Treating skin conditions with essential oils

Q: How do essential oils work and which skin conditions are they good for?

Essential oils are effective in addressing multiple skin, body and mind disorders thanks to their rebalancing properties.

Each essential oil contains 150 active molecules and has the same molecular structure as our blood and lymph. Therefore, the body recognises and absorbs them into the deepest layer of the skin – the dermis.

The rapid absorption allows us to turbo-boost the effectiveness of other professional products used in treatment by acting like a magnet and drawing them deeper into the dermis, giving magnified results.

Inhaling essential oils also has benefits. The oils stimulate the highly sensitive cells at the back of the nostrils, sending signals directly to the brain and alerting the limbic system, which is connected to the parts of the brain that control memory, stress levels, and hormonal and emotional balances.

This makes them a powerful tool in treating the emotional state. So, encourage clients to take a deep breath of any essential oils used in treatment before applying them to the skin.

Also, it’s important to note that some essential oils treat certain skin conditions better than others. Neroli is great for dehydrated skin as it increases hydration levels; iris helps those with slackened skin as it targets lines and wrinkles; and damascena rose decreases sensitivity in the skin by strengthening its protective barrier.

Fiona Brackenbury is education director at skincare brand Decléor and is responsible for product and treatment development. She has more than 25 years’ industry experience.