SKINIPEDIA - Skin Articles: Aromatherapy & Essential Oils

AROMATHERAPY in the Beauty Salon (Part 2)

Aromatherapy in Action: Facial Massage

Because of their strong anti-bacterial effects, aromatherapy oils are very beneficial to the skin condition, especially oily and problem skins. The oil should be applied after cleansing and light steaming (for hydration not elimination), and applied with a light pressure point massage. After the massage, a gel or cream masque would be indicated (clay-based will absorb the oil and be too stimulating). A Dr. Lucas Pulverisator can be utilized with the aromatherapy oil for rehydration, and the benefits sealed in with a light moisturizer.

Although clients with oilier skins may be a little wary of using any essential oil, including aromatherapy oils on their skins, it
should be remembered that aromatherapy oils are made up of molecules such as alcohols, phenols and terpenes and
because they are so quickly absorbed, little trace of them is actually left on the skin.

 

 

Aromatherapy in Action: Bath Treatments

A very effective way to use aromatherapy oils is in a warm bath. The room should be warm, and the doors and windows should be closed to allow for inhalation of the vapors. The body should be immersed in the bath for at least 10 minutes,
and the ideal temperature of the water is about 100oF. The odoriferous molecules of the aromatherapy oil stimulate the
nerve endings that are an extension of the limbic portion of the brain which is responsible for our feelings of pleasure, contentment and well-being.

They also connect with the hypothalamus, which sends chemical messages to the pituitary gland which controls every
endocrine gland in the body. This effects the thyroid, adrenals and ovaries, and by this indirect route, the aromatherapy oils can exert a powerful influence over the hormonal secretions of the body. A familiar example of smell affecting the body functions is when our digestive juices begin to flow when the odor of cooking is detected.

Aromatherapy in Action - Compresses

Compresses or poultices are an age-old way of drawing impurities out through the skin, to soothe irritation or relieve
congestion. They were one of the first treatments in medicine, and their history goes back thousands of years. Traditionally, the most common compresses were made from mustard seed, fennel or linseed, and were particularly
popular when treating colds and skin problems. Compresses or poultices with aromatherapy oils can be used for a concentrated facial treatment, but should not be considered for delicate or sensitive skins.

Dry ingredients such as wheat germ, bran or herbs are mixed with the selected aromatherapy oil and warm water into a stretchy paste. The mixture then is sandwiched between a square of muslin gauze to form a compress. This treatment is very effective during a facial or in a back treatment. Place damp eye pads over the eyes before a facial compress is applied. Mold the compress to the skin and leave on for 10 to 15 minutes. The compress may be placed under warm steam, but it should not be warm enough to cause sweating of the skin.

Aromatherapy in Action - Warm Facial Infusions

The use of the Dr. Lucas Pulverisator is a very effective way to rehydrate and soothe the skin with aromatherapy oils. The Dr. Lucas should be filled with distilled water in the inner container, and allowed to heat up. The front glass beaker should be filled with a herbal infusion, such as chamomile, and a few drops of the selected aromatherapy oil. As the water in the inner chamber heats up, steam will be produced, and the pressure from the steam sucks up the infusion and mixes it with the warm steam to form a gentle and moist pulverisation. This should be directed at the skin for 5 to 7 minutes, thus providing a marvelously hydrating and soothing application, which incorporates both gentle moisturizing and inhalation of the vapor.

Aromatherapy is not a new technique. The massage treatment with essential oils dates back to ancient China and Tibet. As we study and learn more about aromatherapy, it is possible to “read the body and skin” to discover even more ways to help our clients in their daily health and beauty care.

REFERENCES:

1. Daniele Ryman, Using Essential Oils for Health and Beauty, 1986, Portland House/Windward
2. Eve Taylor, Clinical Aromatherapy Class Notes, 1987, The International Dermal Institute
3. Jean Valnet, MD. The Practice of Aromatherapy, 1980, Destiny Books

The International Dermal Institute®