Many skin care products use essential oils in their ingredients. For instance I saw a shampoo and conditioner advertised which included tea tree oil and said it was for dry scalp. Why tea tree oil to combat dry scalp? Because tea tree oil has natural antiviral, antibacterial and antifungal properties and is very effective countless skin aliments, skin spots, acne and dandruff.
Understanding the properties of essential oils will give you a great advantage when selecting skin care products for you skin type or skin ailment. With that in mind below are common essential oils used in skin care products and their properties.
Carrot Oil
- has a strengthening effect on blood cells thus improving tone and elasticity to the skin. Avoid carrot oil if pregnant due to its stimulating properties.
Chamomile
- can ease anxiety, tension and anger when used in aromatherapy. It will calm the mind and is helpful with insomnia. It is an excellent skin cleanser and can relieve dry and itchy skin. Chamomile smoothes out broken capillaries and improved elasticity. It is very suitable for sensitive skin too. Because chamomile is an emmenagogue (any substance that induces or hastens menstrual flow) it should be avoided in the early stages of pregnancy. Some of the properties of chamomile are: sedative, emollient, emmenagogue, antidepressant, and antiseptic.
Geranium
- is a good overall cleanser for all skin types, it tones pales skin and increases blood flow. In addition it balances sebum production. Properties of geranium are: antiseptic, astringent, and deodorant to name a few. This oil also is known to regulate the hormonal system so best not to use if pregnant. Also, it may cause irritation to sensitive skin types.
Jasmine
- A luxurious and highly effective treatment for dry sensitive skin but generally good for all skin types. A blend with Mandarin and Lavender increases skin elasticity and softens stretch marks and scars. In aromatherapy, Jasmine eases severe depression and is calming to the nerves and warms the emotions. Some of its properties are: antidepressant, antiseptic, aphrodisiac, emollient and sedative.
Lavender -
useful for all skin types as it promotes growth of new cells and performs a balancing act on sebum. It is also effective on acne, eczema and psoriasis due to its healing properties. In aromatherapy it can bring down high blood pressure, calm palpitations and provide relief from insomnia. Properties of lavender are: emmenagogue (so avoid during first months of pregnancy), antidepressant, antiviral, bactericide, and deodorant to name a few.
Lemon
- brightens dull complexions by removing dead skin cells (a natural hydroxyl acid). Lemon will smooth out broken capillaries and a very effective cleanser on greasy skin and hair. Promotes a soften effect on scar tissue and guards against brittle fingernails. In aromatherapy it produces clarity of thought and a refreshing a cooling feeling when feeling overheated or bothered. Lemon may bother sensitive skin types.
Patchouli
- is a tissue regenerator helping re-growth of skin cells. It will cool inflamed skin conditions, rough and cracked skin and sores and wounds. It is also helpful for acne, eczema, fungal infections and scalp disorders. In aromatherapy it promotes grounding and balancing effect. Patchouli will sharpen the wits thus making the mind more objective and banishes lethargy. This oil may cause loss of appetite which is fine if you need to change your eating habits.
Rose
- is good for all skin types but especially for mature and sensitive skin types. It is a soothing tonic and it has a constricting action on the capillaries thus valuable for broken thread like veins. In aromatherapy is calming to the womb and pre-menstrual tension. It also has a beneficial action to help infertility and helps with sexual difficulties. Additionally it has a soothing effect on the emotions. It will lift the heart and eases nervous tension and stress. It is an ultra feminine oil and will give a woman positive feeling about herself.
Essential oils are very potent and for the most part they are not applied full strength to the skin. Essential oils are blended with carrier oils such as avocado, almond, and jojoba to name a few. They can also be blended with soaps, butters, and lotions. It is necessary to understand the proper usage and effects of each essential oil in order to get the wonderful benefits they have to offer.
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