Lesson 3: Blending, Recipes and More!
Aromatherapy for the Skin and Hair
Healthy skin is a measure of how healthy you are inside. Whenever you’re sick, or distressed, your skin loses its glow, becomes dull and gray. The skin is our largest organ, the protection between us and the rest of the world; a window inside. Through the sense of touch, the skin allows us to "feel" the world outside by sending neurological information to the brain.
The skin cannot lie. If we spend years abusing our body with drugs, poor diet, smoke, too much sun exposure, alcohol abuse, poor sleeping habits, and a unhealthy lifestyle, our skin will age prematurely.
There is a silver lining, though. Approximately every twenty eight days the skin renews itself. This means that any change in our lifestyle, eating and living habits as well as skin care will affect not only the way we feel but also the way we look. It’s never too late to acquire a healthy and radiant look!
Using essential oils to improve the well-being and beauty of our skin is an age-old practice. Besides aesthetic aromatherapy, essential oil can also treat several skin conditions thanks to their antibacterial and antiseptic properties.
The best time to apply skin blends is after a bath, when the skin pores are open and blood circulation is increased.
In order for your skin to be ready to absorb the beneficial aromatic agents, skin brushing is recommended. Depending on your skin condition, dry skin brushing can be done daily or weekly. Make sure you use a natural fiber brush. Brush the skin in a circular motion beginning at the outermost parts of the body and gradually moving towards the heart. Do not use the brush on your face, but don’t forget to brush the palms of your hands and the soles of your feet.
Essential oils can also help reduce hair thinning, because of their nourishing properties. Dandruff is another hair condition that can be greatly relieved by some essential oils such as rosemary, lavender, birch and cedarwood.
Enjoy the following blends!
Facial Lotion for Dry and Mature Skin
1 tsp. Jojoba oil
1 tsp. Calendula infusion oil
1 tsp. Sesame oil
6 drops Sandalwood essential oil
4 drops Neroli essential oil
2 drops Geranium essential oil
Blend the carrier oils and the essential oils in a clean one-ounce amber glass bottle. Mix thoroughly. Label. Apply 4-6 drops on moistened skin. Use as needed.
Essential oils to be used for the treatment of dry skin are chamomile, cedarwood, frankincense, geranium, lavender, myrrh, neroli, rose, patchouli, ylang-ylang, and sandalwood.
Facial Oil to Balance Oily Skin
1 ounce Jojoba oil
3 drops Ylang-ylang
2 drops Lemon oil
2 drops Rosewood oil
1 drop Clary sage oil
1 drop Geranium oil
Blend the jojoba oil and the essential oils in a clean container. Apply 1-2 drops to your face twice a day after cleansing your skin. Essential oils effective for oily skin include bergamot, basil, cedarwood, clary sage, cypress, eucalyptus, grapefruit, geranium, juniper, lemon, rose, lemongrass, mandarin, patchouli, rosemary, sandalwood, tea tree, and ylang ylang.
Healthy Scalp – Dandruff Shampoo
Add the following blend to 8 ounces of regular shampoo:
30 drops Lavender essential oil
30 drops Rosemary essential oil
10 drops Birch essential oil
10 drops Cedarwood essential oil
Mix well. Massage a small amount into wet hair for 5 minutes, daily. Rinse well.
