SKINIPEDIA - Skin Articles: Aromatherapy & Essential Oils

AROMATHERAPY in the Beauty Salon

Aromatherapy in professional esthetics is the use of essential oils in a treatment, carefully selected for the individual client and based on a professional consultation. Even though essential oils are formulated with many professional skin care products as a part of the fragrance, our discussion of “aromatherapy oils” refers to essential oils (in a pure form) blended into a carrier (usually a vegetable oil) with no added chemicals, preservatives or fragrance. Essential oils are extracted from plants, herbs and flowers. Aromatherapy oils are generally between a 5 to 35 percent strength depending on the manufacturer, usage and area of the body to be treated. High concentration and 100 percent strength essential oils should not be applied directly to the skin because they can cause serious side effects, skin reactions and, in the case of
narcotic oils, sickness. A high concentration oil may be indicated for use in the bath because it is diluted with gallons of water before coming in contact with the skin.

 

 

Although individual essential oils are used in aromatherapy, we have had the best results by using blends of several oils together for a synergistic effect. Essential oils, when blended into the carrier base, are then ready for use in esthetics. They can be applied to the skin with massage, warm infusions, bathing or compresses. Because of their volatile nature, aromatherapy oils should be packaged in either aluminum or glass bottles.

Aromatherapy oils should not be exposed to heat, light or hand contact, as this will degrade the oils. This includes diluting the oils with water, even though they can be added to a bath. Store aromatherapy oils in their original bottles, in the dark and tightly closed. Each essential oil has its own unique “personality” and is used for particular benefits. For example, we have found lavender oil is excellent for burns and irritation, ylang-ylang produces super results on oilier skins, and geranium oil is very calming and anti-inflammatory. When carefully selected and blended for skin care usage, these effects are subtle and consistent. Probably the best policy is to buy only top quality oils from reputable suppliers who specialize in aromatherapy and offer full training and education.

Aromatherapy in Action - Body Massage

The best and most effective way to include aromatherapy oils in a treatment is with massage. This does not
mean a rigorous and stimulating combination of petrissage and kneading, but rather a gentle and rhythmic routine to relax and de-stress the entire body. Even when correctly applied, oils will only be absorbed for about seven to ten minutes. They will not be absorbed if applied when the body is sweating through anxiety, heat or after exercise. A large amount of body fat will impair their absorption, as will water retention and poor circulation.

The aromatherapy oils should be selected for their effects on the individual client, either relaxing, detoxifying or timulating. If the entire body is to be treated, the sequence should be as follows: legs, spine, back of the head and neck, feet, face, upper chest and then abdomen. Apply the oil to each region and after massaging that particular area, move on to the next region, applying the oil and massaging that area. Never overapply the oil. It is not necessary to “slip and glide” as
with traditional European massage. For a relaxing massage, press each pressure point for two to three seconds. For a pick me up, hold each point for a single second.


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