Body care oils: how to use correctly

Over its long history, humanity has accumulated vast experience in interacting with the world of plants, having learned to extract from them their essential component - essential oils, the use of which laid the foundation for the formation of a large system of knowledge called Aromatherapy.

The purposes of using aroma oils can be divided into 2 large groups: medical and cosmetic. However, this division is very conditional. The fact is that the effect exerted by the use of essential oils is so complex and deep, and aromatic oils have such biological activity that even when using them for cosmetic purposes, you achieve additional effects - in the form of an influence on the emotional background, increasing adaptive capabilities, stabilizing blood pressure and etc.

The main advantages of facial oils

Plant oils are the best cosmetic helper for the skin.

They are close in composition to human lipids. When applied to the skin, they “merge” with it, strengthening its protective barrier and preventing fluid loss.

In addition, these natural elixirs enrich the skin with a mass of substances necessary for its beauty, youth and health.

Natural oils can replace half of your cosmetics bag. Their functionality is so wide.

They can:

1. Cleanse.
   Vegetable oils are good cleansers. The secret is that fat dissolves in fat, and most of the dirt on the face (cosmetics, sebum) are fat-soluble substances. Therefore, oils can cleanse any type of skin, including oily skin.

   These natural helpers are able to dissolve and remove even stubborn mascara that ordinary “washes” cannot cope with.

2. Moisturize.
   The human body is covered with a hydro-lipid mantle, which prevents moisture loss. With age and under the influence of negative factors, this natural film becomes thinner, which leads to dry skin. Plant oils help preserve this valuable water-fat layer.
3. Protect.
   The hydro-lipid mantle is also called the first skin barrier. This is due to the fact that it protects the body from external aggression - primarily from the sun and frost. We preserve and strengthen our own protective barrier with the help of natural oils - we prevent the destructive effects of external factors.
4. Supply.
   Plant oils contain many valuable fatty acids and vitamins. We apply the product - we enrich the skin from the outside with everything it lacks.
5. Decontaminate.
   Many herbal elixirs have a pronounced antibactericidal and anti-inflammatory effect. They “pull out” all the dirt and bacteria from the skin. They are an excellent option for preventing and combating acne.
6. Restore.
   Oils accelerate regeneration, help the body “patch up” scars and acne marks, eliminate redness and peeling.
7. Rejuvenate.
   These natural “wizards” deliver components to the skin, the deficiency of which leads to aging. The most valuable things in their composition are youth vitamins (A, C, E, group B) and unsaturated fatty acids (omega-3, -6, -9).

Individual components fight free radicals, which destroy the “building” proteins of our dermis (collagen and elastin) and provoke premature aging, decreased turgor, and the appearance of wrinkles. In particular, vitamin E has such an antioxidant effect.

For all their benefits, plant oils are convenient and pleasant to use. They:

• absorb well
• they smell delicious (we enhance their effect with aromatherapy),
• used as independent, basic care,
• can be combined with other cosmetics in every possible way (a few drops of oil can be added to a cream or serum),
• can be used as a base for makeup.

Home aromatherapy

Aroma stones and aroma lamps for the home provide a pleasant smell in the room and allow you to conduct full-fledged aromatherapy sessions. An aroma lamp is a special bowl that is filled with water. Oil is added to it, and a candle is placed under the container. Its fire heats up the liquid and the room is filled with ethereal vapors.

When conducting aromatherapy, you should adhere to several rules:

• Pre-ventilate the room;
• Use a bowl with at least a 50 ml capacity to prevent the water from evaporating too quickly;
• Pour water at a temperature of 50-55oC into the lamp;
• Add the selected aroma oil at the rate of 2 drops for every 5 m2 of room area;
• Light a candle (it should be no closer than 10 cm from the bowl);
• Do not leave the lamp unattended.

The optimal duration of the procedure is from 20 minutes to 2 hours. Water must be added periodically as it evaporates. Instead of an aroma lamp, you can use a convenient and easy-to-use ultrasonic diffuser.

Aroma stone is able to retain odors for a long time due to its porous structure. Its main difference from an aroma lamp is its limited range of action: the smell spreads over a short distance.

To use such a stone in aromatherapy, you need to apply 2 to 4 drops of oil on it, put it in your purse or place it on the table, and periodically add oil when the smell begins to evaporate. By the way, to scent clothes in the closet it is easier to use an aroma sachet - a bag of fabric on which aromatic oil has been applied.

Another interesting way to use oils is as aromatic pendants. This accessory works on the same principle as an aroma stone, but has a modest size and light weight, so it can be worn as a medallion. The pendant is made of porous clay. It can be used not only as a source of a pleasant aroma, but also to protect the body. Thus, during influenza and ARVI epidemics, mint, eucalyptus, cedar, and ginger oils are relevant. They effectively fight viruses and strengthen the immune system.

