15 ESSENTIAL

ESSENTIAL OILS 101 A closer look at essential oils and their use in beauty

What are essential oils?

Essential oils are highly concentrated oils extracted from plants, or parts of plants. There are four main extraction techniques: steam distillation, resin distillation, cold press and extraction. Essential oils can be used in a number of ways, but the 3 main ways are: Aromatherapeutic - inhalation from the bottle or by use of a diffuser Topical application - use on the skin diluted in a carrier oil Internal - mixed with liquids or placed in a capsule and taken internally

Some popular essential oils and their beauty benefits

LEMON

We all know how uplifting the smell of a zesty lemon can be. When we diffuse lemon essential oil it can enhance our concentration and have an energising effect, as well as removing toxins from the air. When it comes to body care, use lemon essential oil products in the bath or shower to improve your mood and tone the body, and even reduce cellulite. In both skin and hair care, lemon has a balancing effect on oil production, so is great for those who suffer from greasy hair and shiny faces.

PEPPERMINT

The active ingredient in peppermint is menthol, and has been proven to help with headaches and pain relief. Many also swear by peppermint oil for relief from gastrointestinal ailments such as IBS and acid reflux. When applied topically, peppermint oil has a natural cooling effect which can soothe irritation and inflammation, and can be an effective cleansing agent thanks to its natural antiseptic and antibacterial properties. In hair care, peppermint oil can help with any dryness or itchiness on the scalp, and may even stimulate hair growth by increasing blood circulation to the hair follicles.

LAVENDER

Avalon Organics Lemon Collection Avalon Organics Peppermint Shampoo Alba Botanica Acnedote Face & Body Scrub JĀSÖN PowerSmile Toothpaste JĀSÖN Relaxing Lavender Hand & Body Lotion Avalon Organics Lavender Conditioner We Love the Planet Deodorant

One of the most revered essential oils in beauty and health products, lavender has powerful anti-inflammatory, anti-fungal and antibacterial properties, not to mention the calming aromatherapeutic properties of the oil. Its anti-inflammatory properties mean lavender oil is often called upon in formulations for acne and other skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis. In hair care, lavender essential oil may help hair grow thicker and faster, whilst its anti-inflammatory properties may help with scalp conditions such as dandruff and itchiness.

ROSEMARY

A member of the mint family, rosemary has long been touted for a range of health and beauty benefits. Studies have shown that rosemary extract can improve cognitive memory function in ageing brains, as well as combatting the signs of ageing in the skin. In skincare, rosemary can help protect skin from UV rays and free radical damage, increasing elasticity and reducing sagging and age spots. When it comes to hair care, rosemary essential oil offers superior cleansing properties, as well as helping keep the scalp healthy and moisturised.

TEA TREE

Avalon Organics Rosemary Conditioner Giovanni Tea Tree Triple Treat Shampoo Kanabia Golden Harvest CBD+ Oil with Rosemary & Turmeric

The history of essential oils

Although the Egyptians are often credited with the invention of essential oils - evidenced by many ancient pictorials on Egyptian temple walls depicting essential oil extraction and use, Egyptian royalty using essential oils, and also containing valued recipes and formulas - it is documented that other ancient civilizations were using essential oils around the same time:

* Indian - Ayurvedic literature from around 2000BC records the use of cinnamon, ginger, myrrh, coriander, spikenard and sandalwood essential oils. * Chinese - One of the older Traditional Chinese Medicine books, Shennong’s Herbal, dates back to around 2700BC and contains information on the use of 365 plants. * Greek - Hippocrates, the father of modern medicine, documented the use of over 300 plants, and it is believed that he advised patients that “The way to health is to have an aromatic bath and scented massage every day.” * Roman - The most decadent users of essential oils, the Romans would bathe several times a day with essential oils, as well as partaking in scented massages and fragrancing their homes with them.

Tea tree is one of nature’s most potent antibacterial and antiseptic agents. You will commonly find it in hair care products used to treat conditions such as itchy scalp, dandruff and psoriasis, due to its antibacterial properties. In skincare, tea tree oil is a hero ingredient for many suffering from acne, and is used directly on the skin to treat breakouts as it inhibits bacterial growth. When it comes to nails, tea tree oil’s anti-fungal properties may help in reducing the growth of Trichophyton rubrum, a fungus that causes nail fungus and athlete’s foot.

Antipodes Saviour Skin Balm JĀSÖN Tea Tree Nail Saver Avalon Organics Scalp Normalizing Shampoo