Aromatherapy for Healing Dry Skin and Acne
Understanding how aromatherapy works and the theory behind it is easy to come by. However, knowing how and in what circumstances to use aromatherapy can be a mystery. It’s generally known that aromatherapy can be soothing and a “feel good” remedy for the body as a whole. Beyond that, the general population doesn’t know how to replace medical remedies with aromatherapy in order to gain effective and positive results.
Aromatherapy can be used for many skin conditions. By going to the grocery store and purchasing a few simple products you can make home-made aromatherapy remedies for general skin problems. The recipes for making these remedies are easy, but come with one precaution. First read up on how to use aromatherapy before applying any home-made aromatherapy remedies. This is important because the essential oils used in aromatherapy are not all created equal. Some oils can be digested while others can only be used topically. Being smart about the way essential oils are applied is a part of using aromatherapy effectively and safely.
The recipes and treatments described below are for minor skin problems that you would normal treat on your own at home. Serious medical or skin conditions should be treated under the guidance of a physician. Sound judgment and common sense are two of the most important components of working with alternative medical therapies and essential oils.
Acne is a common ailment that plagues both adolescents and adults alike. The right essential oils can help balance hormones, reduce stress, improve complexion, and even help regulate the skins oil production. Even commercially recognized skin care products like Noxema use eucalyptus oil as a primary active ingredient because it slows skins oil production and fights bacteria all at once. For an intensive acne treatment use 12 drops tea tree oil, half teaspoon powdered Oregon grape root and a few drops of water. A little vitamin E can be added by poking open a vitamin E gel capsule and adding it to the recipe. Vitamin E will aid in healing if there is any open sores present from acne. Sir all ingredients together to make a paste and use a a face mask. Keep away from eyes and mouth. Wait until the mask dries and where for a total time of about 20 minutes. This can be done once a day for severe acne or down to once a week for very mild acne. As with any essential oil mixture, use with common sense and read all labels on essential oil bottles.
In wintertime particularly, we all scavenge the beauty stores for a lotion to cure our dry skin, eczema, and psoriasis. Aromatherapy can actually play a big part in healing dry skin related problems. The best way to do this is to find a company that sells unscented bath and body products and add certain essential oils to body cream or lotion. These contain water that absorbs into the skin. If essential oils are added to it, they will also be able to absorbs into the skin and work effectively. Get a “pure” cream or lotion, or one that is as natural as possible containing no extra perfumes or dyes. Then, grind together 2 tablespoons of oatmeal and 1 tablespoon of cornmeal. This can be done by hand or with a blender. Next, add 6 drops lavender oil and 2 drops peppermint oil. Use as a light scrub periodically on your face or as an in-shower body scrub. This can also make a soothing and moisturizing foot scrub at the end of a stressful day. Make sure to avoid getting it near your eyes and mouth in all cases.
Using these aromatherapy recipes can be as effective or in some cases more effective at treating dry skin and acne problems. Aromatherapy recipes and techniques have been used for many years yielding great results. Remember, any serious skin conditions should first be looked at by a physician before using aromatherapy techniques at home.