Types of facial oils

Not all oils are created equal.

The modern cosmetics industry produces many products of a combined composition, which, in addition to natural plant components, also contain mineral oils and all sorts of chemical additives (surfactants, emulsifiers, preservatives, etc.).

What are mineral oils

? These are petroleum products. A mixture of liquid hydrocarbons that have been separated from gasoline. They are used in industry for lubrication and as a solvent liquid. For use in cosmetics, they undergo special purification, but still remain carcinogenic.

Mineral oils

create a film on the surface of the skin that “locks” moisture inside. And at first it seems that this softens the covers. But at this time, processes that are not beneficial for the skin occur under the film.

Under it, not only water is retained, but also toxins, carbon dioxide, and waste products that must be removed outside. The film prevents sebum and sweat from freely coming to the surface. Prevents the normal exfoliation of keratinized cells, which will stick together and clog the ducts of the sebaceous glands.

Also, mineral oil slows down the growth and development of cells, dissolves the body’s own sebum and increases dehydration.

Plant oils are a completely different matter.

. They work differently. They do not interfere with the skin’s ability to breathe (saturate with oxygen and excrete everything unnecessary), do not provoke clogging of pores with sebum and “dead” cells, and do not harm the body’s own sebum regulation.

Vegetable oils are friendly to our skin and do not cause harm. We advise you to choose them.

But it is necessary to understand the difference between the two main types of vegetable oils - base

and
ethereal
. The specific use of the product depends on this.

If you want to have a head massage

You don't have to go to the salon for hair treatment or relaxation. This can be done at home. Take natural jojoba, shea butter, coconut oil or any other oil whose properties you find suitable for yourself.

Apply one portion to your palm and distribute over scalp. Massage it slowly while thinking about something pleasant. For example, about what handsome guy you want to make you fall in love with your luxurious hair, because you are doing everything right, which means the result will not be long in coming. Take your favorite shampoo and wash away the nourishing oil from your roots and lengths. You won't be able to do it in one go; you need 2-3 washes.

Giphy

There is an interesting option for using pharmaceutical burdock or thick coconut products. Distribute the oil from roots to ends and take a warm bath while the oil nourishes your hair. After 20 minutes, rinse your strands with shampoo and apply conditioner.

The most important things about base oils

Base oils are obtained from parts of plants that are rich in fat. These are bones, nuts, seeds.

Such products are especially valued for their high content of fatty acids and vitamins.

The main thing that distinguishes such a product is polyunsaturated fatty acids

, those same famous “omegas”. There are many of them, but for the health and beauty of the skin you need only three families: -3, -6, -9. And if our body is able to synthesize the ninth on its own, then the third and sixth enter it only from the outside, with food and cosmetics.

Absolutely any skin type needs polyunsaturated acids, even oily ones.

If applied to the face, they do not create a “greenhouse” effect and will not interfere with “skin respiration”. At the same time, omega fats do a lot of useful things:

• contribute to the restoration of the lipid barrier,
• strengthen cell membranes and prevent their oxidation - protect against UV rays and inhibit aging,
• help strengthen collagen fibers – prevent the appearance of wrinkles and premature aging of the skin,
• moisturize by integrating into the lipid layer and preventing moisture loss,
• promote regeneration and healing of rashes, have anti-inflammatory and antibacterial effects,
• increase the elasticity and strength of blood vessels, reduce dark circles under the eyes and spider veins.

The most important base oils for skin are extracted from coconut, argan, camellia, shea butter, jojoba, olives, avocado, almonds, apricot kernels, walnuts, flax, hemp, etc.

What are aroma oils used for?

Based on the properties of aromatic oils obtained by different methods, their areas of application also differ:

• To create a pleasant atmosphere in the room using an aroma lamp, both types of oils;
• To give clothes a pleasant aroma, you can use synthetic products;
• Instead of perfumes, you should use natural oils;
• Synthetic aroma oil is suitable for massage;
• In the sauna and bath you need to use essential oils;
• For inhalations and other types of treatment, only natural aromatic oils are used.

Synthetic oil is absolutely not suitable for oral administration. It is also worth considering that essential oils are more expensive, but have many beneficial properties. In addition, they do not leave stains on clothes, which cannot be said about synthetic substances.

What you need to know about essential oils

Essential oils are volatile liquids with a characteristic strong odor and a high concentration of biologically active substances.

They are extracted from plants by distillation, pressing (cold pressed), enfleurage (plants are placed on thickly greased sheets, which release their essential oils to the fat layer), extraction with solvents or carbon dioxide.

Raw materials - leaves, petals, pistils, seeds, seeds.

