Using Aromatherapy for Healthy, Glowing Skin If you’re like most people, you probably don’t have time in your busy schedule to plan a day at the spa. Follow these DIY tips and tricks from Air Innovations® for a home spa makeover and enjoy the spa experience every day of the year - any time you want. Reveal your inner beauty when you indulge in a rejuvenating spa retreat at home! Set the Mood There’s nothing like pampering yourself - candles, essential oils, a new loofah or terry washcloth, a plush bathrobe, cozy slippers – all help set the mood. Don’t forget to stay hydrated – add a few slices of lemon and some fresh mint leaves to a pitcher of cool water to sip on throughout the day. Aromatherapy at Home Aromatherapy focuses on the careful use of essential oils extracted from plants, herbs, and spices to promote health, healing and balance in your body, mind, and soul. Unlike many other health remedies, aromatherapy at its core is gentle, natural, and one of the best ways to practice much-needed self-care. Aromatherapy is not only relaxing, it also provides wonderful benefits to your wellbeing and helps improve a variety of skin conditions. Before you find out which oils to try for different skin types and conditions, you’ll need a basic idea of how to apply the essential oils to your skin. Another item you might want to include while enjoying a spa day at home is an essential oil diffuser. Diffusers can be used with both essential oils or your favorite fragrance oils to gently scent the air. How to Apply Essential Oils to Your Skin There are a surprising number of ways that you can incorporate essential oils into your daily living and general skin care routine. Here are a few of the most useful (and simple) ways to start adding essential oils to your beauty regime. Essential oils are extremely concentrated – so you need to dilute them in a carrier substance before using on your skin. Have fun experimenting with various oils and carriers until you find something that is perfect for your skin. 1. Massage Oil While it’s a well-known method for relieving stress and relaxing stiff muscles, massaging essential oils into your skin can be an effective option for treating skin problems – especially on large parts of your body. A good general recipe is to take 4 ounces of carrier oil (choose from jojoba oil, grape seed oil, olive oil or sweet almond oil) and then add 30-40 drops of the essential oils that suit your skin’s needs. You can blend 3 or 4 of essential oils (rosewood, geranium, cinnamon, sandalwood, ylang ylang – choose from your favorite ones) to make your own customized massage oil. 2. Facial Toner A toner is a great way for your skin to absorb essential oils, and is particularly useful if you have a set skin care routine (cleanse, tone, and moisturize). This method is great for small areas (like your face). To make a soothing and neutral toner take a 4-ounce glass bottle and fill it almost to the top with witch hazel (the carrier). Add about 2 ml of vitamin E (if you wish) and then 10 drops of your preferred essential oils. Apply the toner to your face using a cotton ball and give it time to be absorbed before applying anything else to your skin. 3. Moisturizing Lotion The simplest way to apply essential oils to your skin is by using a lotion. Making your own lotion from scratch takes some work but is not impossible. if you’re not sure about making a homemade lotion, you can buy a ready-made (unscented) carrier lotion base and add your essential oils to that. Melt together over a double boiler or use a bowl seated in gently boiling water: ¼ cup olive oil 3 tablespoons of coconut oil 1 tablespoon of beeswax 1 tablespoon of shea butter Use a whisk to still all the ingredients together until they are all melted and combined. Remove the bowl from the heat and add 25 drops of your preferred essential oils. Continue to whisk vigorously until the mixture resembles a thick, creamy lotion - you’ll end up with about 5 ounces of lotion that has a shelf-life of up to six months. 4. Facial Spritzer Using a spritzer is a fun and refreshing way to use aromatherapy to brighten, soothe, or treat your skin throughout the day. Here’s how to make your own facial spritzer. Take a 4-ounce glass spray bottle and add half a cup of distilled water - or a water-based carrier like rose floral water or lemongrass floral water. Add a few drops of vitamin E oil and 4 drops of the essential oils of your choice and shake well before use. But how do you know which essential oils to add to these mixtures? Stay tuned to read the remaining articles in our essential oil spa series to discover which oils are recommended for treating specific skin types and skin conditions.
