Skin care is not a topic of recent times; it has been in practice since ancient times, when herbal skin care was probably the only way to take care of skin. However, skin care has transformed in a big way. Herbal skin care routines have been replaced by synthetic/chemical-based skin care routines. The herbal skin care recipes which once used to be common place are not so popular today (and even unknown to a large population). This transformation from herbal skin care to synthetic, can probably be attributed to two things our laziness (or just the fast pace of lives) and the commercialisation of skin care. Even herbal skin care products have been commercialised. These commercial herbal skin care products have to be mixed with preservatives in order to increase their shelf-life, hence making them less effective than the fresh ones made at home. However, it seems that things are changing fast and more people are now opting for natural and herbal skin care routines. But still, none want to make them at home and hence the commercial market of herbal skin care products is on the rise.

So what are these herbs or herbal skin care mechanisms?

Aloe vera, which is an extract from Aloe plant, is one of the best examples of herbal skin care product. Freshly extracted aloe vera is a natural hydrant that helps in soothing skin. It also helps in healing cuts and treating sun burns.

A number of herbs are known to possess cleansing properties. Dandelion, chamomile, lime flowers and rosemary herbs, are a few examples of such cleansers. Their herbal skin care properties get invoked when they are combined with other herbs like tea.

Antiseptics are another important part of Herbal skin care. Lavender, marigold, thyme and fennel are good examples of herbs that are known to possess antiseptic properties. Lavender water and rose water also form good toners.

Tea plays an important part in herbal skin care. Tea extracts are used for treatment of skin that has been damaged by UV radiation.

Oils prepared from herbal extracts present another means of herbal skin care. Tea tree oil, Lavender oil, borage oil and primrose oil are some popular oils used in herbal skin care. Some fruit oils (e.g. extracts from fruits like banana, apple and melon) find use in shower gels (as a hydrating mix)

Homeopathic treatments and aromatherapies also come under the umbrella of herbal skin care remedies.

Herbal skin care is good not only for the routine nourishing of skin but also for treatment of skin disorders like eczema and psorasis. Most herbal skin care products dont have any side effects (the most important reason for preferring them over synthetic products) Moreover, herbal skin care products can be easily made at home, hence making them even more attractive. So, herbal skin care is the way to go. However, this does not mean that you totally discard the synthetic products. Some people go to the extent of debating with their dermatologist, if he/she suggests a synthetic product. You should accept the fact that some skin orders might need usage of clinically proven non-herbal skin care products.

Natural skin care products are the safest and the most effective means to maintain the good health of your skin.

For ages, nature has provided the medical industry with ingredients that have powerful antibiotic, antiseptic, or anti-inflammatory properties which are processed into medicines, serums, ointments, or lotions.

Natural dermatological products are mostly found in the form of ointments or creams, which are quickly absorbed by the superficial layers of the skin. They are effective against most skin conditions and successfully treat local irritation or rashes.

The main advantage of using natural skin care products is their hypo-allergenic character; they are proved to be very well tolerated by the skin. This is due to the fact that natural products contain no additives or preservatives and therefore they are very safe and reliable. In addition, natural skin care products that are properly formulated to match a specific skin care need often cost no more than their synthetic opponents.

It is known for a fact that chemically enhanced products may harm your body by releasing malign substances into the blood stream. In order to minimize these risks, you should consider using natural skin care products instead. They stand as a very effective and healthy alternative to all synthetic products.

However, the main disadvantage of all natural skin care products is that they tend to lose their properties sooner; they have a shorter period of life. Unlike products that are chemically processed and contain synthetic preservatives, natural products alter more quickly, and therefore you should always make sure you check the expiration date before buying such natural skin care products from the shelves of pharmacies or supermarkets.

Sometimes, regardless of their nature, skin care products only treat the effects of a disease, and not the factors that are causing it. Take acne, for instance. Skin acne is not always an infectious disease. It may be caused by hormonal unbalances inside the body and the unaesthetic aspect of the skin is due to the excessive oil produced by the seborrheic glands. In order to successfully treat this very common skin condition, an internal treatment must be associated to the topic external antibiotics. Well tolerated natural skin care products in the form of creams or lotions applied on the affected skin then complete the treatment by controlling the condition externally.

