geraniol, and linalool. Its application on the skin is known to be effective for the recovery from fatigue, and stress.They also possess properties that can spur cellular and follicular growth, and aid in skin rejuvenation. Linalool has also been found to possess anti-fungal properties that can be very useful for the treatment of fungal dermatoses.
Lavender alone or in combination with Frankincense essential oil can serve the twin purpose of hydration and anti-ageing. Just use daily adding10ml of essential oil to a 250ml of organic coconut oil and apply directly on the skin with gentle massaging.
OILY SKIN
If you have oily skin, your sebaceous glands are in overdrive and that can get worse from humidity, heat, and hormones. Essential oils can be your best mate for dealing with oily skin issues. Tea tree, Rosemary, and Lemongrass essential oils individually or in combinations can be applied with a carrier oil to control oiliness.
SENSITIVE SKIN
Sensitive skin can be either dry or oily and sometimes occurs with skin allergies or inflammation. Lemongrass oil should be avoided as it is acidic. Lavender and frankincense are considered safe for sensitive skin types. Add 10ml of essential oil to 250ml of carrier oil like coconut oil and keep it ready for daily use.
ACNE-PRONE SKIN
For treating acne-prone skin, it is essential that you choose essential oils that reduce oiliness and also reduce skin inflammation and infection. Tea tree oil also known as Melaleuca oil can be directly applied to skin. It is particularly susceptible to oxidation and also needs protection from light exposure. Tea tree oil targets Gram- positive as well as Gram-negative bacteria, and is also effective against Herpes simplex virus and various fungal infections. Application of 5% tea tree preparation on acne lesions was found to be threefold effective compared to placebo. Tea tree oil alone, or in combination with Rosemary, or Frankincense is an outstanding choice for people with acne. When using a combination, a carrier oil should always be used.
An essential oil should not be taken orally.
USING THEM RIGHT
As essential oils for skin are quite concentrated, it is best to mix them in a carrier oil of your choice. You may choose your favorite carrier oil based on your experience and skin type. Alternatively, a good choice for this purpose can be organic cold-pressed extra virgin coconut oil or organic cold-pressed olive oil.
Camia believes in bringing to you natural, un-tampered goodness of essential oils in a cruelty-free manner. That too packed in plastic-free, eco-friendly packaging. We recommend preparing the essential oils recipe with our range of organic carrier oils. Camia offers USDA certified organic extra virgin coconut oil and olive oil.
Next, you will need to make your own recipe (you are free to change it over time to suit your requirements!). This is done by choosing the right essential oils for skin and mixing a few drops of each for massaging gently on your scalp. Often, essential oils for skin act in synergy with other oils and carrier oils.
Now, if you are quality conscious, you need to match the quality of your essential oils with the carrier oil(s).
Imagine using the best quality organic essential oils for skin and spoiling them with a lesser quality carrier oil and mixing in all the unwanted chemicals you were originally trying to avoid.
It is best to use a glass bottle to prepare your recipe of essential oils for daily use. Also, this bottle should be dark to prevent exposure to strong light so that all the natural goodness of the oils is preserved. You could use essential oils independently or combination, after diluting with a carrier oil. As a rule of thumb, mix 8-10 drops of essential oil(s) for every 30 ml (about six tsp.) of carrier oil. Shake the bottle gently and you are ready!
Remember to shake the bottle gently before every use. Try to not make too much of the oil in one go. Best policy is to make just enough for about a fortnight or month.
Store all the oils in a cool, dark space.