As I have mentioned in my other blogs I have extremely sensitive skin. I have used a variety of commercial skin care products with varying degrees of success. Let’s just say that I know which stores have the best return policies.
I have also been using my own essential oil products for years. I have a variety of blends that I use at different times, for different reasons. Our skin is the largest organ of our body; the total area on an adult’s body is approx 20 sq feet. It protects our inner organs from damage & infections from microorganisms like bacteria, fungi, etc. Our skin is sometimes referred to as our 3rd kidney because it helps the body remove up to 30% of the body's “wastes” (like excess moisture & toxins) thru perspiration. It also helps to regulate body temperature, & the nerves in our skin allow us to feel physical sensations.
Your skin is made up of the:
Epidermis or the top layer of skin
Dermis which contains supportive tissue, hair follicles & sweat glands.
Hypodermis which contains connective tissue & fat.
Our skin is also a good gauge of how we live our lives. Stress, not enough sleep or an unbalanced lifestyle will show up on your skin in the form of dark circles under your eyes, dull skin, acne, rashes or hives. Essential Oils & Hydrosols are wonderful to use for skin care. Hydrosols are the by-product of the steam distillation process of essential oils. They are much milder, have their own set of properties & work really well as toners. Facial Skincare (Adult): Use a .05% - 1% dilution (4 - 9 drops of essential oil per 30 ml of a carrier oil, an unscented lotion or gel or an organic liquid soap) Skincare for the Body (Adult): Use a 1% - 2% dilution when moisturizing or massaging your whole body. (6 drops of essential oil per 30 ml of a carrier oil or unscented lotion or gel) Hydrosols for Skincare (Adult): May be used undiluted for most skin types. (Can be used at a 50% dilution with distilled water for sensitive or irritated skin if need be) When using Essential Oils & Hydrosols for skincare, it’s important to choose the appropriate ones for your skin type or skin condition. Skin Types: Normal or Combination Skin: Cedarwood (Atlas), Chamomile (Roman), Geranium, Lavender, Neroli, Rose, essential oil. Hydrosols: Lavender, Neroli, Rose Geranium. Dry Skin: Carrot Seed, Chamomile (Roman), Frankincense, Geranium, Mandarin, Sandalwood, essential oils. Hydrosols: Rose, Neroli. Mature Skin: Carrot Seed, Clary Sage, Cypress, Frankincense, Geranium, Neroli, Rose, Sandalwood essential oil. Hydrosols: Carrot Seed, Helichrysum, Rose Geranium. Oily Skin: Cedarwood (Atlas), Chamomile (Roman), Cypress, Lavender, Patchouli, Petitgrain, Tea Tree essential oil. Hydrosols: Clary Sage, Melissa, Rose Geranium. Sensitive Skin: Carrot seed, Chamomile (German), Frankincense, Helichrysum, Neroli, Rose essential oils Hydrosols: Chamomile, Rose, Yarrow. Skin Conditions: Acne: Cajeput, Chamomile (German), Clary Sage, Helichrysum, Lavender, Sandalwood, Tea Tree essential oils. Hydrosols: Helichrysum, Rose Geranium, Yarrow. Eczema: Chamomile (German), Geranium, Helichrysum, Lavender, Sandalwood essential oils. Hydrosols: Carrot Seed, Helichrysum. Itching: Chamomile (Roman), Helichrysum, Peppermint, Tea Tree essential oils. Hydrosols: German Chamomile, Helichrysum, Lavender, Witch Hazel. Because essential oils have so many different properties, when you use them in your skincare you are nurturing your body, your mind & your spirit. Taking care of the skin you’re in is one of the best forms of Self-Care… *** If you use Citrus Oils in your skincare or body care products, it is best to use them at bedtime or in products that get washed off your body like body wash & shampoo. If these essential oils aren’t properly diluted, they can react to the UV light from the sun or tanning beds and cause a photosensitive skin reaction. Always dilute essential oils before topical use. Use sun safe essential oils like cold-pressed Sweet Orange, Red Mandarin, Tangerine or steam distilled bergatene free Bergamot FCF, or steam distilled Lemon or Lime.
If you have a skin reaction to any topical essential oil product, discontinue use.
My Blog is for general information only & is not meant to diagnose or replace medical advice.
Essential Oils are for external use only & should always be diluted before topical use. My blog doesn't include all of the precautions or possible interactions that may occur. * Always check contraindications before using essential oils topically. Use caution if you have a medical condition, are pregnant & for children under 6 years of age. References Battaglia Salvatore. (2003) The Complete Guide to Aromatherapy. 2nd edition, The International Centre of Holistic Aromatherapy, Australia, Catty, Suzanne, (2001.) Hydrosols, The Next Aromatherapy, Healing Arts Press, a division of Inner Trade International. Davis, Patricia. (2005 ) Aromatherapy an A-Z. New revised edition, Vermilion, an imprint of Edbury Publishing, a Random House Company. Worwood, V. A. (2016). Complete book of essential oils and aromatherapy: over 800 natural, nontoxic, and fragrant … recipes to create health, beauty, and safe home an. New World Library. https://www.westcoastaromatherapy.com/free-information/articles-archive/beauty-self-care/essential-oils-and-skin-care/http://theessentialherbal.blogspot.ca/2009/10/hydrosols-for-skin-care.htmlhttp://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/picture-of-the-skin#1http://pembertonvalleywellness.com/2015/06/the-third-kidney/ Photos by canstockphoto.com/ nastia1983, Bluering,