Originally published March 7 2011
Get radiant skin naturally with essential oils
by Fleur Hupston
(NaturalNews) Conventional treatments for acne and/or oily skin include harsh, detergent type cleansers that strip the skin, dry it out and do not get rid of the problem. Acne and/or oily skin problems may persist, leaving the skin looking in dire need of help. Contrary to popular belief, oils such as good quality essential oils and other fatty oils can actually help to remedy skin problems such as acne and/or oily skin.
Essential oils for skin problems
Acne is often caused by skin dryness that causes overproduction of the skin's natural oils. Avoid skincare products that leave the skin feeling taut and dehydrated. Use either extra virgin olive oil or another pure, organic oil to blend with essential oil in order to make a healing serum for the skin.
Blending and experimenting with essential oil combinations may take time and persistence, since each person's skin may react differently to oils. Purchase only therapeutic, high quality essential oils even if they may be more expensive, as poor quality oils can exacerbate acne and/or oily skin problems.
Essential oils for oily skin
The best essential oils for oily skin include bergamot, cedarwood, cypress, frankincense, lavender, lemon and sage. Ylang-ylang, lemon, peppermint and cypress also combat oily skin. Except for lavender oil, which may be used directly on the skin, it is preferable to blend oils with a carrier oil before applying to the skin.
Caution: According to the Esoteric Oils website, "Bergamot oil can cause burns when used on a sensitive skin which is then exposed to sunlight, as the high content of bergaptene can cause photo-toxicity. It is advisable to keep out of the sun if this oil is used on the skin".
Best essential oils for acne
Try geranium, lavender, chamomile, rosewood, sandalwood, eucalyptus or frankincense for acne. To apply, blend essential oil of choice with a carrier oil and allow to soak into the skin.
A facial steam bath is an excellent way of cleaning the skin and benefiting from the healing qualities of essential oils. Boil water and pour it into a large bowl. Add a few drops of essential oil to the hot water. Place a towel over your head and bowl when steaming the face.
Don't be tempted to mix essential oils with facial moisturizers or other creams, as the reaction of oils with synthetic ingredients found in most commercially produced moisturizers or other acne products can worsen skin problems.
Eating an organic, healthy diet and drinking plenty of pure water will also contribute to a radiant skin.
Sources:
http://www.essentialoils.co.za/essential-oil...
http://www.essentialoils.co.za/treatment/acn...
http://www.naturesgift.com/essentialoil-skin...
http://www.naturalnews.com/030969_acne_essen...
About the author
Fleur Hupston is a professional freelance writer. She is passionate about natural, healthy living and is currently studying to be a naturopath. She divides her time between writing for Natural News and various other sites, home schooling her children and studying part time.
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