User post: Properties of Essential Oils in Skin Care Products

Many skin care products use essential oils in their ingredients. For instance I saw a Paul Mitchell Tea Tree line of shampoo and conditioner recently advertised on Shine. It made me wonder if people really knew the significance of what tea tree oil has to offer and other essential oils in skin care products. Tea tree oil has natural antiviral, antibacterial and antifungal properties and is very effective countless skin aliments, skin spots, acne and dandruff. Thus by understanding the properties of tea tree oil I could understand why they chose tea tree oil to combat dry scalp.

This seems like a pretty good deal, $43.99 for 2 whole liters. Color safe and great for all hair types including african-american.

Understanding the properties of essential oils will give you a great advantage when selecting skin care products for you skin type or skin ailment. Below are common essential oils and their propeties which are commonly used in skin care products.

Carrot Oil - has a strengthening effect on blood cells thus improving tone and elasticity to the skin. Avoid carrot oil if pregnant due to its stimulating properties.

Chamomile - can ease anxiety, tension and anger when used in aromatherapy. It will calm the mind and is helpful with insomnia. It is an excellent skin cleanser and can relieve dry and itchy skin. Chamomile smoothes out broken capillaries and improved elasticity. It is very suitable for sensitive skin too. Because chamomile is an emmenagogue (any substance that induces or hastens menstrual flow) it should be avoided in the early stages of pregnancy. Some of the properties of chamomile are: sedative, emollient, emmenagogue, antidepressant, and antiseptic.

Geranium - is a good overall cleanser for all skin types, it tones pales skin and increases blood flow. In addition it balances sebum production. Properties of geranium are: antiseptic, astringent, and deodorant to name a few. This oil also is known to regulate the hormonal system so best not to use if pregnant. Also, it may cause irritation to sensitive skin types.

Jasmine - A luxurious and highly effective treatment for dry sensitive skin but generally good for all skin types. A blend with Mandarin and Lavender increases skin elasticity and softens stretch marks and scars. In aromatherapy, Jasmine eases severe depression and is calming to the nerves and warms the emotions. Some of its properties are: antidepressant, antiseptic, aphrodisiac, emollient and sedative.

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Lavender - useful for all skin types as it promotes growth of new cells and performs a balancing act on sebum. It is also effective on acne, eczema and psoriasis due to its healing properties. In aromatherapy it can bring down high blood pressure, calm palpitations and provide relief from insomnia. Properties of lavender are: emmenagogue (so avoid during first months of pregnancy), antidepressant, antiviral, bactericide, and deodorant to name a few.

Lemon - brightens dull complexions by removing dead skin cells (a natural hydroxyl acid). Lemon will smooth out broken capillaries and a very effective cleanser on greasy skin and hair. Promotes a soften effect on scar tissue and guards against brittle fingernails. In aromatherapy it produces clarity of thought and a refreshing a cooling feeling when feeling overheated or bothered. Lemon may bother sensitive skin types.

Patchouli - is a tissue regenerator helping re-growth of skin cells. It will cool inflamed skin conditions, rough and cracked skin and sores and wounds. It is also helpful for acne, eczema, fungal infections and scalp disorders. In aromatherapy it promotes grounding and balancing effect. Patchouli will sharpen the wits thus making the mind more objective and banishes lethargy. This oil may cause loss of appetite which is fine if you need to change your eating habits.

Rose - is good for all skin types but especially for mature and sensitive skin types. It is a soothing tonic and it has a constricting action on the capillaries thus valuable for broken thread like veins. In aromatherapy is calming to the womb and pre-menstrual tension. It also has a beneficial action to help infertility and helps with sexual difficulties. Additionally it has a soothing effect on the emotions. It will lift the heart and eases nervous tension and stress. It is an ultra feminine oil and will give a woman positive feeling about herself.

Essential oils are very potent and for the most part they are not applied full strength to the skin. Essential oils are blended with carrier oils such as avocado, almond, and jojoba to name a few. They can also be blended with soaps, butters, and lotions. It is necessary to understand the proper usage and effects of each essential oil in order to get the wonderful benefits they have to offer.

Here are some great books to get your started!

Over 600 Natural, Non-Toxic and Fragrant Recipes to Create Health - Beauty - a Safe Home Environment get The Complete Book of Essential Oils and Aromatherapy
Under $14.00 and would make a great gift for the naturalist in your life.

The Essential Oils Handbook: All the Oils You Will Ever Need for Health, Vitality and Well-Being. Under $10.00!

Carol Belanger author of 300+ Skin Care Recipes

For more skin care articles and skin care recipes visit Complete Skin Care Therapy

OR visit my Shine blog for more skin care articles, beauty tips, and skin care recipes.