natural aromatherapy

Skin care is not a topic of recent times; it has been in practice since ancient times, when herbal skin care was probably the only way to take care of skin. However, skin care has transformed in a big way. Herbal skin care routines have been replaced by synthetic/chemical-based skin care routines. The herbal skin care recipes which once used to be common place are not so popular today (and even unknown to a large population). This transformation from herbal skin care to synthetic, can probably be attributed to two things our laziness (or just the fast pace of lives) and the commercialisation of skin care. Even herbal skin care products have been commercialised. These commercial herbal skin care products have to be mixed with preservatives in order to increase their shelf-life, hence making them less effective than the fresh ones made at home. However, it seems that things are changing fast and more people are now opting for natural and herbal skin care routines. But still, none want to make them at home and hence the commercial market of herbal skin care products is on the rise.

So what are these herbs or herbal skin care mechanisms?

Aloe vera, which is an extract from Aloe plant, is one of the best examples of herbal skin care product. Freshly extracted aloe vera is a natural hydrant that helps in soothing skin. It also helps in healing cuts and treating sun burns.

A number of herbs are known to possess cleansing properties. Dandelion, chamomile, lime flowers and rosemary herbs, are a few examples of such cleansers. Their herbal skin care properties get invoked when they are combined with other herbs like tea.

Antiseptics are another important part of Herbal skin care. Lavender, marigold, thyme and fennel are good examples of herbs that are known to possess antiseptic properties. Lavender water and rose water also form good toners.

Tea plays an important part in herbal skin care. Tea extracts are used for treatment of skin that has been damaged by UV radiation.

Oils prepared from herbal extracts present another means of herbal skin care. Tea tree oil, Lavender oil, borage oil and primrose oil are some popular oils used in herbal skin care. Some fruit oils (e.g. extracts from fruits like banana, apple and melon) find use in shower gels (as a hydrating mix)

Homeopathic treatments and aromatherapies also come under the umbrella of herbal skin care remedies.

Herbal skin care is good not only for the routine nourishing of skin but also for treatment of skin disorders like eczema and psoriasis. Most herbal skin care products dont have any side effects (the most important reason for preferring them over synthetic products) Moreover, herbal skin care products can be easily made at home, hence making them even more attractive. So, herbal skin care is the way to go. However, this does not mean that you totally discard the synthetic products. Some people go to the extent of debating with their dermatologist, if he/she suggests a synthetic product. You should accept the fact that some skin orders might need usage of clinically proven non-herbal skin care products.

Skin care is not a topic of recent times; it has been in practice since ancient times, when herbal skin care was probably the only way to take care of skin. However, skin care has transformed in a big way. Herbal skin care routines have been replaced by synthetic/chemical-based skin care routines. The herbal skin care recipes which once used to be common place are not so popular today (and even unknown to a large population). This transformation from herbal skin care to synthetic, can probably be attributed to two things our laziness (or just the fast pace of lives) and the commercialisation of skin care. Even herbal skin care products have been commercialised. These commercial herbal skin care products have to be mixed with preservatives in order to increase their shelf-life, hence making them less effective than the fresh ones made at home. However, it seems that things are changing fast and more people are now opting for natural and herbal skin care routines. But still, none want to make them at home and hence the commercial market of herbal skin care products is on the rise.

So what are these herbs or herbal skin care mechanisms?

Aloe vera, which is an extract from Aloe plant, is one of the best examples of herbal skin care product. Freshly extracted aloe vera is a natural hydrant that helps in soothing skin. It also helps in healing cuts and treating sun burns.

A number of herbs are known to possess cleansing properties. Dandelion, chamomile, lime flowers and rosemary herbs, are a few examples of such cleansers. Their herbal skin care properties get invoked when they are combined with other herbs like tea.

Antiseptics are another important part of Herbal skin care. Lavender, marigold, thyme and fennel are good examples of herbs that are known to possess antiseptic properties. Lavender water and rose water also form good toners.

Tea plays an important part in herbal skin care. Tea extracts are used for treatment of skin that has been damaged by UV radiation.

Oils prepared from herbal extracts present another means of herbal skin care. Tea tree oil, Lavender oil, borage oil and primrose oil are some popular oils used in herbal skin care. Some fruit oils (e.g. extracts from fruits like banana, apple and melon) find use in shower gels (as a hydrating mix)

Homeopathic treatments and aromatherapies also come under the umbrella of herbal skin care remedies.

Herbal skin care is good not only for the routine nourishing of skin but also for treatment of skin disorders like eczema and psorasis. Most herbal skin care products dont have any side effects (the most important reason for preferring them over synthetic products) Moreover, herbal skin care products can be easily made at home, hence making them even more attractive. So, herbal skin care is the way to go. However, this does not mean that you totally discard the synthetic products. Some people go to the extent of debating with their dermatologist, if he/she suggests a synthetic product. You should accept the fact that some skin orders might need usage of clinically proven non-herbal skin care products.

Skincare with natural products: aromatherapy

Today, the word natural’ is applied to virtually anything from cosmetics to food, even clothes, as we seek out the au naturel’. Skin care is no exception. Organic, herbal extracts and natural made products have never been more popular. Aromatherapy has been used in skin care for centuries but it is only now we are beginning to see a return of it to mainstream’ consumerism. However, not everything is as it seems and, you may not know it, but that natural’ product you use in the belief that it is pure’ and natural’ may not be all that you think it is.

Historical use of aromatherapy in skincare

True’ aromatherapy skincare began thousands of years ago. The Egyptians, Greeks and Romans all used some form of aromatherapy’ in their every day lives. Fragrant herbs were used in daily rituals. Papyrus manuscripts have been found which record the use of various plants, herbs, oils and perfumes. Fast forward through history, and it can be seen that the Greeks and Romans were avid users of all things natural’ in their daily lives too. In fact, the Romans were famous for using lavender (lavandula angustifolia) whilst bathing, which is carried through to today’s bathing habits, lavender (lavandula angustifolia) being a frequent ingredient in almost every commercially produced bath product (although rarely is it true’ lavender oil in a mass produced product but a synthetic hybrid, i.e. chemically formulated). Rose (rosa damascena) was another popular ingredient of the Roman’s daily rituals.

The ancient city of Pompeii lay undisturbed, from 79 A.D. until the 1700′s, under the volcanic ash and lava of the eruption of Vesuvius, thus preserving centuries of secrets’. In the course of the excavations, it was discovered that Pompeiians actually used a variety of plants and flowers, which were abundant in gardens and the surrounding countryside, in similar ways in which we do today. Common names such as rose (rosa damascena), fennel (foeniculum vulgare), myrrh (commiphora myrrha), lily (lilium), laurel (laurus nobilis) and myrtle (myrtus communis), amongst others, were in common usage in beauty products. Ancient Pompeiian women had similar beauty’ regimes to the modern woman of today.

Marie Antoinette of France (1755 1793) is famous for her extravagant lifestyle of riches, dresses and scents. Her perfumer, Jean-Louis Fargeon, was one of her most loyal confidants, as was the case with many ladies and their