April Article

Featured Article
Spring Renewal
By Susan Stype

Just like spring cleaning our homes, our skin can benefit from exfoliation as we transition from the cold drying winter months to springtime. Pollution, smoke, dryness, UV rays, stress and more are the factors that accelerate the aging process for both men and women. The benefits of exfoliation will be noticeable right away and should be part of your daily or weekly facial/body cleansing routine.

What Is Exfoliation?
This is simply the process of removing dead skin cells to make way for younger cells while unclogging pores. The term comes from the Latin word "exfoliare", which means "to remove leaves." Our skin is constantly generating new skin cells and, as cells start to pile up, they give the skin a rough, dry and dull appearance. Used weekly, exfoliation helps keep the skin renewed by smoothing the epidermis and helping to minimize fine lines. It also boosts circulation to the face and gives the complexion a healthy glow. After exfoliation skin will look softer and healthier.

What Should I Use To Exfoliate?
There are a myriad of products on the market and choose one best suited for your skin type. For the face always use a gentle exfoliation product. Never use body scrubs on the face as they are too harsh. Like most good things, the key is moderation. You can over-exfoliate and increase dryness, especially for sensitive skin types. Natural exfoliation products would be finely ground oats, blue cornmeal, mild clays, colloidal oatmeal, flours, powders such as baking soda, herbs, etc. Only ½ to 1 teaspoon of scrub is all you need. Place in your palm and add a bit of water to make a paste and add 1-2 drops of essential oils for your skin type below. Gently massage paste into skin and leave on 1-2 minutes. Rinse well. For dry skin, you can add several drops of a carrier oil, like olive oil, into the scrub blend. Weekly exfoliation and daily moisturizing are two important treatments that, if carried out regularly, maintain the epidermis for a supple and youthful appearance. Always moisturize after exfoliation. Water is also vital for your skin's overall appearance, so drink plenty of water daily.


Essential oils help regulate sebum production, reduce inflammation and stimulate the growth of new cells. Whether you have normal, dry, oily, mature or combination skin, you will benefit from their use. You will notice that many essential oils have crossover benefits for each skin type.


Normal Skin Types:
Cedarwood-Atlas (Cedrus atlantica), Chamomile-Roman (Anthemis nobilis), Clary Sage (Salvia sclarea), Geranium (Pelargonium roseum), Jasmine (Jasminum grandiflorum), Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia), Neroli (Citrus aurantium var. amara), Palmarosa (Cymbopogon martini), Rose(Rosa damascena),Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis), Sandalwood-Australian (Santalum spicatum), and Vetiver (Vetiveria zizanoides).


Combination Skin Types:
Geranium-Rose (Pelargonium roseum),
Ylang-Ylang (Cananga odorata).


Oily Skin Types:
Bergamot BF (Citrus bergamia)*, Cedarwood-Atlas (Cedrus atlantica), Clary Sage (Salvia sclarea), Cypress (Cupressus sempervirens), Eucalyptus (Eucalyptus globulus), Geranium (Pelargonium roseum), Grapefruit (Citrus paradisi)*,Jasmine (Jasminum grandiflorum), Juniperberry (Juniperus communis), Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia), Lemon (Citrus limonum)*, Lime-Distilled(Citrus aurantifolia)*, Niaouli (Melaleuca quinquenervia), Orange (Citrus sinensis), Palmarosa (Cymbopogon martini), Patchouli (Pogostemon cablin), Peppermint (Mentha x. piperita), Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis), Tea Tree (Melaleuca alternifolia), Thyme-Linalol (Thymus vulgaris), Vetiver (Vetiveria zizanoides), and Ylang-Ylang (Cananga odorata).


Dry, Mature Skin Types:
Bergamot BF (Citrus bergamia)*, Carrot Seed (Daucus carota), Cedarwood-Atlas (Cedrus atlantica), Chamomile-Roman (Anthemis nobilis), Clary Sage (Salvia sclarea), Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare), Geranium-Rose (Pelargonium roseum), Jasmine (Jasminum grandiflorum), Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia), Myrrh (Commiphora myrrha), Neroli (Citrus aurantium var. amara), Orange (Citrus sinensis), Palmarosa (Cymbopogon martini), Patchouli (Pogostemon cablin), Petitgrain (Citrus aurantium), Rose (Rosa damascena), Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis),Sandalwood-Australian (Santalum spicatum) and Vetiver (Vetiveria zizanoides).

Sensitve Skin Types:
Carrot Seed (Daucus carota), Chamomile-German (Matricaria chamomilla), Chamomile-Roman (Anthemis nobilis), Helichrysum (Helichrysum italicum), Jasmine (Jasminum grandiflorum), Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia), Neroli (Citrus aurantium var. amara).


Aria
(Sensitive Skin Soother- for all skin types)


4 drops Geranium-Rose (Pelargonium roseum)

8 drops Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia)

1 oz. Jojoba Oil (Simmondsia chinensis)

Mix essential oils together and add to carrier oil. Massage into skin after treatment.

Haven
(Skin Toner helpful for oily skin or combination skin)


4 oz. Rose Geranium Hydrosol (Pelargonum graveolens)

2 drops Clary Sage (Salvia sclarea)

2 drops Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia)

2 drops Lemon (Citrus limonum)*

Add hydrosol to clean 4 oz. bottle. Add essential oils together and then add to hydrosol. Shake well before each use. Apply the toner with cotton ball after cleansing face.

Ritual
(Luxurious Face Elixir, delightful and restorative for mature skin)


10 drops Neroli (Citrus aurantium var. amara)

5 drops Geranium-Rose (Pelargonium roseum)

5 drops Sandalwood-Australian (Santalum spicatum)

3 drops Lavender-French (Lavandula angustifolia)

1/2 oz. Jojoba Oil (Simmondsia chinensis)

1/2 oz. Rosehip Seed Oil (Rosa Rubiginosa a/k/a Rosa Mosqueta)

Mix essential oils and add to carrier oils. Soothe over cleansed face day and night.

Renaissance
(Body Oil for Dry Skin - good for both men and women)


10 drops Cedarwood-Atlas (Cedrus atlantica)

9 drops Chamomile-Roman (Anthemis nobilis)

6 drops Lavender-Bulgarian (Lavandula angustifolia)

4 drops Palmarosa (Cymbopogon martini)

2 drops Patchouli (Pogostemon cablin)

½ oz. Apricot Kernel Oil (Prunus armeniaca)

½ oz. Grapeseed Oil (Vitus vinifera)

Mix essential oils and add to Carrier Oils and mix well. Apply oil to body after bath for optimum absorption.

Susan Stype is an Aromatherapist and owner of ArlysNaturals.com - a trusted online source for essential oils, including many exotic and rare essential oils, professional natural skin care products and much more. Her research has shown a connection between healthy skin, well-being and essential oils. To learn more about Susan visit her website at: www.arlysnaturals.com and sign up today for her free online newsletter.

*Editor's Safety Note: These essential oils cause a photosensitive reaction when used, diluted or neat, on the skin. Distilled lemon and lime, and bergaptene free bergamot, can be used without contraindication.

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