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Aromatherapy Skin Care
hints, tips and recipes
from past issues of our Updates Newsletter
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Also see our list of suggested oils for various skin types and conditions here, or
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Basic Balm and Salve How-tofrom my friend Janice Sheplar, soap and toiletries maker extraordinaire (and the creator of our wonderful Baby Powder, from My Grandmother's Garden.) For those of you who want to make something to soften your skin but are afraid or don't want to go the Cream/Lotion route which involves water and preservatives, there are balms and salves.A Basic Salve starts with:
A Basic Balm is simply a choice of hard & Liquid oils whipped together. I also add cornstarch to give it a "dryer" feel.
(I thank Janice for sharing her secret Balm recipe. I make a lot of salves, and they DO tend to leave your hands a bit greasy feeling. She's right; the balm leaves a wonderful soft velvety feeling behind it. I've experienced it in some wonderful solid perfumes that Janice has shared.) And if you want to create a smaller amount of the Balm:
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Balm for Chapped LipsGeneral rule of thumb for winter chapped lips...basic lip balm recipe: melt together one ounce (by weight, not volume) of beeswax preferably grated, it will melt faster), a 'solid' fat...shea butter, mango butter, coconut oil, etc. and one oz of a rich liquid oil. (I like to use avocado oil or kukui nut for this.)This makes a basic soothing balm or salve that can be divided into smaller portions and/or enriched in innumerable ways. Use herbal infused oils (infused chamomile or calendula) for skin soothing. Add the essential oils of your choice...a drop of Peppermint or steam distilled Lime for lip balms... Lavender and German Chamomile for healing baby's diaper rash...Patchouli or Frankincense for badly chapped hands. Less beeswax or more of the liquid oil makes a softer balm, more beeswax makes a firm 'stick' that can be rubbed on. 
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Super Smoother Lip MasqueOur adaptation of a recipe of Donna Maria's... to end winter's chapped lips, or leave your lips soft and smooth for photographs or special occasions:Ingredients
Apply to lips and let dry for two minutes...no talking or laughing! Rinse with warm water, blot dry gently and apply your favorite lip balm. Thanks for the idea, Donna Maria! | |
Couperose/Thread VeinsAnd speaking of hydrosols, my friend Mari in South Florida has been experimenting with our Neroli hydrosol. She writes that she has been using it as a toner for her rather sun damaged skin, and is noticing that after a month's use, her "thread veins" are disappearing. NOT a result I'd have expected from Neroli but I'm certainly not about to argue with success. |
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Rash treatment,from my friend Lisa Wong.
BTW, I used some
Sea Buckthorn Berry Extract in kukui oil on a 3
day-old rash that had broken out on my face,
and it quickly got rid of the scaly skin. I've also been spraying
with your chamomile hydrosol before I apply the
Sea Buckthorn, and it looks like it's healing quite nicely ; much
faster than if I had left it alone. |
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Healing ScarsComments and feedback from one of our readers: Ellen Ray is an aromatherapist in North Carolina. Not long ago she called and asked me to Express Mail some Helichrysum Italicuum and Rose Hip Seed oil to her. She recently sent this, with permission to copy it onto the page: >You may use the following quote on your web-site, if you like
>"I used the Helichrysum Italicuum and Rose Hip Seed Oil blend for an |
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Thu, 29 Jun 2000 16:07:34
Spider BiteFirst aid tip from one of our client's...Email just received from Lisa:hi marge. in my last order, i requested a sample of the Bulgarian Lavender (the more perfumey one, in case i got the name wrong). i got a very large, itchy spider bite on my leg. i thought i was going to have to *not move* all day because when i walk, the itchy/burniness is tremendous. then i remembered the sample. in about 15 minutes, the itching went away and just a moment ago, i forgot it was there! isn't THAT fun!? Fun indeed! and good to know. Thanks, Lisa, for letting me share it.
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Acne? Hormonal acne?Another bit of feedback, from Samia, in New Hampshire:>My daughter has benefited greatly from the Melissa hydrosol as a >toner for hormonally related acne. Now, I wouldn't have thought of that, but Hope, my assistant swears by Melissa for just making the oil in her skin "disappear". So, apparently, Melissa Hydrosol becomes one of the hydrosols of choice for the above skin problems.
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Chapped LipsGeneral rule of thumb for winter chapped lips...basic lip balm recipe: melt together one ounce (by weight, not volume) of beeswax preferably grated, it will melt faster), a solid fat...shea butter, mango butter, coconut oil, etc. and one oz of a rich liquid oil. (I like to use avocado oil or kukui nut for this.)
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RosaceaWe are getting excellent feedback from people who have been using the Helichrysum Hydrosol for Rosacea, by the way. Really seems to tone down the redness that is often associated with it.
