Essential oils are all natural plant distillates and extracts that are an excellent addition to your daily beauty routine. In many cases, essential oils can replace some of the many products you are currently using. Organic, all natural cosmetics and beauty products are growing in popularity because they are so good for your skin and the environment; however, purchasing and using essential oils can be quite confusing.
Always purchase pure essential oils, avoiding synthetic aromatic chemicals. A good tip off is the price. Essential oils can be pricey, but are very concentrated and require a small amount to do the job. Oils should not be mixed with mineral oil or alcohol, but should be pure plant extracts. Find a reputable dealer, read the labels, and buy in small quantities. Essential oils should not have preservatives and will have a shelf life, so purchasing this way prevents wasted product.
Again, essential oils are pure and concentrated. They are not meant to be used in pure form. Many of the oils in pure form can cause skin reactions and rashes if not used with carrier oil. They must be diluted. Carrier oils include grape seed, jojoba or sesame oil. I prefer grape seed oil because of the antioxidants, relatively innocuous scent, light texture, and it absorbs well into the skin. Oils can also be added to witch hazel, glycerin or
Using essential oils is relatively simple. Purchase an inexpensive eye dropper, gather a couple of empty, clean glass bottles, and your favorite carrier oil. Use the eyedropper to add the oils to the carrier oil and blend. A rule of thumb is to add just 4 to 5 drops per ounce of the more mild essential oils, such as lavender. Use less if your mixing something stronger, such as eucalyptus or menthol to a carrier oil for a rub to treat symptoms of a cold.
Lavender and tea tree oil are very mild and are an excellent treatment for pimples. (These can be used full strength, however, always do a spot test on the inside of your wrist the first time you use any of these oils.) Dab lightly on the affected area and let dry. Lavender aids in the healing process of the pimple, and the tea tree oil is an excellent anti bacterial and anti fungal.
Lavender or chamomile can be added to grape seed oil and used as in place of your eye makeup remover. The lavender/chamomile blend is gentle and soothing to the eyes and the makeup comes right off! When treating the eye, always dilute essential oils with a carrier!
Lemon and tea tree oil added to your favorite carrier oil becomes a nail treatment with a refreshing natural scent. Use the oil after bath to soften the cuticles. The oil can also be buffed into the nails for a nice shine and pretty nails.
Create a spa treatment for your body by adding sea salt or sugar to any of the blends you have created. Use a heavier carrier oil like jojoba, add sea salt or sugar, (I use raw sugar crushed in a blender), and my favorite essential oils for a luxurious body scrub. The scrub invigorates and exfoliates the skin, while the oils are left to moisturize the body and leave a great scent! Try grapefruit for a pick me up, or sandalwood for a sensual bath.
Using pure, plant derived, essential oils in your beauty routine has obvious benefits. Chemicals in our cosmetics, pollution, and stress all take a toll on our skin. Using natural ingredients when you're able can give your skin the break it needs to return to a healthier glow.
