Essential oils that Benefit Your Skin

Essential oils benefit the skin by penetrating the pores and the cell membranes to find their way into the tissues, releasing their unique healing properties. Many of these oils stimulate the circulation, increasing blood flow to the applied area and therefore encouraging new cell growth. Each essential oil’s own aroma also has unique properties that react in humans by creating different emotional reactions. This of course has been researched thoroughly and the practice of aromatherapy has resulted. We can all relate to floral scents giving us a sense of tranquillity or calm.
For the skin essential oils are used in lotions, massage oils, creams, scrubs, soaps and more. It is not recommended to apply essential oils directly onto the skin undiluted as they are very potent and can cause reactions. Cold pressed citrus oils should not be used on the skin when going out into the sun as they are known to cause photosensitivity in some people and can also cause pigmentation problems or skin irritations. However they are fine to use in night creams or lotions when you are not exposed to sunlight.

The old favourites like Lavender and Geranium essential oils are still popular today because their skin care abilities have been tested and proven over many years.

 
Benefits of Geranium Essential Oil:
 Relieves clogged pores/congested skin
 Suitable for all skin types, even sensitive skin
 Gentle astringent
 Good for wrinkles/broken capillaries
Geranium is an essential oil derived from Pelargonium graveolens, which has a rosy-sweet smell. Products containing geranium essential oil can benefit all skin types and with the addition of other active ingredients target specific concerns. A wonderfully gentle and beautifully fragrant oil that is highly recommended.

Benefits of Lavender Essential Oil:
 Soothes skin irritations
 Good for eczema, psoriasis and sunburn
 Evens skin tone
 Clears blemishes/healing
 Good for all skin types
 Clogged pores/thread veins                                                                                                        Most often it is common lavender (Lavendula angustifolia or Lavendula officinalis) used in the production of the essential oil used in skin care. Lavender essential oil has a light fresh aroma, is clear and thin in viscosity. The name Lavender is derived from the Latin word ‘lavera’ which means ‘to wash’. The Romans used Lavender in their bathing routine, and it is said to have been introduced by them into England, where it soon developed into a favourite by the English people.

Popular today are the citrus essential oils which have a myriad of benefits between them.
Benefits of Citrus Essential Oils:
 All have antiseptic properties
 Astringent/cleansing/toning
 Good for oily skin types
 Wrinkles/scarring
Like many of the citrus essential oils, lemon essential oil has antiseptic properties, however the properties in lemon oil combine with a wonderful aroma.Lime essential oil has many of the same uses as lemon essential oil, but with a lighter, sweeter scent. The two, blended together create a powerful synergy for clearing and toning oily or blemished skin. Sweet orange (Citrus sinensis) and mandarin (Citrus reticulate) essential oils are great for using on dull or stressed skin and can reduce the appearance of wrinkles and scarring when used within a cream based preparation.

Benefits of Tea Tree Oil:
 Soothes irritated skin/sunburn
 Good for cuts/sores
 Heals pimples/blemishes
 Good for treating acne
 Treats fungal infections
Tea tree oil (Melaleuca alternifolia) originates from Australia and is an essential that must be diluted before use. Its properties mean it is an antibacterial, antifungal, antiseptic and anti-inflammatory all in one so the benefits for the skin are far too many to list here. It penetrates the skin easily is absorbed well into the deeper layers of the skin to fight infection and prevent skin problems.

An easy and effective way to incorporate essential oils into your skin care routine is to add them to the bath water. They can be absorbed through the skin by bathing in warm water and this allows the essential oils to flow throughout the body benefiting not only your skin but your entire system.

BIO: Cheryl Beasley is the founder of LanaB Skin Care, an online natural skin care business that produces fresh and pure products as ordered. She produces a monthly newsletter pertaining to the industry and has over twenty years experience producing skin care products. LanaB's Skin Care range includes natural creams and lotions for all the body, delicious scrubs, balms, sulphate free bubble bath, hydrosols and more.
Find them at www.lanab.com.au

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