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Mature Skin solutions:This is a frequent question, so I thought I'd share what I do.Without a doubt, the BEST carrier oil for mature skin is Rose Hip Seed oil. Some people love it as a base oil, and in the winter, so do I. but in Tennessee's summers, it is just too thick and heavy. So I came up with a substitute that works for me. To one fluid ounce of your favorite carrier oil (and mine changes from month to month. I love the texture of apricot kernel oil, sometimes I will chose macadamia nut oil, when my skin feels really parched and dry I might reach for Avocado...visit our Carrier Oil page for suggestions for various skin types. To this one ounce of base oil I add a mixture of 1 ml SeaBuckthorn Berry CO2 extract, and 1/2 ml Rose Hip Seed CO2 extract. I feel that this gives me the advantages of the rose hip seed oil without the heaviness. If, on the other hand, you don't like the color of the Rose Hip Extract, then perhaps 1/4 oz of Rose Hip Oil (cold pressed) would be the better addition to your basic carrier blend.
Having blended the base oils and extracts, it's time to add the best
essential oils for mature skin: Carrot Seed, Neroli, and Frankincense. For one ounce (or a bit more) of
carrier oils, you will not want to use more than 15 to 20 drops of
essential oils. The most helpful, but the least appealing from an aromatic stand point is Carrot Seed Oil, which has wonderful regenerative powers. If you enjoy it's scent, then perhaps the carrot seed is all you'll need. If not, I'd suggest a blend of perhaps 4 drops each, Carrot seed, Neroli, and Frankincense Frereana
essential oils. This is a wonderful blend for mature skin care, with an uplifting aroma.
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Oily Skin solutions:Two hydrosols that help: My friend Alice buys a LOT of Witch Hazel Hydrosol, I asked what she is using it for:"The witch hazel is helping my acne (as is the heli and rosacea synergy. the witch hazel sprayed on several times a day keeps the oil away, and yet is not so harsh as to irritate it. i really love it."
Now, Hope, my daugher in law, uses Melissa Hydrosol for her oily skin
problems, but for those who don't like the scent of Melissa (are there
such people?) the Witch Hazel hydrosol provides an equally gently
alternative. (Please don't use "Drug Store Witch Hazel"...the alcohol
content will overdry your skin causing it to react by producing more oil!) | |
Salt Glow: Skin PolisherThis is more of a "put together" than a real recipe:
In an unbreakable container (you're going to use this in the shower, after all!) pour approximately two cups of sea salt (or uniodized table salt.)
Add enough Jojoba Oil to thoroughly moisten, what we are aiming at here is the texture of sandcastle building sand. One small squirt of liquid castile soap is a possible addition, not necessary, but it helps keep the tub from being slick from the oils. You may add a few drops of your favorite soothing
essential oil, but that is truly optional.
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A sunburn recipefrom my friend Karla, who writes:(She explained that she got badly sunburned, working all day in a friend's garden with no sunscreen.) As soon as she realized she had been burned, she added some lavender to some generic drugstore hand lotion and slathered it on. The pain went away. Then she made the following blend for use after every bath until it's all better.
Lavender 18 drops Karla, thanks for sharing that one with us! (The rose is obviously optional there.) SUNBURN RELIEFA friend was badly sunburned last week. By the next morning she was scarlet, and blistered. I mixed up a blend of equal parts Jojoba and Aloe Vera gel. Added some of our French High Altitude Lavender and Sea Buckthorn Berry Extract (my first opportunity to try the Sea Buckthorn for sunburn...)After applying the blend, she was totally pain free in no time. By the next morning (with frequent applications) the blisters had subsided, and the burn much less angry looking. It seems to be turning tan, with very little peeling so far. Just a thought if you or yours overdo the sun
1 oz Aloe Vera Gel | |
Honey Skin SootherA soothing remedy for winter-weary skin: (sent by a friend who forgets where she got them, so I can't credit the source:Moisture Mask-- Mix 2 tablespoons honey with 2 teaspoons whole milk. Smooth over face and throat. Leave on 10 minutes. Rinse off with warm water. (I love the way honey makes my skin feel!) Debbie says she wants to add a drop of Rose Oil to that mixture, and pour it into a warm bath for her "winter weary body"...I think that sounds like a winner! |
March, 2002 |
Tanning Blend (NOT a Sun screen!)If you insist on risking sun damage, this blend will hasten a tan, provide antioxidant protection,
20 drops Sea buckthorn Berry CO2 for antioxidant and sun protection, Vit.A and C.