Modern cosmetology knows more than 2000 essential oils. Derivatives of lemon, orange, lavender, rose, tea tree, geranium, bergamot, jasmine, ylang-ylang, mint, rosemary, chamomile, patchouli, ginger, lemon balm, neroli, mimosa, fir, incense, juniper work best on the skin.

Such products are considered a natural concentrate due to their saturation with biologically active substances. They contain antioxidants, disinfecting components, polyphenols, etc. and penetrate deeply into tissues.

Their composition is so active that it is strictly forbidden to apply them to the skin in their pure form, as they can cause irritation, an allergic reaction and even a burn.

Essential oils can only be added to your skincare product a few drops at a time.

Be careful! Do not combine essential oils with cosmetics that contain chemical components, because it is not known how they will interact with each other. It is best to combine essential oil with a base oil or add it to homemade masks made from natural ingredients.

Benefit

Along with those already listed:

• immunostimulating;
• general strengthening;
• anti-inflammatory;
• antioxidant;
• and other therapeutic effects on organs and systems of the body.

Aroma oils also have a complex effect on the nervous system. Depending on the oil used, you can achieve:

• effective correction of emotional background;
• relieve tension or stress;
• improve night sleep;
• smooth out neuroses;
• normalize hormonal status;
• gently stimulate sexual desire.

However, like any active agent with a powerful effect, essential oils require competent and balanced use, strict adherence to dosages and knowledge of their effects.

How to apply correctly

1. If the oil has a hard consistency, warm it in your palms for a couple of seconds.
2. You may forget the basic rules of applying cosmetics, which require avoiding the area around the eyes. We apply natural oils to the ENTIRE FACE, including the periorbital area, lips, eyebrows, eyelashes. At the same time we treat the neck and décolleté.
3. We pay special attention to technology. Applying the product to the face along massage lines, using light stroking movements, is the most commonplace option. The product can be made to work more actively. How? It all depends on the tasks.

How to use facial oil most effectively?

• For cleansing.
  Dip a cotton pad into the oil and wipe your face with it.
• For the prevention of acne.
  Apply oil to your face. Soak a small towel in hot water, wring it out and cover your face with it, taking a lying position. In 5-10 such “warm” minutes, the natural elixir will draw out all the dirt and excess sebum that clog the pores. Coconut oil is good for these purposes.
• For the prevention of age-related changes and rejuvenation.
  You can enhance the effect of the oil using a special application technique. Rub the product in with firm massage movements for 2-3 minutes and you will help it penetrate deeper into the skin.

Watch Annette do it and repeat:

• The main direction of movement: from the center of the face to the periphery.
• We move quickly and intensely.
• We rub our face with our palms and fists, using linear and circular movements.
• We pay special attention to working on the area of ​​the chin and lower jaw.
• We include an ear and neck massage in the procedure.

Applying the product with dense massage movements gives a good result. This helps the product work more effectively, as blood circulation is activated and the skin warms up.

But this technique is not part of the anti-aging exercise routine that MelAnnett has developed for its beauty marathons. Proper self-massage is done on dry skin - for closer contact with the hands and a deeper effect (not only the skin, but also the myofascial level is affected).

For the most effective facial exercises and the best self-massage techniques, go to the basic marathon “SmeloNET” from MelAnnett. Here they create a youthful face, perfect posture and a toned figure in 3 weeks. Only natural rejuvenation, and no harm to the body.

How many drops of ready-made nutritional elixir is best to use?

It depends not on how much product you can squeeze into your graceful palm, but on the length of your hair. Now oils are produced with dispensers. Therefore, squeeze out about 1-2 palm-sized portions for long hair, or half a portion for medium-length curls.

The most important thing is to distribute the product evenly throughout your hair. Do not apply the entire portion at once. Start small - first squeeze out one drop, distribute it through your curls, then add product until you see a brilliant effect.

If it seems that you have gone too far (your curls have become greasy), then simply wash off the product with shampoo and, if desired, repeat the care procedure. Check the label to see if the beauty elixir contains silicones (dimethicone). The more types of dimethicone added to the oil, the less it is required. These substances facilitate the distribution of the product over the surface of the hair.

What are the contraindications?

The limitation for the use of massage techniques when applying oil are local problems:

• acne in the stage of suppuration,
• rosacea (pink rashes that form due to chronically dilated capillaries),
• damage to the skin: wounds, burns,
• viral diseases: herpes, eczema, etc.
• vascular problems: rosacea, increased fragility of blood vessels, etc.

It is also worth considering the general state of health and refrain from self-massage at high temperatures, severe hypertension, active inflammatory processes, blood diseases, exacerbation of chronic diseases, etc.

Jasmine

One of the most expensive, incredibly fragrant.

Lemon

It is a bitter, citrus scent that is cooling and refreshing. Natural adaptogen.