Therefore, if you have skin affection, you should pay a visit to your dermatologist first and ask for advice regarding the appropriate treatment. Natural skin care products come as an addition to the prescribed treatment, enhancing its benefic results. Also, it is very important to check if the skin care products you choose are appropriate for your skin type before using them.

Despite their successful use among the medical branches, natural skin care products are not exclusively intended for treating skin conditions! They are also very efficient for cosmetic purposes. As a matter of fact, the cosmetic industry offers nowadays a wide range of natural products that improve the aesthetics of skin. Anti aging skin care products are the most popular at the time being. Whether they are intended for preventing or reversing the natural aging process of the skin, such products are highly requested and are a must have particularly among women in their mid-thirties. Anti aging skin care products, as well as other cosmetics, satisfy the growing aesthetic needs of modern society.

Regardless of their purposes, natural skin care products are the best alternative for synthetic ones, and when properly used, their beneficial actions are quickly noticeable.

Tea tree oil is known to have antifungal and antiseptic properties, and has been used for many years as an antimicrobial agent and to help clear skin of acne. study with over 100 participants, published in the Medical Journal of Australia, demonstrated that a 5% tea tree oil gel was just as effective as a 5% benzoyl peroxide lotion in the treatment of acne. Though the tea tree oil worked more slowly to clear acne, it produced fewer side effects.

Sandalwood essential oil has been shown to inhibit growth of a type of bacteria that is commonly a cause of acne. It is thought that a specific component of sandalwood essential oil, farnesol, is responsible for antibacterial and antifungal activity. Other essential oils containing farnesol include jasmine, palmarosa, and ylang ylang. These essential oils may also be effective against acne.

Make your own aromatherapy acne wash by adding up to 5% of the essential oils mentioned above to unscented face or body wash. For an aromatherapy acne gel, use pure aloe vera gel as a base, and add up to 5% of the essential oils mentioned above.

Be sure to avoid getting essential oils in or near the eyes. Also beware that because there are many products that contain tea tree oil, the risk of sensitization is increased due to increased exposure. There is always the potential for becoming sensitized to specific essential oils, so its wise to rotate use of different essential oils, rather than using the same essential oils over and over.

Coconut as a whole plays a very important part in our lives. From leafs to the oil everything has become very useful to us. Coconut oil is widely used for your hair and many may have seen the results it has provided. With the growth in the market we have been exposed to n number of creams, which have proved to be worthless. In this stiff competition coconut oil has risen as a thorough winner.

The oil seems to do wonders for your skin. It softens the skin as well as cures it from any damages providing you with a radiant and young look. It helps the skin to avoid liver spots and blemishes caused due to aging and sunlight. By regular use of the oil a soft and supple skin is developed keeping it wrinkle free. The damage to the skin by sun rays is restricted with the use of coconut oil. It brings back the shine and lost charm of the skin.

The presence of antiseptic fatty acids prevents any fungal and bacterial infection. Some of the infections it keeps fighting on regular basis are the acne, ringworm, herpes, boils, athlete’s foot and warts. Coconut oil or coconut butter has been widely used as a moisturizer. It provides a shield on your skin to protect the natural moisture.

For Skin Care

-Apply grinded betel leaf with coconut oil on black spots, to lighten it
-Paste of mehendi (henna) with little oil should be applied on your face to lighten black spots
-Apply the mixture of coconut water and thick pineapple juice for a glowing skin
-For soft skin make a paste of red sandal powder with coconut milk. Apply it on your face. Rinse it later.
-To remove pimples. Use thick curd; add turmeric and drops of oil. Put it on your face.
-Coconut oil mixed with crushed garlic when applied at night helps to cure plantar warts and athletes foot
-Coconut butter can be used as lip balm
-Massage your face with coconut oil before going to bed this would help in premature ageing

For Hair Care

-Add a teaspoon of camphor to 1/2 a liter can of coconut oil. Store it. Massage this oil on your scalp before going to bed. This would help you get rid of dandruff
-A mixture of castor, mustard and coconut oil massaged on your scalp can help you with dandruff problems
-One part lemon juice with two parts coconut oil to be massaged to the roots of your hair to ward of dandruff problem
-Hair loss problem can be solved by massaging coconut or almond oil for 10 to 15 minutes

Warning: The reader of this article should exercise all precautions while following instructions on the recipes from this article. Avoid using any of these products if you are allergic to it. The responsibility lies with the reader and not with the site or the writer.

These are some of the best and most popular tanning lotions available on the market.

