by urbansqueeze | Apr 20, 2017 | Essential Oils, Holistic Health, Skincare
Dry skin can be extremely irritating and uncomfortable. Whether it’s from eczema, psoriasis, or weather – it’s definitely not something anyone enjoys living with. Your skin is the largest organ in your body and should be well taken care of and protected. Moisturizing is a huge part of that! Prolonged skin dryness can lead to cracks in your skin that will expose you to outside bacteria and viruses and can also cause early wrinkles. Choosing your moisturizer is important and using natural ingredients, such as essential oils, is a great way to get started! Here are a few essential oils for you to consider incorporating into your skincare routine.
Rose Oil
Rose oil is probably the most well known for assisting in dry skin prevention. Its therapeutic compounds include antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory elements that promote healing, even skin tone, and management of psoriasis and dermatitis. There was even a study conducted that determined just inhaling Rose oil will keep your skin from losing water and help maintain its hydration.
Cedarwood Oil
Cedarwood oil is used for a variety of purposes. Not only can it help with acne and skin rashes, it can aid in regulating sebum secretion, which can cause acne if secreted excessively. Cedarwood oil also allows your skin to balance out between being too dry and overly oily. It is also used in men’s hair products to reduce dandruff.
Jasmine Oil
Jasmine oil is often used for dehydrated skin, eczema, and dermatitis. It increases moisture to the skin and helps promote healing. However, if the integrity of your skin is damaged by cracks and open wounds, it can cause irritation or an allergic reaction. Be sure not to apply this if you have any of these issues.
Lavender Oil
Lavender oil is well known for its antimicrobial and antioxidant properties. With these properties in place, lavender is wonderful for rapid healing of the skin. It also hydrates the skin and restores it to its original healthy condition. It’s incredible in promoting healing for burns.
Frankincense Oil
Frankincense oil has been used for thousands of years for an abundance of purposes. It has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory benefits. It encourages new cell growth and skin tightening. It also helps soothe dry, chapped skin.
Myrrh Oil
Myrrh oil is a well-known ancient oil. Its origin dates back as far as Frankincense. Its strong anti-inflammatory properties create an anti-aging affect. Plus it works well in healing dry, cracked skin – among many other skin issues such as eczema and sun damage.
Implementing a few of these essential oils into your skin care regimen will dramatically improve your skin. Using natural ingredients on your skin will also decrease the amount of free radicals and other unnatural substances introduced into your body. These foreign ingredients cause your skin to adversely react and result in acne and uneven skin tone. Essential Oil Sanctuary provides a few amazing recipes for you to make your own skin care products at home. Treat your skin well and you’ll be thankful you did!
by urbansqueeze | Apr 20, 2017 | Essential Oils, Facials, Holistic Health, Skincare
Did you know that exposure to harsh elements such as strong sunlight, biting cold, and intense wind weathers our skin and promotes the appearance of aging? It can affect the texture, tone, and healing capability of our skin.
As winter weather rushes in chapping, abrasion, and dehydration are primary factors in attacking skin health. So, is there a way to care for your skin and protect it from the harsh elements of the winter? YES!
Here are our top tips for protecting your face from the elements:
-
Transition from lighter skin care products to thicker based creams and lotions. This deep moisturizing will defend against dehydration by protecting the skin.
-
Sunscreen is still necessary during the winter. Consider opting for a moisturizer with SPF 15 or higher. Make sure you cover the bottom of your chin, nose, and other areas where snow bounces sunlight to the skin. Snow reflects up to 80% of the sun’s UVA and UVB light. This means double exposure of facial aging UVA rays.
-
You don’t have to forego your favorite lipsticks and lip gloss, but consider adding an additional layer of protection. You’ll want a lip balm that contains at least SPF 30.
-
One great way to keep your skin hydrated this winter involves using a humidifier in your home or office. Central heating is notorious for drying out your skin.
-
Drink a lot of water to keep your body hydrated.
-
Wash your face twice a day using creams that contain vitamin A, C, and E. Be careful not to use drying soaps or exfoliation products. Your skin needs to be treated gently during the winter. If you must use an exfoliation treatment, make sure you do it gently with soft motions, but no more than twice a week. Follow up with a moisturizer and a healing hydration mask.
