Aromatherapy for Skincare
by Donna Thomson
One of the main benefits of essential oils is their healing benefits for our skin. Whether your skin is dry, oily, or just in need of a little extra care, you will find some useful skincare recipes below.
A Lovely Face Splash
* 2 drops ylang ylang
* 2 drops lavender
Add to a basin of cool water. Use after cleansing.
For Dry, Ageing Skin
* 2 drops frankincense
* 1 drop lavender
* 2 drops patchouli Oil
Add to 50g of natural moisturiser base (or sorboline cream) and gently massage into skin.
For Rough, Dry Hands
* 10ml aloe vera gel
* 3 drops lavender
* 3 drops blue chamomile
Mix well. Apply to hands a few times a day.
Collagen Boost for Dry Skin
* 5 drops sweet orange
* 5 drops blue chamomile
* 50ml jojoba oil
Apply nightly to clean skin. Alternatively, add 2 drops of each oil to 50g of natural base moisturiser or pure sorbolene cream.
Orange & Almond Body Scrub
* 2 tablespoons ground almonds
* 1 teaspoon fine ground oatmeal
* 1 teaspoon fine ground orange peel
* 2 drops sweet orange
* 1 tablespoon natural yoghurt
* 1/4 - 1/2 cup goats milk
Mix all ingredients together with enough milk to form a soft paste. Massage onto the body, with small circular movements, applying gentle pressure. Rinse off with warm water. Pat Dry. Apply moisture lotion. For a deeper scrub effect, add 1 tablespoon of Sea Salt to mixture.
Moisturising Face Mask
* 2 drops frankincense
* 2 drops rose
* 2 drops neroli
Add to 30mL apricot oil with 1 tsp clear melted honey. Mix with enough finely ground almond to make a soft paste.
Energising Face Mask
* 2 drops ylang ylang
* 2 drops petitgrain
* 2 drops lemon
Add to 30mL iced water with enough ground almond to make a smooth paste.
Oily Skin Face Mask
* 10 drops lavender
* 5 drops bergamot
* 3 drops clary sage
* 3 tablespoons white corn meal
* 3 tablespoons almond meal (freshly ground raw almonds work best)
Add just enough rosewater or orange flower water to make a wet paste. Using circular motions gently massage the mixture onto your face, avoiding the soft tissues under the eyes. Leave the mixture on for 5 to 15 minutes, then rinse off with warm water. Finish the treatment by splashing cold water on the your face to close your pores.
Toning Facial Mist
* 6 drops lavender
* 1 drop clary sage
* 1 drop chamomile
* 1 drop patchouli
* 4 drops lemon
Add to 2 ounces of distilled water and pour into a spray bottle. Shake vigorously before spraying this refreshing blend onto clean skin.
Sunburn Reliever
* Add 6 drops lavender to distilled water in a spray bottle.
* Optionally, add 2 drops of peppermint or spearmint oil for a cooling effect.