Scar-Free Skin Healing With Aromatherapy No comments yet

Pure essential oils have a long history of use in natural skin care. These wonderful phytochemicals provide a great breadth of natural, medicinal components well-known for healing damaged skin, as well as reducing the appearance of old scars from wounds, acne and other incidents. Essential oil blends for these applications are gentle, safe for regular use, and have a wonderful aroma to boot!

Certain essential oils are often used for healing and regeneration of skin tissues. We’ll review these and their companion carrier oils, then present some formulas for particular situations. The first of these essential oils is Helichrysum Italicum, an oil with an earthy aroma, distilled from the small flowers of an herb native to the Mediterranean region. This is the premier oil called for where the skin is in need of regeneration, and where inflammation may be present. Helichrysum is unique in that it contains ‘di-ketones’; a class of molecules that signal the skin to regenerate. It is also often used for bruising and impact related injuries.

Helichrysum is the foundation of many blends for healing the skin, and can be used by itself in a synergistic carrier oil such as Rosehip seed. This combination may be all that is needed to speed the healing of recent wounds - though often a little Lavender oil is added as well. Kurt Schnaubelt, one of America’s leading aromatherapists notes in his quintessential guide “Advanced Aromatherapy” that Helichrysum essential oil and Rosehip seed can “heal wounds with minimal or no scarring”.

As noted above, Lavender oil is often used for skin healing. In a 50/50 blend with Tea Tree oil, it is commonly used on small cuts and scrapes to sooth and prevent infection. Lavender has anti-inflammatory properties along with tissue regenerating effects, albeit a bit more mild than Helichrysum. It does, however, have the important added benefit of a well-liked aroma that can ease anxiety for many people.

Next up is the essential oil distilled from the leaves of common Sage, or Salvia officinalis. Sage is used in low concentrations in very specific conditions - where the scars are old and require a little extra phytochemical power to heal. Sage oil can bring circulation to the area, and can assist the scarred area of the skin to regenerate, particularly in concert with other oils. Sage can be used in stretch mark formulas, but should only be employed post-partum because of the high thujone content of the oil.

Rosemary is an essential oil with a wonderful aroma that is used in many skin care blends. The Verbenone chemotype is called for here as, like Helichrysum and Lavender, contains regenerating ketones (the Cineol type does not). Rosemary will also stimulate cellular metabolism, improving the nutrition and waste cycling of skin cells.

Finally, these essential oils need to be diluted carrier oils, which are seed or nut oils made up of fatty acids. These oils help the skin absorb the essential oils, and provide important nutritive oils to help the skin heal and look its best. The most important is Rosehip Seed oil, cold-pressed from Rosehip Seeds native to mountainous regions of South America. In addition to its unsaturated fatty acids, this oil contains natural vitamin A compounds similar in effect to the pharmaceutical preparation Retin-A but without the over drying or redness that often accompanies its use. Hazelnut oil is also a wonderful carrier well tolerated by all skin types; its gentle astringent qualites prevent the skin from feeling oil upon application.

And now for a few recipes - a few simple mixtures can cover several skin-healing conditions, both for recent wounds and older scarred tissue. For the support of recent wounds, use one ounce Hazelnut and one ounce Rosehip seed oils. To this, add 25 drops each of Helichrysum and Lavender essential oils - apply twice a day once the wound can get moist. For the improvement of appearance of old scars, keloid scars and acne scars, try the same base oils, replacing the Lavender with Sage essential oil. Apply regularly for 3 to 6 months for best results. For the post-partum reduction of stretch marks, again to the same base oil formula, add 25 drops Sage essential oil and 25 drops Rosemary verbenone. Use this formula again for several months for best results.

So these are just a few skin care formulas commonly used in aromatherapy. Many more exist for a great variety of skin conditions - there is much information available on the internet or in bookstores. Remember, when creating your own blends, be conservative with the amounts of essential oils - they do work in small amounts. Also, it’s always fun to add to these recipes one or more of your favorite aromatic oils - Jasmine, Ylang Ylang, Rose or other oils can add a lovely complex aroma to the blend; one that you’ll enjoy wearing. Be creative, be safe and have fun!

Acne Diet Naturist Treatment No comments yet

Acne is the most common skin disorder. Though it affects millions, and cause trauma to both the skin and the self-esteem, there is no cure for acne. There are however hundreds of products, medications, and cosmetic procedures that may or may not help heal acne pimples. Before resorting to drastic measures like laser surgery or Accutane, acne sufferers should attempt a natural approach. Small lifestyle changes may greatly impact incidence and severity of acne. This article will focus on an acne diet naturist treatment. Dietary changes and holistic methods may be able to control acne without invasive methods or a visit to the dermatologist.

Acne Diet Naturist Treatment How-To

The effect of diet on acne has been hotly debated for centuries. Though chocolate, French fries, and soda may not by themselves cause acne, an overall unhealthy diet will have an impact on the overall condition of the body including the skin. The first change acne sufferers should make in an acne diet naturist treatment plan is drinking adequate amounts of water. 8-10 eight oz. glasses of water daily will help the body flush toxins out and will help moisturize, balance and regulate all the systems of the body. Another change to be made as part of the acne diet naturist treatment plan is eating foods that contain water, like fresh fruits and vegetables, will also benefit the body and the skin. Adding fiber to the diet will also cleanse the digestive tract which has a direct impact on the skin. Processed or fatty foods, caffeine, sugars, and white flours cause build up in the intestines and colon. When these systems are dirty or clogged, the pores of the skin will also become clogged, causing an acne breakout.

Some foods cause hormone levels to shift. Since hormones, as well as diet, are a major cause of acne, it is important to know what foods can affect hormones and avoid them. Any foods containing refined carbohydrates and excessive sugar cause an increase in insulin production, which affects hormones, which in turn affects the skin. Avoiding sugar, soda, pizza, pasta, white bread, and pastries will noticeably impact the complexion. Replace these foods with as many fresh, unprocessed foods as possible. An acne diet naturist treatment includes not only maintaining a healthy diet, but a healthy lifestyle. Managing stress, avoiding the sun, getting plenty of rest, and exercising are all part of a healthy lifestyle. Remember that an unhealthy inside, whether physically, emotionally, or spiritually, will reflect on the outside.