Aromatherapy hyrdrosols have astringent (pore tightening), balancing, antiseptic, healing and bactericidal properties that commercial cleansers and toners simply cannot replicate. They also protect and nourish the skin and help to maintain the skin's natural balance without drying it out. Before your next cosmetic purchase, consider investing in some aromatherapy hydrosols and essential oils to create and maintain balanced and glowing skin using products derived from plants and flowers.
Why do I have oily skin?
Oily skin produces more sebum than it needs. Sebum is great for protecting the skin as it contains antiseptic properties and protects the skin from becoming dry. As a result oily skin tends to be less prone to wrinkles, but more prone to acne and blackheads as the pores become easily blocked.
The use of harsh cleansers and astringent toners containing high % alcohol makes the situation worse as the skin produces more sebum in response. A careful selection of aromatherapy hydrosols, essential oils and carrier oils used daily as part of your skincare routine for oily skin can help regulate the production of sebum and control any bacteria present. Follow these beauty tips for oily skin to created and maintain a balanced and glowing complexion
Cleanser and toner for oily skin
Lemon is oily skin's best friend. You can squeeze fresh lemon juice into the palm of your hand and apply to your face a few minutes prior to your shower. The enzymes contained in lemon juice will remove all your dead skin cells so that any cleansing you do after that will effectively remove all impurities including bacteria from your pores. If you want to exfoliate at the same time, add 1/4 tsp salt for a zingy cleanse.
Hydrosol of roman chamomile, Chamaemeleum nobile, is extremely astringent so is very effective on oily skin types and those who suffer from acne. A hydrosol is the distillate produced as part of the steam distillation process to extract an essential oil. It contains the same properties as the essential oil but in a more gentle format that can be applied neat to the skin. It is also the best three-in-one product around, acting as an effective makeup remover, toner and cleanser. Spritz on liberally to remove makeup, wipe away to cleanse and spritz again to tone. Read easy tips for beautiful skin, perfect skin for more info on hydrosols.
Best moisturizer for oily skin
The best moisturizer for oily skin is a serum. A serum nourishes and protects without leaving an oily residue making it perfect for oily skin types. You can make a serum easily at home using 3 of drops of essential oils that help regulate sebum production combined with 15ml of carrier oils that are highly absorbent and leave no greasy residue. Here are the following essential oils and carrier oils that are great for regulating sebum production and removing bacteria while at the same time nourishing and protecting:
- Essential oil of atlas cedarwood Cedrus atlantica is the ultimate essential oil for oily skin. It is astringent (meaning it tightens the pores), bactericidal and balancing, making it great for oily skin and acne
- Essential oil of geranium Perlagonium graveolens is astringent, healing and antiseptic on the skin, very balancing and good for cleansing and toning
- Essential oil of grapefruit Citrus paradisi is antiseptic, astringent and a good disinfectant. It is good for oily, congested skin and great for acne
- Essential oil of lavender Lavandula angustifolia is antiseptic, bacteridical, healing and calming. It works well for all skin conditions including acne
- Essential oil of sandalwood Santalum album is antiseptic, astringent and softening on the skin. It is good for oily skin and soothing for acne
- Essential oil of cypress Cupressus sempervirens is antiseptic, healing and astringent on the skin. It is great for acne and oily skin
- Carrier oil jojoba Simmonsia sinensis controls the accumulation of excessive sebum and reportedly prevents its build up. It is balancing to the acid mantle of the skin and therefore can be used on all skin types, including oily skin. It contains proteins and minerals as well as a waxy substance that mimics collagen (with a molecular structure similar to sebum). Jojoba is superb for oily skin and acne.
- Carrier oil of apricot Prunus armeniaca is easily absorbed and hence great for all skin types, literally acting as an efficient "carrier" for the essential oils to permeate the skin barrier. It is softening and nourishing and great for protecting the skin without leaving a greasy feeling.
DIY facial for oily skin - steam treatments and clay masks
Try the following DIY facial for oily skin. Oily skin benefits from a steam treatment two to three times per week. Add 3 drops of any of the essential oils above to a bowl of steaming water. Cover head with a towel and inhale for at least three minutes.
Follow with a highly beneficial clay or mud mask that can hep deep cleanse the pores and remove impurities from oily skin. Apply a good quality clay mask like Rhassoul cosmetic clay and leave on until you feel a "tightening" sensation. Remove gently with warm water, follow with roman chamomile toner and application of the serum.
You're good to go! Aromatherapy hydrosols, essential oils and carrier oils are an effective oily skin treatment. Follow these beauty tips for oily skin and please feel free to provide any feedback on your experiences below. If you liked this article you might also like beauty tips for glowing skin.
Sources:
- Battaglia, Salvatore, 2007, International Centre of Holistic Aromatherapy, Australia
- Catty, Suzanne, 2001, Hydrosols: the Next Aromatherapy, Healing Arts Press
Stephanie Holland - Stephanie graduated with a BCom in Business from Edinburgh University, Scotland in 1999. She has held variety of roles in the media ...
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