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Springtime Skin Soother:Janice Brady writes:Salt Scrubs are just too rough and abrasive for me. My arms and legs have a lot of scratches on them and the salt hurts, but I want to really get rid of dead skin. Our reply? Try a soothing Brown Sugar scrub for gentle exfoliation. A generous scoop of Brown Sugar (light or dark will work equally well), enough of your favorite
carrier oil to gently moisten, and one or two drops of Sandalwood oil...soothing to the skin, and the aroma just sweetens the brown sugar. Gently scrub away winterdull skin, without the sting of salt.
| May, 2002 |
Dark Circles:My friend Janice recently had surgery, so we sent her some Helichrysum in RoseHipSeed oil. She has been raving about its effect on the scar from her surgery on another mail list. But she also shared that she's been using it to fade under eye circles...and that it's working amazingly well. That one felt like a "DUH...why didn't I think of that?"...as effective as Helichrysum is at healing bruises, it stands to reason that it might well be useful for the dark circles some of us (especially me!) get under our eyes. I don't think the RoseHip Seed Oil is an essential part of that combination...it would be the Helichrysum Italicuum that would do the work, so you could dilute it in the carrier of your choice. Please dilute it well, and, as always, be VERY careful using any essential oil around the eyes!
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Feb.2002 |
ECZEMAGail Rice wrote today ordering more Roman Chamomile Hydrosol...a LOT more Roman Chamo Hydrosol. It seems ...well, I'll quote her feedback (with her permission) Marge, you're completely welcome to use our experiences on your web page. Re: my 13 year-old's eczema -- I mentioned that he gets eczema over about 1/3 of his torso and sometimes on his arms and legs as well.I will add (or at least be more specific) that the Roman Chamomile hydrosol makes the itching stop in less than a minute and the area looks less red & less She had mentioned on the phone, before writing, that the hydrosol, just misted on, really helps. I'd be tempted to use a compress, but try getting a 13 year old to be still for 15 minutes.
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Feb.2002 |
WaxingLynda Sorenson (a licensed esthetician and certified aromatherapist who uses the oils in her practice) recently wrote:What I find works well on my clients- after waxing, alight spray of either Lavender or Rose Otto hydrosol. Then I use a 1% dilution of Lavender and German Chamo in Sweet Almond or Apricot Kernel. When I began using this combination a while back, my clients noticed and reported a huge difference instantly.
| Feb.2002 |
Formulas for Face MasksWinter has been here long enough to affect our skin...some suggestions for face masks to revitalize winter clouded skin, taken from "Practical Aromatherapy", Penny Rich. The Book Company. Sydney. 1998Basic Face MasksMoisturising Mask2 drops each frankincense, rose and neroli oils in 30mL (1fl oz/ 6 tsp) apricot oil with 1 tsp clear, melted honey, mixed with enough finely ground almond to make a soft paste.Deep Cleansing Mask2 drops each geranium and lavender oil, 1 drop lemon oil in 30ml (1fl oz/6tsp) hot water, mixed with enough kaolin clay to make a smooth paste.Relaxing Mask2 drops each of violet leaf, lavender and neroli oil in 30mL sweet almond oil, with enough oatmeal to make a smooth paste.Energising Mask2 drops each ylang ylang, petitgrain and lemon in 30mL iced water, with enough ground almond to make a smooth paste.Anti-ageing Mask2 drops each neroli, mandarin and orange in 30mL evening primrose oil with 1 teaspoon melted clear honey, mixed with enough ground almond to make a smooth paste.
| Jan.2002 |
Baby Wipes-rashesLong chat with one of my oldest client's yesterday, Nicole, in North Carolina (who used to be Nicole in Washington, but that's another story!) Nicole has a new baby, and shared the diaper wipe recipe she has been using with me. She uses a 4 ounce cobalt bottle of distilled water, to which she adds 4 or 5 drops of French Lavender, 4 or 5 drops of Bulgarian Lavender, and 2 drops of Sandalwood. She says the baby had a dreadful diaper rash, since she has started using this mixture to clean her daughter's diaper area (using the round cotton pads that are available through most beauty supply shops as 'wipers') her daughter's bottom has healed and stayed fresh and clean and comfortable. Since there is no alcohol or other solubilizer in this recipe, the bottle needs to be wellshaken before each use.
| Nov.2000 |
Gentle Honey Cleanser:my friend Ravenna in Australia shared this delightful facial cleanser:Honey gently softens and cleanses the skin. This is a mild cleanser that works well for dry skin types. It is wonderful, leaving your skin so soft and moist! Its not at all sticky and can be used as either a facial cleanser or bath gel. I fill empty honey squeeze bottles with this cleanser. Makes a nice gift.