Supre Cafe Bronzer: This dark tanning maximizer is from Supre, a two-in-one formula combining dark tan maximizers with self-tanning bronzers. Caf Bronzer is formulated from a special blend of coffee bean extracts, Vitamin E and C, with Supres own Skin Stimulation System and Biotan technology to help stimulate micro-circulation for maximum tanning results, and Skin Recovery System to help stimulate skin recovery from UV exposure. The lotion is specially designed for “Advanced Tanners”, and costs around $40.

Pro Tan Sunny Day Self Tanner: This product contains ingredients such as aloe vera gel, soybean oil, vitamin A, Vitamin E, kola and green tea extract, red clover and green tea extract etc, and is designed to even out, deepen and prolong existing tan. It costs about $14.

St. Tropez Tinted Self-Tanning Lotion: This aloe vera based lotion is non-greasy, non-streaking and quick drying, which intensifies over 3 hours. The lotion is claimed to actually hide stretch marks, varicose veins, and vitiligo, which can be custom blended with St. Tropez Body Moisturizer to your own desired shade. The Tinted Self-Tanning Lotion costs around $30.

Jan Tana Maximum Tan Accelerator Lotion: In order to a quick, deep dark tan, this Tan Accelerator combines three accelerators to create triple action tanning. It also contains moisturizers, vitamins and collagen to nourish the skin and help prevent premature aging. Originally formulated for indoor use but can be used outdoor with a base tan. The product costs around $35.

Forman Tanning Lotion: A product from John Abate, this tingling maximizer is created and scented exclusively for men, and users with established base tans. The light tingling and/or subtle sensation or flush, that may be experienced while using the product, indicates an improvement in skin microcirculation and cell oxygenation-essentials to achieving a great tan. Forman costs around $20.

Tan Accelerating Lotion: This is a product from Body Drench combines tan development moisturizing, and is formulated with ingredients such as Unipertan V-24 to provide essential nutrients for optimum tanning while it binds moisture to promote elasticity and fight aging. It costs around $25.

Thalgo Self-Tanning Scintillating Lotion: This contains iridescent pigments to illuminate the skin, and tanning agent (DHA) Erythrulose which unifies and prolongs tan. Its subtle tanning effect is best for fair to medium skin types, designed to maintain a natural, golden complexion. The manufacturer recommends exfoliating before using the product.

The Scintillating Lotion costs around $35.

Black Onyx: Manufactured by Power Tan, the Black Onyx is formulated from a combination of cinnamon, nutmeg, ivy and licorice extracts for a reddening effect that helps speed delivery of nutrients to the skin. The oil-free formula also contains Alpha Hydroxy Acids, Pycnogenol, and Aloe Vera to combat aging. Other ingredients include Peppermint, Eucalyptus, and Menthol help cool your body and neutralize body odor. It costs around $40.

Lavera Self Tanning Lotion: Formulated from certified organic extracts and essential oils such as organic Jojoba oil, Aloe vera, Rose and Lavender waters, and anti-aging Green tea extract, this tanning lotion contains ingredients such as DHA and Erythrulose, and no harmful artificial ingredients or chemicals. The Self Tanning Lotion costs around $25.

Natural skin care products provide an excellent alternative to many beauty and skin products found on the market. We often don’t realize how many chemicals and toxins are being absorbed into our bodies through skin care and hair care products. Shampoos, make-up, perfumes, facial cleansers, and even baby care products often contain harmful chemicals that can irritate our skin, dry it out, or cause premature aging. That’s why so many people are choosing natural skin care products.

Benefits of Natural Skin Care Products

There are many benefits of organic skin care because true all-natural products contain no harmful chemicals or additives. If you have allergies, recurring skin rashes (or eczema), itchy or dry skin, or even very oily skin, then you might be worsening the problem by using products with certain chemicals and additives. Organic skin care provides a natural way for you to cleanse your skin and hair, enhance your beauty with cosmetics, and even protect your skin from the sun. If you have very sensitive skin, natural hair care and skin care products might even help prevent outbreaks of rashes or skin redness and irritation.

The skin absorbs most anything that it comes in contact with, including any chemicals found in beauty products. With all-natural products, your skin will absorb the organic ingredients more quickly and with more positive results. Absorbing organic products can actually enhance your skin and health, and your body can process the ingredients in a more efficient way.

