Friday, April 24, 2015

About Essential Oil Benefits For Skin

By Alta Alexander


Consumers are turning to totally natural cosmetics and body care products. Learning to recognize chemicals they don't want to see on the labels of products they use, they look for safer alternatives. Inevitably, they learn more about essential oil benefits for skin - in fact, for total health and well-being.

The epidermis - the scientific name for our skins - is the largest organ we have. It is our first line of defense, keeping vital fluids inside and environmental toxins and pathogens outside. Since there are germs on every surface we touch, toxins in our air and water, and chemicals involved in almost every daily activity, this shielding action is very important. Our outer layer also helps our bodies excrete toxins and waste products of metabolism through perspiration.

Although our outer layer can refuse to absorb a lot of chemicals, others do penetrate and can do damage. In addition, some ingredients may inhibit natural processes of this protective layer. Mineral oil applied topically, for instance, can deplete vitamins and minerals, actually making surface tissue less moist and resilient than before. Think about lip balms with a petroleum base which need to be constantly re-applied to lips that stay chapped all winter.

Essential oils are found in many plants. These elements are separated from the rest of the botanical; the safest commercial ways are steam distillation and cold pressing. Chemical extraction is another method companies use to get oils in sufficient amounts for mass production, but this is generally considered less that ideal for purity and integrity of the oils.

The list of healing, cleansing, toning, and purifying plants is a long one. Familiar ones include lavender, chamomile, and rose. Others are bergamot, frankincense, and helichyrsum. Manufacturers select the perfect combination to fight wrinkles, balance both dry and oily complexions, control acne, and soothe redness or uneven tones.

The fragrance of plants is also concentrated in the oils, making them suitable for scenting body care products. Everyone loves scents, whether of rose or lavender or more exotic ones like patchouli and jasmine. Getting added benefits, as the oils soothe, tone, and clarify, is a bonus. For thousands of years, the uplifting and therapeutic effects of plant oils have been valued.

The aroma of a fine oil is no small attribute. Many women are aware that stress quickly shows up on their face as the 'glow' that makes them look happy and healthy is lost. Relaxing in a scented bath or resting on a scented pillow has helped people over the centuries. In these busy modern times, smoothing on a sweet-smelling cream before bed or after the morning shower can be a welcome break in daily tensions.

Aromatherapists take the effects of fragrance many steps further, targeting particular emotional, mental, and physical problems and addressing them with specific oils. Lavender is both antiseptic and relaxing, eucalyptus purifying and invigorating, and rose good for the soul as well as for dry skin. Oils heal while evoking fond memories, keeping us in touch with nature, and helping make each day better. As they work on emotional centers in the brain and on the cells of our face, the magic of plants fills us with joy, peace, and optimism. Try essential oils for yourself and see how much they add to life.




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