| Oct.2001 |
Jojoba Hair Conditioner:Adapted from The Herbal Home Spa, by Greta Breedlove.Herbal hair conditions help make hair more manageable and often impart a smoother and softer texture. They are especially good for those who use hot rollers, curling irons, and blow dryers. Jojoba Conditioner
1. In the top of a double boiler, gently warm the rose water. 2. Once rose water is warm, add jojoba oil. 3. for damaged hair or extra conditioning, leave on for several minutes, perhaps while bathing. 4. Rinse thoroughly with warm water. 5. Shampoo lightly and rinse again with cool water. Yield: 1 treatment for long hair (cut recipe in half for short hair)
Speaking of hair, and Rose hydrosol, Anne O'Brien writes:
| Oct.2001 |
Chemical Burn-from chlorineMore feedback, from my friend Lisa.... about a chemical burn and how she treated it:BTW, I was hot tubbing and I got a chemical burn from the chlorinated water (my skin has been extra sensitive lately). However, I had a mix of German Chamo CO2 and Sea Buckthorn in a macademia/kukui nut base at home. I slathered it on as soon as I got home, and hoped for the best. The next morning, I had hardly any blisters! Normally, when I get a burn, my cheek flushes very red, and I have a series of blisters decorating my face. I am doing twice daily applications of my oil blend, plus I'm using the Roman Chamo hydrosol before I apply it. I am healing at a fairly fast rate, and it was definitely well worth the trouble of trying to work with the German Chamo. Thanks, Lisa...I love hearing how people are using our oils!
MELISSA for COLD SORESDid you know that Melissa is the specific for cold sores (which are caused by a form of the Herpes virus?) Tammy Wytrychowski recently wrote "I have made the Melissa Lip Balms and so far none of the people using them have had a recurrence with the cold sores!!" The 10% dilution would be ideal to add to lip balms or salves. |
Nov.2000 |
Origins-type Salt ScrubA friend recently shared her formula for the commercial Origins Salt Scrub...basically it calls for one cup of Sea Salt, 1/2 cup of a mixture of rich and exotic carrier oils (you could use whatever oils you have on hand that suit your skin type.) The scent blend is as follows (enough for this amount of salt and carrier oils)
We tested the blend in the pouring room, bright and invigorating. This would be great in a morning shower. (You might want to do a double batch and package it in our PET bale jars, the same ones Origins uses for their scrub!) | May 2003 |
Martha's Foot SoakMartha Stewart recently shared a recipe for a foot soak for pregnant momma's on her show...to counteract swelling and achiness. To make the foot soak, combine 1 1/4 cups of Epsom salts with an equal measure of kosher salt in a jar. (NOTE...I would use Sea Salt!) Add a 1/4 cup each of baking soda and cornstarch, up to 1/2 teaspoon of lemon essential oil, and up to 1/4 teaspoon of spearmint essential oil. Attach the lid, and shake the jar to combine. Pour the mixture into a bag, and use within a few weeks. (My daughter-in-law says this doesn't sound anywhere near as good as having her legs rubbed with our Prenatal Massage oil...but she might be both prejudiced and a wee bit spoiled.) | |
More on EczemaI can’t remember the source of this… 4 oz jojoba oil 20 drops Borage Seed oil (I would want to use 10-12 mls to get the full value of the Borage) 12 drops lavender essential oil (I would use Hi Altitude) 12 drops roman chamomile essential oil (I’d think about German, not Roman…but it’s not my formula) another note about Eczema…we have had a couple of mother’s using our Lavender Bliss Bath for their children’s eczema and dry skin. They rave about results. | From the Sept 2003 Newsletter |
Weeping EczemaPenelope, from South Carolina says that she used to suffer terribly from Weeping Eczema. Because she loves the scent of Sandalwood, she started putting our Sandalwood Shave Soother on it, and saw rapid improvement. (She also made a LOT of diet and lifestyle changes at the same time, which I think had more to do with the improvement, but she swears the Shave Soother helped.) Perhaps it's the calendula we've incorporated into the formula? Read about and order our Shave Soother with our other Skincare products. (It's at the very bottom of the page.) | |
Mosquito BitesCourtney snipped the following from a list she’s on. She didn’t save the poster, so I haven’t a clue…but if you have forgotten your Skeeterbeater…and gotten ‘bit’…this may be the solution. “I also got some astonishingly _LOVELY_ german chamomile CO2 from Nature's Gift that blew me away. I diluted a drop with a drop of heli in jojoba, and have applied it to my skeeter bites - and there is immediate relief. I also applied it to spots, and they disappeared more quickly than usual. I can't wait to incorporate this chamo into skincare, and maybe a perfume (yes, it's a GERMAN chamo, and it's THAT lovely.)” | From the Sept 2003 Newsletter |
SkeeterBeater ApplicationSpeaking of Skeeterbeater... we have had feedback from friends who have been adding the synergy to Aloe Vera Gel (commercial, the brand of your choice.) They say it is lighter and cooler feeling than an oil-based dilution, but lasts far longer than a water based spray. We've not tried it yet, but wanted to pass the idea along. (June 2005 update to the above. Nature's Gift now offers SkeeterBeater Gel for those not interested in "do it yourself." Order it here.) | July 2003 Newsletter |