The Complete Essential Oils Sourcebook: A Practical Approach to the Use of Essential Oils for Health and Well-Being. Julia Lawless

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href="#fb3_img_img_aea950db-e24c-537a-b79b-ac893ea0d71e.jpg"/> It acts swiftly and effectively against a wide range of bacterial and fungal organisms, has good persistence, and the added benefit of excellent absorption into the skin.

       It possesses powerful cleansing properties noted repeatedly in the clinical literature.

       It does not irritate the skin, is not poisonous, does not harm tissue cells, and has no significant side effects.

       It is not easily contaminated.

       It is cosmetically very suitable, being colorless and having a pleasant, clean odor.

       It is nearly neutral in pH.

       It is notably effective where there is organic detritus (pus).

       It can be used to treat viral complaints with success.

      Basic skin care

      In skin care, most essential oils are used diluted. In the simplest treatments an essential oil is mixed with a suitable base oil (see here for a list of base oils) or with spring water. Basic creams and moisturizers for both cosmetic and medical use can also be made very simply. When making healing ointments, choose the oils you use for their therapeutic value, following the guide to aromatherapy use in the index of essential oils (here) and specific remedies here. For cosmetic use, choose oils by reference to skin type, or by their scent.

      Simple healing ointments

       Ointments for treating specific skin complaints can be made by blending essential oils with a ready-made nonallergenic cream base, a herbal cream such as calendula cream, or homemade cold cream. Dilute to between 0.5 and 2.5 percent depending on the type of disorder and the area of the body (see here). For a small quantity mix 2 to 3 drops of essential oil to a teaspoonful of cream base in a small container.

      Simple Moisturizer

       To make an aromatic facial moisturizer mix 8 to 10 drops of an essential oil (according to skin type) with a ready-made hypoallergenic, unscented cream or lotion (3½fl oz/100ml tube or 3½ oz/100g jar). In a glass or ceramic container, mix the essential oils into the cream, using a spoon. This blend can be used therapeutically and cosmetically for the face, neck, and hands, but also for body massage. Store in a sealed container away from light and heat.

Skin-care routine

      MAINTAINING A HEALTHY, youthful-looking skin depends on everyday skin care as well as on general health. Products containing mineral oil are not absorbed into the lower dermal layers where the newly emerging cells require optimum nourishment. Mineral oil is also known to leach fat-soluble vitamins, especially A, D, and E, from the body. Most commercial toners contain alcohol, which has a drying effect on the skin and can cause irritation, as can many other synthetic ingredients found in creams and lotions. Even lanolin, though natural, is heavy, animal-derived and rather unpleasantly scented, and can cause allergic reactions. In contrast, natural vegetable oils, waxes, and creams, with selected essential oils, are ideal cosmetic aids because they are highly penetrative and can reach the small blood capillaries in the deeper dermal layers, thus rejuvenating the skin from within, while gentle flower waters tone without dehydrating the skin, and have a mild bactericidal action.

      Many beauticians and body therapists now regularly use essential oils as part of their cosmetic treatments. It is also possible to carry out many effective beauty treatments at home, as part of a regular skin-care routine. Simply by using a selection of vegetable oils and essential oils together with other natural ingredients such as yogurt, clay, honey, oatmeal, and distilled water, it is possible to achieve and preserve a youthful-looking skin.

      Every night

       Remove grime and make-up with a light vegetable oil (such as coconut, sweet almond, or apricot kernel oil) or a mild cleansing cream (such as the cold cream made as described) with a cotton pad.

       Wipe away any excess using a cloth or pad dipped in warm water.

       Refresh the face and neck by applying flower water or a toner or cleanser suited to your skin type.

       Apply a moisturizing oil or night cream suited to skin type.

       Sparingly apply a moisturizing eye oil, cream, or gel (as shown, right). Wheat germ or rosehip seed oil is ideal.

      A basic skin-care routine

      Different skin types require individual treatment but a good basic skin-care routine, which takes very little time, involves cleaning, toning, and moisturizing every morning and evening, and giving the skin extra-special nourishing, cleansing, and revitalizing treatments once a week. Recipes for basic oils, gels, and creams are given here, recipes for masks and moisturizers are on, and recipes for simple fresheners and toner/cleansers.

      Every morning

       Cleanse with a light cream or oil, then remove any excess with a cloth or pad and warm water.

       Refresh the face and neck with a flower water or toner/cleanser suited to your skin type.

       Apply a light moisturizing oil or cream (with sun protection if wished). Let it be absorbed by the skin before applying make-up, if worn.

      Sources of ingredients

      COCONUT

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