If you have a baby or small child, their skin is extremely delicate. You can select natural baby care products for their shampoos, lotions, powders, and soaps.

Ingredients found in Organic Products

Common ingredients found in natural skin care products include oatmeal, aloe vera, hemp seed, virgin olive oil, sunflower seed oil, primrose extract, essential oils, cucumber, shea butter, collagen, and many other natural ingredients and extracts. These all have different purposes such as adding moisture and much-needed minerals to your skin and hair, reducing wrinkles, stretch-mark reduction, dead skin removal, sun protection, and moisturizing the lips.

Types of Natural Beauty Products

With the increasing demand for all-natural or organic products, there are now many companies that specialize in organic products, whether it’s food and beverages or natural hair care and skin care products. Some of the beauty products available include natural soaps for babies and adults, organic make-up foundation and finishing powders, all-natural shampoos and conditioners, facial cleansers and toners, bath salts, organic oils for skin, bath scrubs, facial masks, anti-wrinkle creams, shaving soaps, natural lotions, soothing gels, and even organic lamps for aromatherapy. There are also many natural men’s skin care products and natural baby care products.

How to Buy All-Natural Products

You can find organic skin and hair care products at your local herbal or organic store. But the easiest way to find specific products for your needs is to shop online. There are hundreds of organic skin care products online and you can often find these at very affordable prices. You can easily search for specific products that will help your skin and hair type. These products also make great gifts for birthdays, Christmas, or any occasion.

Your entire family from the youngest to the eldest can benefit from natural skin care products, and you’ll each enjoy healthier, more radiant skin and hair!

Tanned skin is loved by most of the white skinned people. Who will say that he/she does not like tanned skin? What about the cost of getting tanned skin? I am not talking in term of dollars, but life. It is death due to skin cancer. There are many ideas about tanning that people believe and think that they are safe. Let us talk about them.

Many of us believe that use of tanning oils on skin and then getting tanned is safe. But that is not true. No tanning oil prevents the sun. If it had prevented sun, you would not have got tanned! Tanning skin is only due to the UV radiation and radiation damages and causes skin cancer.

A swim after tanning skin protects the skin. This is another belief of many people. Please note that no amount of swimming after getting tanned saves the skin. Once the skin gets tanned, it is damaged. Swimming without application of a sunscreen is very bad because water reflects more UV radiation. The radiation near the beach is more than on the ground away from beach.

Skin that is tanned is in danger. Protect your life by avoiding all types of tanning. Use tanning cosmetics to get artificial color if you want, but dont damage your skin with tan. Tanning beds, sun lamps and sun all are bad for skin.

This article is only for informative purposes. This article is not intended to be a medical advise and it is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Please consult your doctor for your medical concerns. Please follow any tip given in this article only after consulting your doctor. The author is not liable for any outcome or damage resulting from information obtained from this article.

Looking for that perfect skin product? One that will keep your skin looking great, smells great, is appealing to apply, has actual ‘therapeutic’ effects, and doesn’t break the bank? Look no further than aromatherapy. Creating a wonderful blend just for your skin type with the magic of potent natural botanicals is fun and rewarding in more ways than one. Essential oils are widely used in natural medicine, and some are well-known for their skin rejuvenating effects.

While some of the most highly regarded therapeutic grade oils may seem expensive at first, they are effective in such small concentrations as to really make them worthwhile. And their efficacy is well-known; that’s why so many laboratory-made preparations use components of essential oils in their formulas. With a one or two ounce bottle to mix in, and an eye dropper, you can easily mix your own blend with the aroma and actions you desire most.

There are a few essential oils most often used in skin care recipes you can pick and choose from among these depending on your desired results. Other essential oils may be added to enhance the aroma of your blend; many oils used to do so are also are know to relieve tension or bring about a healthy state of mind and most natural clinicians will tell you that beauty starts from the inside-out. So make something you love the smell of that also helps your skin glow!

