Aromatic essences are willingly and eagerly used for fragrance and cosmetic production. They are various ways to obtain them as there are many plants that aromatic essences can be extracted from. What is hidden in rosemary, lavender or rose?
If distilled, flowers, leaves, steams or roots of a particular plant give of what is the most precious. First and foremost, it’s the aroma, but also these are the nourishing substances that are considered crucial. What’s interesting, during distillation, it’s not only essential oil that is obtained. Namely, it’s also hydrolat that is produced due to steam distillation of a plant extract. One of the most willingly used hydrolat is rose water.
Essential oils and action they deliver
It’s hard to enumerate all the features of essential oils because they depend on the individual qualities of a particular plant. However, common features of all essential oils are the anti-inflammatory and antiseptic ones. They kill bacteria, stimulate blood circulation, relax and soothe irritations. Also, essential oils have aromatherapeutic function.
Essential oils in cosmetology
They have a wide application in cosmetology, especially because they have ability to penetrate deep into skin. Despite being most commonly used in aromatherapy, essential oils can be frequently found in creams, balms and shampoos, as well. They serve best when added to baths, inhalation, massage and compresses. The most popular essential oils are:
• rose essential oil,
• rosemary essential oil,
• chamomile essential oil,
• lavender essential oil,
• pine tree (cedar) essential oil.
Essential oils. How to apply them?
Before reaching for an essential oil, it’s better to know this and that about the way they should be applied. If used improperly or in galore, they may irritate.
Essential oils for hair
Essential oils are rarely recommended to be applied individually because they can dehydrate and irritate delicate scalp. Although they serve well hair affected by dandruff as well as greasy scalp, they are also able to regulate sebum production and maintain pH balance of scalp. If we decide to apply essential oils to hair and the scalp, they have to be mixed with other oils or cosmetics. It’s suggested to prepare a homemade mixture with an essential oil as one of the most important ingredients.
Essential oils for skin
Since essential oils stimulate blood circulation and combat cellulite, they are also recommended for body massaging. Moreover, they can be added to balms and creams. Basically, it is also a good idea to create one’s own mixture for massaging. Also, enriching mineral water with a few drops of essential oil and glycerine is a way to create homemade face tonic. Essential oils applied to face are especially recommended to deal with acne and oily skin.
