Aromatherapy and its benefits

Always believed that aromatherapy was only about oil massages and perfumed candles? Here is how you can use aromatherapy to get soft and supple skin...

Aromatherapy is basically a form of alternative medicine that uses plant components that are volatile (essential oils) and other aromatic compounds, to improve a person's mood, health or cognitive function. Commonly used in spas, aromatherapy has now found its way into our everyday lives as well.

 If maintaining a healthy lifestyle is the first step towards having skin that looks good, aromatherapy would come a close second. When aromatherapy is used in skin care, what essentially happens is that the oils get absorbed into the skin and eventually into the bloodstream, thereby giving it a long-lasting effect.

Before you begin aromatherapy, it is essential to recognise your skin type, especially if you have sensitive skin. Every plant's essential oil has different effects, so it is important to understand the effect of the oil and what it is used for before you start using them. There are also chances that you might be allergic to certain essential oils, therefore, always, always choose them with care. Ideally, if you are a first-time user, it is advisable to conduct a small patch test, on the inside portion of your wrist, using a small amount of the oil before you use it elsewhere.



Benefits of Aromatherapy


- Reduces the fine lines caused by ageing


- Cures bug bites and bee stings


- Helps soothe ageing, injured or dry skin


- Cures skin diseases



Using aromatherapy for everyday skin care:


Here is how you can use aromatherapy oils every day in your moisturising lotion, cleansing cream or even in milk. Depending on your skin type, these oils can be used individually or as a combination of two or three oils added to your everyday moisturiser. The ideal ratio would be two drops of oil to every 100 ml of cleanser.



For dry skin : Ylang ylang, geranium, rose or chamomile


For chapped or cracked skin : Chamomile or benzoin


For hyper-sensitive skin : Chamomile, rose, jasmine or neroli,


For combination skin : Geranium or lavender


For normal skin : Sandalwood, lavender, neroli or rose.

If you have any good skin care tips...do post it?