As it comes to beauty and personal care products we are overwhelmed with far too many choices, concerned about ingredients origins and safety, and it is impossible to known what exactly is in a lotion unless you are educated chemists.
After studying a lot of verified internet resources I have come to a strong conclusion, based on what the professionals in the cosmetic industry privately say:
Higher priced personal care and cosmetic brands aren’t necessarily the best
The assumption that expensive brand name personal care products are better can be considered as a common fallacy. This is the first rule we have to bear in mind. Packaging and marketing are what the price is mostly all about. There is another thing also - many of the brand products appeared useless to their claims, especially in the anti-ageing sector.
Cosmetic producers have gone to a lot of effort to sell their products but thanks to a growing number of conscious customers preferring sustainable lifestyle in health, beauty and wellness - the products are becoming more environmentally friendly and with more 'natural' ingredients than a decade ago.
Still, there is a long way to go as many products are in small non-reusable plastic bottles, and for this - I have decided to opt out, as many others.
Herbs and some form of essential oils have been used for health and beauty purposes since ancient times. Their delicate volatile compounds work synergistically with your particular skin needs and this is what makes them so desirable for skin applications.
Even if a product has essential oil as an ingredient it does not mean it will bring benefits to your skin. The best way is to experience on your own and by yourself - on how making your own personal care and beauty lotions, creams, shampoos, soaps can improve your complexion (and soothe your senses).
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Good quality pure essential oils can greatly improve many skin conditions. There are simple principles that are worth exploring if you are starting your path towards your own line of cosmetics:
- Collect some glass jars and bottles that will be easy to use. You can buy some natural products in glass containers and after using them - wash them thoroughly with hot water and soap and let them dry completely.
- Buy your ingredients from trusted organic fair-trade sources.
- Pure essential oils should always be carefully blended with a carrier oil before application.
- As a base for your lotions it is best to start with jojoba oil, organic extra virgin olive oil or other organic oil. Choose those that seem appropriate for your skin, and don't be afraid to experiment. They won't do any damage, simply some may feel more right for your skin.
- Use more heavy oils for night time (olive oil, coconut oil), to moisturise the skin and prevent premature aging. Jojoba oil is good for day time care.
- The rule of thumb is also to use lighter essential oils for oily skin and more heavy and thick for dry or mature skin.
- It can make some time before your skin re-adjusts to more natural ingredients.
- Never mix essential oils with ready facial moisturizers or other creams - as some websites advise. There may be some negative chemical reactions between essential oil and synthetic ingredients, that are found in commercial products. You never know and it is best not to be your own guinea pig.
- Never use citrus essential oils (bergamot, lemon) - for facial treatments. Many websites recommend this - and the truth is - they often do not know what they are writing about (they just want to 'produce' a catching article). Citrus essential oils react to Sun rays very strongly and can cause patchy sunburns. We don't want that. As we have our faces exposed all the time it is best to not use them at all, than to worry about it. Citrus essential oils are great mood boosters and you can use them in other aromatherapeutic forms.
- Lavender essential oil and rose water are the best women's friends for any skin type - and start with them. Use rose water as a tonic. After its absorption, simply put a patch of jojoba oil and 2 drops of lavender essential oil on your clean hand, mix them with your fingertip and gently apply to your skin. This works best for the morning. Wait at least 15 minutes if you insist on wearing any heavy make-up. For evening skin care apply organic extra virgin olive oil or other with or without essential oil.
- This is especially good for oily skin, prone to acne and blemishes, but any skin type can benefit from regular use of the above. This is because all those ingredients work hard to bring balance to your complex skin requirements, and they sort-of know how to deal with them in the most efficient manner.
- Add a 1-2 drop of eucalyptus essential oil, chamomile essential oil for more potent antibacterial properties. Never add more than is required. Essential oils are very potent substances. As with everything - too much is not good.
- For a mature skin add 1-2 drops of cedarwood essential oil or sandalwood essential oil. They have proven anti-wrinkle qualities.
- Be patient, and stick to your routine for at least a couple of weeks - and do not use anything else if you can. Let your skin readjust. After a while you will notice the difference - not only in your skin condition but also in your mood, sense of freshness, and boost in confidence.
- The biggest benefit from using pure essential oils for your beauty treatments is that they work on your brain and nervous system - simultaneously - improving your overall sense of wellbeing.
The key in proper use of pure essential oils lies in knowledge about their benefits and proper methods of application. If you are interested in discovering this knowledge why not try comprehensive and easy to follow e-book:
Secrets of Aromatherapy for Beginners
(coming soon)
