Aromatherapy in Skincare

Lavender is the most widely known essential oil, a lot of people already know of its use in oil burners for relaxation and sleep promotion. Even through the ages, Lavender has been a household name, from as far back as the Romans who were avid fans of its bath time properties and are said to have introduced it to Britain. Lavender sachets were used through the ages for sleep promotion tucked under your pillow, or in fragrance sachets for you favourite underwear / lingerie draw as well as grown prolifically in many gardens for the appealing scent and the calming effect of the plant.

The healing properties of Lavender was said to have been discovered accidentally by an eighteenth century scientist, who after burning his arm in a lab explosion, mistakenly put his arm in a vat of lavender oil instead of water, and was amazed at the swift healing of his burns.

Neroli is probably not so widely known, it’s alternative name is `”orange blossom”, tradition has it associated with marriage and purity, explaining why brides sometimes wear orange blossom/buds in their hair. The name of this exquisite oil is reputed to have originated from Italian princess Anne-Marie Tremoille, Countess of Nerola, who used the oil as a perfume for her toiletry regime and her clothes.

With it’s ability to actively stimulate cell growth as well as cellular activity, Neroli is able to help with rejuvenating and regeneration of the skin. In a far more concentrated form, it is also an active ingredient in a lot of the anti-aging creams on the market.

With a pedigree history such as this, these two essential oils are an excellent beauty remedy, and so easy to use, with the added benefit of blending safely and compatibly to complement with each others unique properties.

After cleansing and toning skin according to your usual regime, add a drop of either or both of these essential oils to your facial moisturizer, (do not over-use, as essential oils are very potent and a few drops are all that is required with essential oil usage ). To start experimenting with this addition to your moisturizer, mix your moisturizer and the essential oils together before applying to warm, slightly damp skin, damp skin absorbs moisturizer much better. Add to the beneficial elements of moisturizer and essential oil combination by massaging moisturizer into your skin in a gentle circular application.

Your skin will feel instantly pampered and the holistic benefits of the essential oils will make you feel relaxed and invigorated, as well as the healing and antiseptic properties both essential oils have.

To continue the essential oil benefits, combine with your body lotion for an all over remedial boost for your skin. And the obvious addition of a few drops (no more than six drops, three of each oil combined, or six singly) of neat essential oil of Lavender or Neroli oil to you bath time soak is a bonus treat. Or if you prefer you can mix , again either combined or singly, six drops of oils to a carrier oil and use as a bath oil.

Although essential oils are safe to use and compatible with almost any skin type, as they are non-irritant and non-sensitizing, if you detect any contra-indications when using these oil additions to your moisturizing creams using this therapy, discontinue use immediately and consult an aroma therapist for advice.