The more rapidly the dead surface cells are replaced by new ones from beneath, the softer and smoother the skin looks. A mass of lifeless cells clinging to the surface of the skin creates a tired and dull-looking complexion. On the other hand, an excessive turnover of epidermal cells, due to a dysfunction of skin enzymes, gives rise to psoriasis. Since the natural process of renewal slows down as we age, rejuvenating aromatherapeutic skin products are largely aimed at stimulating rapid cell regeneration in the dermal layer, thus protecting the health of the skin from within.
This diagram shows the three layers of the skin.
Allergic reactions
As the body’s first line of defense from external invasion, the skin is prone to attack from pathological organisms such as bacteria or viruses, as well as from other external dangers through injury or potential allergens. Many common skin complaints are due to an allergic reaction, or hypersensitivity to certain conditions or substances. Allergies are associated with the level of histamine, a protein that is released in response to injury or tissue damage. Histamine causes the capillaries to dilate in the affected area, bringing extra blood to the damaged cells to help in their repair. When fluids seep out of the dilated blood vessels this can also cause local redness, swelling, and irritation. Other actions of histamine include contraction of the bronchi (this is the cause of asthma attacks).
The release of histamine is a normal defense mechanism, but in allergic reaction the level produced becomes excessive. For example, an excess of histamine can quickly build up after insect bites or plant stings, since histamine is also present in their poisons. Excessive amounts of histamine may also be released in response to inhaling pollen, animal hair, or other irritants, as is the case with hay fever.
Why such reactions arise is not known, but there is often a hereditary pattern involved in such conditions, with a tendency for one allergy to lead on to another. Alternatively, there may be a sudden breakdown in the body’s resistance to potential irritants which were previously tolerated. Stress, and psychological or emotional factors, often trigger an attack.
CINNAMON LEAF
Some people have allergic reactions to inhaling animal hair, pollen, or other irritants. This occurs when excessive amounts of histamine are produced in response to such stimulants.
WARNING
Cinnamon leaf oil is an irritant to the skin and thus can only be used in low dilutions, whether used singly or in combination with other oils.
Allergies are said to be on the increase, due to higher stress levels and the general over-exposure to food additives, insecticides, and other synthetic chemicals to which we are subjected on a daily basis. Essential oils such as chamomile, melissa, tea tree, or lavender can be very helpful for many types of allergic skin conditions, although it is vital to carry out a patch test beforehand to check for individual sensitization levels, as described here.
Antihistamines are used in the treatment of allergic reactions, Vitamin C being a good natural example. Pantothenic acid (Vitamin B5) is also valuable in treating allergies, as it builds up the adrenal glands, which produce cortisone, a substance known to have protective qualities against allergies. Infantile eczema usually responds to treatment with gamma linoleic acid (GLA) in the form of evening primrose oil capsules. Allergic skin conditions most commonly affect those with dry or sensitive skins.
GRAPEFRUIT
MELISSA
Fungal infections can cause a form of “diaper rash” in babies.
Fungal infections
Fungal or viral organisms are another common cause of skin irritation. Tinea, for example, which manifests in several forms, all characterized by red, flaky skin and itching, is caused by a microscopic fungal mold. Forms of tinea are athlete’s foot (tinea pedis), ringworm (tinea capitis), dhobi itch (tinea cruris), which affects the groin, especially in hot climates, and tinea barbae, sometimes known as barber’s rash, which affects the face and neck. Candida is another fungus that causes infection, and it thrives in moist, warm conditions. It is often found in the vagina, where it can cause thrush, with irritation, itching, and sometimes severe redness and discomfort. However, thrush also occurs in the mouth, where it erupts in a white speckled rash, and is also seen in some forms of the irritating childhood complaint known as “diaper (nappy) rash.” Like viral infections such as herpes, which in its various forms can cause cold sores, shingles, genital herpes, and chicken pox, fungal infections tend to attack the body when it is run down.
Essential oils that have a powerful fungicidal and antiviral action include tea tree oil, lemon-scented eucalyptus, and cinnamon leaf.
Bacterial infections
Other forms of skin infection are bacterial, and may be caused by a wide range of invading organisms such as types of Streptococci or Staphylococci. Tea tree, cinnamon leaf, clove, rosemary, marjoram, thyme, lemon, oregano, and savory are all effective bactericidal agents—but some of the most powerful antibacterial oils also have high toxicity levels or are skin irritants or skin sensitizers.
A condition such as acne often involves bacterial infection—so an oil such as tea tree, which is mild on the skin yet has powerful antiseptic qualities, is very valuable in such cases. Congested skin conditions such as acne, boils, and blemished skin tend to affect those with oily or greasy complexions, since the pores of the skin are already blocked by sebum, a greasy substance formed around the base of hairs.
EVENING PRIMROSE CAPSULES
APART FROM THEIR role in preventive medicine, and in the treatment of common disorders and skin complaints, essential oils have been utilized for thousands of years purely for their cosmetic potential. The Ancient Egyptians were renowned for their expertise in this field, successfully using aromatic essences and herbs in the embalming process for their preservative qualities. Recent research has confirmed that certain essential oils, such as rose, neroli, lavender, frankincense, and myrrh, can indeed stimulate cellular granulation, which is the first stage of healing after an injury, and keep the skin looking youthful. Many traditional preservative herbs, such as rosemary and sage (but not their essential oils), have also been found to have potent antioxidant properties which prevent the decomposition of organic material.
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