Aromatherapy
is the science of using the sense of pure, natural essential
oils to produce effects that promote well-being. Research has
shown, as Ayurveda has advocated for thousands of years, that
synthetic compounds do not produce the desired effects, nor
do those that contain alcohol. Only pure plant oils can be used
for Aromatherapy. Aromatherapy
Facial
Skin Types
There are five basic skin types, and you will want to consider
yours when making your own aromatherapy beauty products.
Oily
Skin
Oily skin is caused by over-active glands, which produce a
substance called Asebum, a naturally healthy skin lubricant.
When the skin produces too much sebum, it becomes thick and
heavy in texture. Shininess, pimples and blemishes characterize
oily skin. Frequent steam cleaning and exfoliation can help
reduce these symptoms.
Dry
Skin
Dry skin usually results when skin fails to produce enough
sebum to maintain a naturally lubricated surface. This lack
of oil in the skin is often hereditary, but can also be caused
by over-exposure to the sun and other environmental elements.
As we age, our skin becomes drier as decreased metabolism
reduces the rapidity with which dead skin cells are replaced.
Dry skin often appears coarse, tight, dull and flaky, with
visible lines and wrinkles. Massage with essential and cold
pressed oils can stimulate metabolism and alleviate dry skin
conditions.
Normal
Skin
Normal skin produces a healthy amount of sebum, and tends
to be neither dry nor oily in feel.
Sensitive
Skin
Sensitive skin reacts unfavorably to a variety of chemicals
and environmental factors. Having had ample opportunity to
compare brand new baby skin with skin that is just a few years
old, it seems to me that all skin is delicate and sensitive
when it is new. Increased exposure to nature's elements such
as the sun, wind and cold, as well as to harsh cosmetic ingredients,
tend to toughen skin over time.
Combination
Skin
Many people have different skin types on different parts of
the face. For example, it is not uncommon for a person to
have oily skin around the nose, forehead and chin, while the
rest of the face is more on the dry side. If you have more
than one skin type on your face, it is wise to use products
containing different ingredients to treat the areas differently.
Your
Step-By-Step At-Home Facial
A
basic facial must include at least 3 elements:
(1) cleansing;
(2) toning; and
(3) moisturizing.
Additional steps might include steaming, exfoliating and masking.
Step
1. Before cleansing your skin with a gentle cleanser, it is
wise to give yourself a light steam treatment to open your
pores and prepare your face for cleaning. To do this, simply
soak a soft towel in a bowl of comfortably warm herbal tea.
Wring out the towel and place it over your face and neck area
and relax until it cools slightly. You may repeat this process,
as it is quite soothing.
Step
2. Cleanse your face with a gentle handmade cleanser such
as Rose Cream Cleanser. Use upward, circular movements of
the fingertips to gently stimulate the skin and help lift
surface debris and excess oil. Rinse with warm water and gently
pat excess moisture from face with a soft towel. If you wear
heavy make-up, you might wish to repeat the cleansing process.
Step
3. After cleansing, it is important to tone the skin using
ingredients that help balance the pH of the skin, which is
typically disturbed during the cleansing process. Apply the
toner with a soft cotton pad, but do not rub the skin. Rather,
saturate the pad and pat the toner over the face and neck
area. Do not pat skin dry. Avoid eye area when using toner.
You skin is now ready for moisturizing.
Step
4. Moisturize your skin using Aromatic Facial Oil, which contains
a host of soothing ingredients to add moisture and nutrients
to your skin. To seal in the moisture, be sure to apply the
oil while skin remains damp from applying the toner. Gently
apply the oil to your face and neck using patting motions.
For oily areas of skin, one application of oil should suffice.
Apply twice to dry areas of skin, waiting about 2-3 minutes
between applications, and being sure to moisten the skin slightly
with water or toner before the second application.
Aroma
Facial For Oily Skin
Step
1. Cleansing
Apply a paste of 1/2 tsp Milk powder, 2 drops Lemon oil, 1
drop Cedar wood on the face and neck and massage for a minute
or two. Then wipe using tissue or cotton.
Step
2. Toning
Apply on skin a paste made of fuller's earth, 2 drops rosemary
and 2 drops basil and leave it to dry. Then wipe it with wet
towel.
Step
3. Moisturizing
Take any good quality non-perfumed moisturizing cream. To
it add 2 drops Lavender. Apply gently on skin.
Aroma
Facial For Dry Skin
Step
1. Cleansing
Make a paste of 1 tsp milk powder, I pinch sugar, 2 drops
basil and 2 drops lemon and apply on the face and neck and
gently massage. Then wipe using tissue or cotton.
Step
2. Toning
Make a paste using almond powder, 1-drop lemon and 1-drop
rose water and apply on the face and leave it to dry. Then
wipe it with wet towel.
Step
3. Moisturizing
Take any good quality non -perfumed moisturizing cream. To
it add 1 drop Rose and 1 drop Sandalwood. Apply gently on
skin.
Aroma
Facial For Normal Skin
Step
1. Cleansing
Make a paste of 1 tsp milk, sandalwood powder and almond powder.
Apply on face and neck and massage. Then wipe using tissue
or cotton.
Step
2. Toning
Make a paste using almond powder, 1/2 tsp honey and 1-drop
rose and apply on the face and leave it to dry. Then wipe
it with wet towel.
Step
3. Moisturizing
Take any good quality non -perfumed moisturizing cream. To
it add 1 drop Rose and 1 drop lavender. Apply gently on skin.
Aroma
Facial For Combination Skin
Step
1. Cleansing
Apply a paste using 1 tsp. milk powder, 2 drops of Rosemary
and 1 drop of juniper berry on face and neck and massage.
Then wipe using tissue or cotton.
Step
2. Toning
For Dry Areas
Make a paste using Almond powder, 1-drop lemon, 1 drop rose
and apply on the face and leave it to dry. Then wipe it with
wet towel.
For
Oily Areas
Make a paste using Fullers Earth, 2 drops Rosemary and 2 drops
basil. and apply on the face and leave it to dry. Then wipe
it with wet towel.
Step
3. Moisturizing
Take any good quality moisturizing cream and add 2 drops Lavender.
Apply gently.
Aroma
Facial For Sensitive Skin
Step
1. Cleansing
Apply a paste using 1/2 tsp. milk powder, 2 drops of lavender
and warm water on face and neck and massage. Then wipe using
tissue or cotton.
Step
2. Toning
Apply on skin a paste made of fuller's earth, 3 drops Chamomile
and honey and leave it to dry. Then wipe it with wet towel.
Step
3. Moisturizing
Take any good quality non -perfumed moisturizing cream. To
it add 5 drop Rose. Apply gently on skin.
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