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Caring For Sensitive Skin With Essential Oils October 22, 2014Relax0 Comments

Sensitive skin can be a real nuisance. Often it seems the slightest little thing triggers some sort of reaction. You may experience tight, painful skin especially on the face, itchy raised bumps or unsightly red blotches. Sensitive skin is also more prone to conditions such as contact dermatitis, eczema and rosacea. Flare-ups and reactions can be caused by many factors such as weather conditions, pollution, stress, and hormonal imbalances and of course cosmetics and cleaning products. It can be a nightmare trying to find the right products for your skin, and the fact is many over-the-counter cosmetics and beauty creams contain tons of chemicals. All these chemicals will do is irritate your skin.

Aromatherapy is a wonderful, natural therapy that has a wide range of benefits, especially when it comes to skin care. When using essential oils for the first time it’s always a good idea to do a patch test to ensure you don’t have any allergies or sensitivities to a particular oil. This is extremely important for those with sensitive and delicate skin. Add 1-2 drops of your chosen essential oil in 1-Tablespoon of carrier oil and apply a small amount to the inside of your elbow. Cover with a bandage and leave for 24-hours. If you feel any irritation remove the bandage and wash the oil off immediately. If after 24-hours there is no redness or itchiness then the oil should be safe for you to use.

Caring-For-Sensitive-Skin-With-Essential-Oils-1There are several essential oils that are particularly beneficial for sensitive skin. Among them are chamomile, lavender, neroli, rose, geranium and rosewood. These can be used in lotions, massage oils, bath preparations and toners to keep your skin happy, healthy and cared for. Too much sun, harsh winds or cold air can make delicate skin feel dry, tight and extremely sore. For an intensely nourishing facial massage oil blend of 20 ml of rosehip oil and 10 ml apricot kernel oil and add 3-drops rose, 3-drops neroli and 3-drops roman chamomile. Gently massage a small amount into the face and neck twice a day.

Sometimes hormonal fluctuations can increase the sensitivity of your skin. If this is the case then geranium is a fantastic choice of oil to use as it helps to ‘balance’ the body, in particular the hormones. A simple lavender and geranium bath can work wonders for skin that has erupted in spots. Blend 2-drops lavender and 3-drops geranium in 1-Tablespoon of sweet almond carrier oil and add to a warm bath. This relaxing soak will help clear your skin, relax your mind and leave your skin feeling silky soft. You can also make a gentle facial toner using 250 ml of distilled water, 15 ml of vodka and adding 3-drops neroli and 3-drop chamomile. Apply to face and neck area using cotton balls once or twice a day to help soothe and cleanse your skin.

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If your skin is feeling a bit rough and patchy, rosewood essential oil may be the answer. This beautifully uplifting oil has great cell regenerating properties and is a wonderful addition to any beauty care regime. Purchase some fragrance-free base cream or lotion and to 20ml of that add 3-drops rosewood and 3-drops neroli. If eczema, psoriasis or contact dermatitis are causing problems a similar lotion can be made with 3-drops chamomile and 3-drops lavender in 20 ml of base lotion. Carrier oils can be used but often they can make the affected area feel hot and itchy, so the cooling sensation of a lotion is much better.

Although it can be difficult to cope with at times, sensitive skin doesn’t have to rule your life. Just be sensible about what you put on your skin, and take proper pre-cautions when spending time out doors. Using these essential oils as part of your regular skin care regime will keep you and your skin happy!

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With love from Teach This

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