UNDERSTANDING THE SKIN

Our skin is perhaps the most vulnerable organ in the body. It is constantly exposed to pollution, grime, and changes in weather conditions. Not surprisingly, skin problems are a common occurrence and afflict almost everyone at sometime or the other in their lives. Not only does a neglected skin fade quickly but it cannot perform its functions such as nourishment, purification and rejuvenation properly. In order to understand and deal with common skin problems and also to follow an effective regimen for day today skin care, it is important to first understand the skin-its structure and its function.

Essence of Essential Oils

The term essential indicates that the oil carries distinctive scent (essence) of the plant, not that it is an especially important or fundamental substance. Essential oils are the oils extracted from flowers, seeds and roots of trees and plants.
Interest in essential oils has revived in recent decades, with the popularity of aromatherapy, a branch of alternative medicine which claims that the specific aromas carried by essential oils have curative effects. Oils are volatilized or diluted in a carrier oil and used in massage, or burned as incense, for example.

Essential Oils in Aromatherapy

Aromatherapy is a form of alternative medicine, in which healing effects are ascribed to the aromatic compounds in essential oils and other plant extracts. Many common essential oils have medicinal properties that have been applied in folk medicine since ancient times and are still widely used today. For example, many essential oils have antiseptic properties, though some are stronger than others. In addition, many are claimed to have an uplifting effect on the mind, though different essential oils have different properties. The claims are supported in some studies and unconfirmed in others. Aromatherapy has become the buzz word of the contemporary times. Owing to the manifold benefits that the aromatherapy essential oil offers, it has been witnessing mushrooming growth in demand. It is known to fulfill therapeutic, physical, emotional and spiritual needs of humans. The aromatherapy essential oil is also of great value in meditation. Aroma therapy essential oil massage is sure to rejuvenate you.

How essential oil effect the skin?

Essential oils are absorbed through the skin and penetrate its deepest layers and from there travel to the organs, glands and tissues of the body.
They also regulate the blood and the lymph fluid, improving circulation, which helps respiration of the skin. The antiseptic and anti-bacterial properties of essential oils help in healing skin inflammation. Essential oils are also helpful for treating burns and cuts. They not only reduce the possibility of infection but also stimulate new skin cells through their cycophylatc activity.
Several essential oils act as skin tonics and helps muscles to regain a healthy condition. The astringent action of essential oils helps in binding and tightening the skin tissues and thus arrests excessive oil lines of the skin.
Essential oil help to maintain the moisture level of the skin. Several essential oils act as a natural deodorant and even as a skin tonic.