Aromatherapy for problem skin
When you’ve tried every skincare product in the pharmacy & you’re still suffering, it might be time to look beyond the potions to a more holistic approach. The answer might be more simple than you expect – just cutting out dairy from your diet or reducing the stress in your life (it is possible!) can make a remarkable difference to your skin’s health. The trick is to look at the wider picture & make a few small adjustments that affect everything, instead of focusing on quick fixes for each individual symptom.
Aromatherapy can support you emotionally as well as treating physical symptoms, & essential oils are generally inexpensive & widely available, so it’s an ideal place to start if you’re new to the holistic lifestyle.
Before you start, understand that you should never apply undiluted essential oils directly to your skin. Always dilute them with what’s known as a “carrier oil” – that is, a nut or vegetable oil, chosen to suit your skin type, which you can mix with essential oils for massage & topical application.
Also, some essential oils (any citrus, & angelica) can make your skin burn easily in sunlight, so you should only use them at night.
If you only need the scent of an essential oil, put a few drops onto a scarf or handkerchief – but remember that oils can stain fabric, so don’t use anything precious. When I first started using aromatherapy oils I tried putting them on my dress, so I could inhale them during the day, not realising that the drops would stay wet. That “I dribbled breakfast down myself” look is rarely appropriate.
Carrier oils for different skin types
Sweet almond oil is a good bet for most skin types. It’s widely available & full of vitamins that benefit your skin. It takes a while to soak in, though, so is better for massage than as a facial moisturiser.
Don’t worry about putting oil on oily skin – it can actually reduce sebum production, balancing skin in the long run. That said, oily skinned folk are best using the lightest carrier oils, like hazelnut, jojoba & grapeseed.
Dry skin can handle heavier oils like macadamia & avocado, while mature skin benefits from gentle nourishment by apricot kernel, argan or rose hip oils.
Essential oils for skin conditions
Rose, although usually quite expensive, is well known for its skin healing properties; it promotes circulation & makes a good antiseptic moisturiser. The scent will also support you while you recover from depression or hormonal disorders.
Tea tree is well-known for its ability to treat acne, & is also anti-fungal. It’s one of the only oils that can be applied neat, but don’t over-use it. You may find your skin is sensitive to it.
Lavender, good when applied to bruises, is also relaxing, & very useful for stress-reduction.
If your stress is pre-menstrual, geranium is excellent – it really soothes hormonal tension.
Frankincense & neroli are both good for enlarged pores & wrinkles.
Buy a couple of oils to begin with – lavendar & geranium are a good place to start – & use ten drops per 20ml of carrier oil. If you’re pregnant, consult a qualified aromatherapist before you start.
Suzie Saw is a writer who loves nature, animals, making clothes, dressing up in them & waiting like a preying mantis for “50% off!” emails from online skincare shops to land in her inbox.