-
Be kind to your face. Allow an expert to give you vitamin rich facials that enhance winter protection and keep your face glowing with vitality instead of windburn.
-
Stay away from SPF balms and lotions that contain camphor, phenol, and menthol as these tend to dry out your skin. OL (which contains alcohol) and salicylic acid are other ingredients to watch out for as these can cause dry skin to become further irritated.
-
Cover the soft tissues of your body. Your lips, nose, ears, eyes, and fingers need more protection than the rest of your body, so make sure you protect them properly.
Follow these tips to keep your skin healthy and happy during the harsh winter months. Every season offers different challenges, but once you develop a strong skin health regiment, minor adjustments can be made with minimum effort.
If you’re concerned about the health and aging of your skin, consider having a facial done every couple of weeks. You and your skin therapist can help isolate potential problems before permanent damage is done.
Keep your skin healthy and it will protect you while still looking great.
by urbansqueeze | Apr 20, 2017 | Essential Oils
We are nearing the spring allergy season and many of us are mentally preparing for the runny noses, scratchy throats, and frustrating sneezes. These symptoms are often treated with over-the-counter allergy medications or perhaps even doctor prescriptions. However, these medications do not always solve the problem but only lessen the severity of the symptoms.
An allergen is a substance that causes an allergic reaction in your body. These allergens trick your immune system into thinking that they are an intruder and cause your body to release antibodies. These antibodies are designed to fight the intruders (allergens) and they trigger cells to release chemicals including histamine into your bloodstream which then causes the allergic reaction. Examples of common allergens are pollen, dust, mold, animal dander, insect stings, etc. It is believed that inflammation may be a contributing factor to allergic reactions. When you have inflammation in your body, your immune system is working in overdrive already. Inflammation can be caused by stress, diet, infection, and diseases. With your immune system already stressed, being introduced to an allergen only intensifies the reaction. Your body becomes flooded with antibodies causing a massive release of histamine and this worsens your symptoms.
Essential oils have been used for thousands of years to treat many ailments. Many of these oils are anti-inflammatories as well as anti-virals and anti-bacterials. Using oils can help reduce inflammation and detoxify your body, relieving stress on your immune system. With a relaxed immune system, you will see a potential reduction in the severity of your allergic reactions.
Here are a few essential oils that are known to be most effective in relieving your allergy symptoms.
1. Peppermint
When peppermint oil is diffused, it can open up your sinuses and airways bringing immediate relief from coughing and stuffy noses. There have been a few studies performed that have found that peppermint oil is a relaxant, antispasmodic, and anti-inflammatory that reduces coughing and helps relieve asthma symptoms.
How to use:
-
Diffuse 5 drops and breathe in. This will help relax your nasal passages and allow your body to loosen mucus.
-
Ingest 1-2 drops of peppermint daily to reduce inflammation. You may do so by placing in your water, tea, or smoothies.
-
Topically apply on your chest with coconut oil or another carrier oil for respiratory and sinus relief.
2. Basil
Basil essential oil is another powerful anti-inflammatory, but it also helps provide support to your adrenal glands. Your adrenal glands are responsible for over 50 hormones that support most of your bodily functions. Through these properties, basil helps your body respond appropriately to allergens and promotes blood flow to your brain, heart, and muscles. Basil also helps detoxify your body by killing viruses and bacteria which in return reduces inflammation and pain. With your body working more effectively, you will see a reduction in fatigue as well.
How to use:
-
Ingest daily by adding a drop or two to your salad dressing, soup, or other savory dish.
-
Topically apply 2-3 drops diluted with a carrier oil to your chest, neck, and temples for respiratory support.
3. Lemon
This super oil offers a wide variety of benefits. Lemon essential oil has antibacterial properties which help detoxify your body. It helps promote lymphatic system drainage which helps improve your immune system. When ingested, it also helps balance PH levels in your body and allows your liver to function properly, ridding your body of harmful toxins and infections. Due to its antibacterial properties, lemon oil is also a wonderful disinfectant and can be used to remove allergens within your home.
How to use:
-
Ingest by adding 1-2 drops to a glass of water daily.
-
Diffuse 5 drops to help kill airborne pathogens.
-
Disinfect by adding a few drops into your laundry or into a water bottle and spray on any fabric surface in your home.
