Skin Care with Aromatic Essential Oils

Wrapped in our largest organ

The skin is our largest organ and protects our whole body. It’s our first line of defence against germs and environmental stresses. It insulates our body, helps regulate temperature and prevent dehydration.

Myriad sensory fibres and nerve endings in the skin create an important early warning system when danger threatens, including mobilising the immune system to defend the body.

The skin synthesises vitamin D from sunlight, supporting our immune system as well as bone health.

The skin has its own amazing inbuilt moisturiser – a mix of powerful water loving substances that keep it protected and hydrated. They draw moisture like a magnet onto the surface of the skin to help keep it healthy.

And it works both ways – whatever you put on your skin is absorbed. Ultimately, those substances will travel into your capillaries and the blood stream, before travelling to every cell in your body. So, it really pays to look after your skin and, if you can, apply only substances which are natural and beneficial.

Hazards all around

The skin is remarkable and multifunctional. However, many factors can alter this amazing system: sun exposure, cold and windy weather, poor diet, air-conditioning or central heating, or an atmosphere where there is no humidity – all these can impact adversely on our skin.

The skin barrier is in charge of preventing water loss. A strong well cared-for skin barrier reduces trans epidermal water loss (TEWL), rather like a cloth over a bowl of milk reduces evaporation as well as keeping things out. A strong skin barrier means the skin retains moisture for longer. If our skin can hold moisture in, it means it can stay hydrated – we’ll be more comfortable and our skin will look richer and healthier.

The skin works hard and doesn’t always cope. When compromised by allergens and pathogens, the skin barrier becomes inflamed and irritated and often red. It can become uncomfortable as well as unsightly. Skin conditions can result, such eczema and dermatitis.

The skin is the master multitasker

The skin produces many of its own natural chemicals to help keep itself healthy.

Two important elements are collagen and elastin. These are the protein fibres in charge of keeping the skin supple and smooth, and we produce less of these as we age.

Another important one is Sebum, produced in the skin’s sebaceous glands in its middle layer (Dermis). This helps keep the skin moisturised and also acts as part of the immune system. By creating a surface environment inhospitable to microorganisms and bacteria, it wards off bacterial infection. We produce less Sebum as we age. Hormonal changes can also lead to drier skin and less natural oil production.

Healthy skin needs nurture

It’s always best to choose supplements, treatments and cosmetics that work with the skin, not against it. Enter essential oils!

The skin’s own lipids (the skin’s natural fats) combine well with plant oils, with one complementing the other, providing active and passive smoothing, soothing and protective effects.

The key thing is to penetrate the first layer of the skin (epidermis) to actively nourish the layers underneath without clogging the pores.

Certain plants and aromatic materials (essential oils) can be used in highly penetrative and effective skincare formulations when others of artificial origin are less useful.

Examples of versatile carriers & essential oils:

🌿 Coconut carrier oil helps to strengthen the skin barrier, which reduces irritants entering the skin and maintains skin hydration. In addition, like Jojoba Oil, it works to reduce potential inflammation.

🌿 Jojoba carrier oil simulates our sebum as it has the same structure. It works to seal your skin with a protective barrier to keep it from losing moisture.

🌿 Borage carrier oil’s high GLA (Gamma Linoleic acid) and LA (linoleic acid) content make it a fantastic rebuilder of the skin’s barrier. This in turn leads to the skin looking smoother and more elastic.

🌿Argan carrier oil has high levels of Vitamin E and essential fatty acids (Oleic acid and Linoleic acid) which penetrate the skin to boost moisture and activate natural lipids (fats) to protect the skin barrier.

🌿 Evening Primrose oil is another example plus it is a hormonal balancer.

🌿 Frankincense essential oil is known to promote cell regeneration and keep existing cells healthy. It may also reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines.

🌿Geranium Oil re-hydrates and balances the skin after sun exposure. It has astringent properties, which makes it useful for treating bruises and wounds of thin skin. In addition, it has anti-inflammatory effects which are beneficial for psoriasis and eczema.

🌿 Lavender Oil is known for its anti-inflammatory properties. It can help soothe inflammation and damaged skin.

🌿Rosemary Oil can help tighten sagging skin, giving it a firmer and more youthful appearance.

🌿 Clary Sage Oil can reduce inflammation, puffiness, and promote skin regeneration.

🌿Lemon, Lime, Orange and Grapefruit Oils are known for their detoxifying and antioxidant properties. They can help tighten and brighten the skin. Be careful to use these only at night time as they are phototoxic, so they might cause irritation if used in daylight.

The skin – our ultimate overcoat

Its waterproof, regulates heat, gives us immunity and protection from physical trauma; it fights bacterial invasion, reduces dehydration, and it protects against ultraviolet radiation, as well as chemical and thermal damage – try saying that all in one breath!

Our skin is important. It does so much, so effectively, that it’s tempting to take it for granted. Nevertheless, it deserves care. If we look after it well, it will look after us.

And especially as the winter draws on, when we can be outside in a cold wind, or inside in a centrally heated home, it’s worth investing in your skin for the present and the future – after all, it’s going to be representing you for a very long time.😊

If you’d like to learn more about essential oils for skincare,

why not book a complimentary discovery call?

This can be on the phone, online or in person, and you can also find me at the Englefield Green Community Shop at 82, St Jude’s Road, TW20 0DF. I’ll be there on Wednesday, Friday and Saturday afternoons to share with you natural aromatic solutions for your health & wellness.