ESSENTIAL OILS: HOW CAN THEY IMPROVE YOUR SKIN AND HAIR HEALTH?

Essential oils are the highest concentration of the natural oils in plants. An oil is “essential” in the sense that it contains the “essence of” the plant’s fragrance. They are made through the process of distillation of parts of certain plants like leaves, herbs, barks, and rinds. There are several ways to extract essential oils: steam distillation, water distillation, a combination of the two, and cold pressing. They are used in aromatherapy, in skincare and hair products, as well as in house cleaning products. Essential oils can be very helpful if you know how to use them the right way.

Always check the labels and ask your doctor if you’re not sure if they’re good for you to use.

Essential oils can help with many skin problems such as blemishes, premature aging, dryness, oily skin. However, choosing and using them properly is the key. Instead of treating your skin problem, some essential oils can irritate your skin.

First rule: Less is more! Essential oil should never be used pure. Whether it is in a lotion or a carrier oil (jojoba, argan, hemp, for example), they should always be diluted (around 2 to 10% dilution).

Citrus essential oils should carefully be used in skincare due to their photosensitive properties.

Following the dilution rule, you can add the appropriate essential oil to any of your carrier oil or favorite lotion.

Essential oils have so many benefits when it comes to hair, and choices are almost unlimited. Whether you are looking to enhance hair growth, treat dandruff and dryness, give your hair shine, or lighten your hair naturally, essential oils are much more effective than chemical hair care products. Even used on your hair and/or scalp, ALWAYS dilute your essential oils in a carrier oil!