alt="heart" target="_blank" rel="nofollow" href="#fb3_img_img_6b977da1-fb94-5879-83d2-7ce5c229d16d.jpg"/> Tea tree
Tea tree is a valuable skin-care agent because it has excellent antiseptic, fungicidal, and antiviral properties, yet is very mild on the skin. It can be used for a wide range of specific skin conditions and for more general disinfectant purposes. In a theoretical comparison between tea tree and other antiseptics used for skin care, tea tree oil came closest to having all the properties of an ideal skin disinfectant.4 Although this oil is generally used medicinally, it is a useful addition to a collection of oils for cosmetic use.
Tea tree oil and its uses
Tea tree oil is particularly indicated for infected skin conditions, including injuries (especially where there is pus or dirt), and for combating fungal diseases such as tinea or candida. It is also excellent for treating problems of viral origin such as cold sores, genital herpes, warts, and veruccas. It is especially recommended for use by those with blemished skin, acne, and greasy complexions.
In massage tea tree is diluted, and usually combined with other oils.
Basic skin care
In skin care, most essential oils are used diluted. In the simplest treatments an essential oil is mixed with a suitable base oil (see here for a list of base oils) or with spring water. Basic creams and moisturizers for both cosmetic and medical use can also be made very simply. When making healing ointments, choose the oils you use for their therapeutic value, following the guide to aromatherapy use in the index of essential oils (here) and specific remedies here. For cosmetic use, choose oils by reference to skin type, or by their scent.
Simple healing ointments
Simple Moisturizer
MAINTAINING A HEALTHY, youthful-looking skin depends on everyday skin care as well as on general health. Products containing mineral oil are not absorbed into the lower dermal layers where the newly emerging cells require optimum nourishment. Mineral oil is also known to leach fat-soluble vitamins, especially A, D, and E, from the body. Most commercial toners contain alcohol, which has a drying effect on the skin and can cause irritation, as can many other synthetic ingredients found in creams and lotions. Even lanolin, though natural, is heavy, animal-derived and rather unpleasantly scented, and can cause allergic reactions. In contrast, natural vegetable oils, waxes, and creams, with selected essential oils, are ideal cosmetic aids because they are highly penetrative and can reach the small blood capillaries in the deeper dermal layers, thus rejuvenating the skin from within, while gentle flower waters tone without dehydrating the skin, and have a mild bactericidal action.
Many beauticians and body therapists now regularly use essential oils as part of their cosmetic treatments. It is also possible to carry out many effective beauty treatments at home, as part of a regular skin-care routine. Simply by using a selection of vegetable oils and essential oils together with other natural ingredients such as yogurt, clay, honey, oatmeal, and distilled water, it is possible to achieve and preserve a youthful-looking skin.
Every night
