| Natural blends using common essential oils have been | | | | regenerate, particularly in concert with other oils. Sage |
| shown effective in helping wounds heal without | | | | can be used in stretch mark formulas, but should only |
| scarring, and can reduce the appearance of old scars | | | | be employed post-partum because of the high thujone |
| from accidents, surgery, or acne. Here are a few | | | | content of the oil. |
| simple blends to get you started! At one time or | | | | Rosemary is an essential oil with a wonderful aroma |
| another, many of us have accidents or surgery that | | | | that is used in many skin care blends. The Verbenone |
| can result in unsightly scars. The same can happen | | | | chemotype is called for here as, like Helichrysum and |
| from difficult cases of acne. Even stretch marks from | | | | Lavender, contains regenerating ketones (the Cineol |
| pregnancy or significant weight loss can leave | | | | type does not). Rosemary will also stimulate cellular |
| permanent unsmooth textures on the skin. There are | | | | metabolism, improving the nutrition and waste cycling |
| few treatments available beyond silicone patches, and | | | | of skin cells. |
| these won't work in all cases. If one is looking for a | | | | All these oils but Lavender should be diluted in a carrier |
| natural means to improve skin appearance as a | | | | before use (Lavender CAN be used directly on the |
| wound heals, or to smooth old scars or stretch marks, | | | | skin, but will be used in diluted form in the following |
| scientific aromatherapy literature provides some | | | | blends). Many studies have shown the great efficacy |
| formulas that may help. | | | | of essential oils at low concentrations - so in |
| Certain essential oils are often used for healing and | | | | Aromatherapy, 'less is more' is a general rule. Two |
| regeneration of skin tissues. We'll review these and | | | | highly regarded carrier or 'base' oils used for skin |
| their companion carrier oils, then present some | | | | treatment are Rosehip seed, cold-pressed from a |
| formulas for particular situations. The first of these | | | | plant native to the mountain regions of South America, |
| essential oils is Helichrysum Italicum, an oil with an | | | | and Hazelnut oil, which is suitable for all skin types. |
| earthy aroma, distilled from the small flowers of an | | | | These oils will help the essential oils absorb into the |
| herb native to the Mediterranean region. This is the | | | | skin, and can provide their own nutritive properties. |
| premier oil called for where the skin is in need of | | | | Rosehip seed contains a wealth of fatty acids, plus a |
| regeneration, and where inflammation may be present. | | | | compound similar in action to the pharmaceutical |
| Helichrysum is unique in that it contains 'di-ketones'; a | | | | preparation 'Retin A'. without the drying side effects. |
| class of molecules that signal the skin to regenerate. It | | | | Hazelnut oil has mild astringent properties, and will not |
| is also often used for bruising and impact related | | | | leave the skin feeling greasy. It is appropriate even for |
| injuries. | | | | acne prone skin. |
| Helichrysum can be used in a simple carrier oil by itself, | | | | And now for a few recipes - a few simple mixtures |
| though it is considered synergistic with Rosehip seed oil | | | | can cover several skin-healing conditions, both for |
| and sometimes with Lavender essential oil. This | | | | recent wounds and older scarred tissue. For the |
| easy-to-make combination has been noted by | | | | support of recent wounds, use one ounce Hazelnut |
| professional aromatherapists to "heal wounds with | | | | and one ounce Rosehip seed oils. To this, add 25 |
| minimal or no scarring" though the nutritive triple | | | | drops each of Helichrysum and Lavender essential oils |
| unsaturated fatty acids and vitamin A compounds of | | | | - apply twice a day once the wound can get moist. |
| Rosehip seed, combined with the anti-inflammate and | | | | For the improvement of appearance of old scars, |
| regenerative properties of the Helichrysum. | | | | keloid scars and acne scars, try the same base oils, |
| Helichrysum can be a little bit pricey, but it's wonderful | | | | replacing the Lavender with Sage essential oil. Apply |
| effects have been noted at very low concentrations | | | | regularly for 3 to 6 months for best results. For the |
| of the total blend - a little will go a long way. | | | | post-partum reduction of stretch marks, again to the |
| As noted above, Lavender oil is often used for skin | | | | same base oil formula, add 25 drops Sage essential oil |
| healing. In a 50/50 blend with Tea Tree oil, it is | | | | and 25 drops Rosemary verbenone. Use this formula |
| commonly used on small cuts and scrapes to sooth | | | | again for several months for best results. |
| and prevent infection. Lavender has anti-inflammatory | | | | So these are just a few skin care formulas commonly |
| properties along with tissue regenerating effects, albeit | | | | used in aromatherapy. Many more exist for a great |
| a bit more mild than Helichrysum. It does, however, | | | | variety of skin conditions - there is much information |
| have the important added benefit of a well-liked aroma | | | | available on the internet or in bookstores. Remember, |
| that can ease anxiety for many people. | | | | when creating your own blends, be conservative with |
| Next up is the essential oil distilled from the leaves of | | | | the amounts of essential oils - they do work in small |
| common Sage, or Salvia officinalis. Sage is used in low | | | | amounts. Also, it's always fun to add to these recipes |
| concentrations in very specific conditions - where the | | | | one or more of your favorite aromatic oils - Jasmine, |
| scars are old and require a little extra phytochemical | | | | Ylang Ylang, Rose or other oils can add a lovely |
| power to heal. Sage oil can bring circulation to the area, | | | | complex aroma to the blend; one that you'll enjoy |
| and can assist the scarred area of the skin to | | | | wearing. Be creative, be safe and have fun! |