These few primary skin care oils include the following: Helichrysum italicum the oil of this flower is one of the most highly regarded in aromatherapy for it’s great versatility. It has a pleasant aroma, it contains rare ‘di-ketones’ which stimulate the skin’s natural metabolism, and is a powerful anti-inflammatory (all tissue damage and aging is associated with inflammation on a cellular level). Lavender oil ‘true’ or ‘French’ Lavender is the most used oil in aromatherapy today because of it’s great multitude of effects. Like Helichrysum, it contains regenerative ketones; it reduces inflammation; it speeds wound healing; AND it has an aroma very well known for its relaxing effects easing tension while healing your skin could you ask for more? Next up is Rosemary of the ‘verbenone’ type. It also contains ketones (that the cineol type does not) and is known as a circulatory and metabolism stimulant, increasing the flow of nutrients in, and waste products out, of your skin cells. Palmarosa essential oil is included in many blends for it’s gentle cleansing and antiseptic properties. And last but not least, Carrot Seed oil is the premier oil for regenerating tired, lifeless skin often a result from too much stress or high levels of pollutant exposure.

There are several other oils with positive effects on the skin (some will be mentioned in the blends below), these just happen to be the most often used. With research, you can find essential oils that will address particular skin conditions that are not covered here. Further, there are in fact hundreds of essential oils available, each with it’s own unique composition and aroma. Adding a little to your blends simply for their fragrance influence is highly recommended. A few drops of precious oils like Jasmine, Neroli, Sandalwood or Rose can create that aromatic combination you simply love, and will want to wear all the time.

The essential oils are almost never applied to the skin undiluted (Lavender is a rare exception). Instead, they are added to what are known as ‘carrier’ or ‘base’ oils. Diluting the essential oil in carrier not only stretches your dollar, but the oils actually are more effective this way! Research has shown that most essential oils have the most dramatic therapeutic effects at concentrations of less than 5% of the total blend. And the carriers have their own positive effects; besides helping your skin absorb the essential oils, they provide nutrients such as essential fatty acids, and vitamin compounds which enhance the skin’s health.

Some of the more commonly used carrier oils in skin care are as follows: First is Hazelnut oil pressed from, obviously, Hazelnuts. This is considered the most gentle of the carrier oils, suitable for all skin types. It often serves as the primary base oil in blends, making up a majority of the mixture. Next is Rosehip seed oil, pressed from Rosehip seeds grown in the mountains of South America. This well researched oil not only has a wealth of essential fatty acids, but contains trans-retinoic acid, a compound similar to the active ingredient of Retin-A (a well known wrinkle cream), but without the drying side effects. Lastly we’ll mention Evening Primrose oil, often included in blends for aging skin and for eczema it has one of the highest known concentrations of gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), an essential fatty acid which may be crucial to optimal health.

So there are the primary ingredients, and the reasons behind them. With these, and a few of your own personal touches, you can create a great variety of blends. To go ahead and start mixing, acquire a one or two ounce dark glass bottle to mix in, an eye dropper and a small funnel (you don’t NEED this, it just makes the whole process a lot less messy). For the first recipe, we’ll start with a blend that’s for daily use for all skin types. It’s created to give the skin health and vitality, while keeping it clean and beautiful: Pour one ounce of Hazelnut oil into your mixing bottle (double all the ingredients if you’d like to make two ounces). Add fifteen drops (about 2/3rds of a milliliter) Thyme essential oil of the Linalool chemotype (be sure to get this kind, as other types of Thyme are to strong to use on the skin). The add fifteen drops each of Rosemary verbenone, Neroli (or a high-quality Petitgrain distilled from the same plant as Neroli with a lower cost), Spike Lavender (almost a cross between true lavender and sage excellent for it’s antiseptic properties). While originally created as an acne-clearing blend, it did so well for so many folks it is now used as a basis for healthy ‘normal’ skin as well.

For overly sensitive and damaged skin (from chemicals or other means) and for skin with weak capillaries (showing spider veins may be a symptom), start with a 5:1:1 ratio of Hazelnut, Rosehip Seed and Evening Primrose oils (3/5 ounce Hazelnut, and 1/5th each of the other oils). Add fifteen drops each of German Chamomile, Helichrysum italicum, true Lavender, and Roman Chamomile. This blend will enhance the regenerative capability of the skin through the action of the Helichrysum and Rosehip seed, provides nutrients through in the Rosehip seed and Evening Primrose, and reduces the inflammation which accompanies any type of damage and aging.

For clearing excessively oily and acne-prone skin, to one oz. of Hazelnut oil, add fifteen drops each of Myrtle essential oil (use the green, rather than red, variety), Eucalyptus Dives, Spike Lavender, and Rosemary verbenone. The Myrtle is special in that it dissolves the sebum clogging skin pores, and the Eucalyptus calms the output of the sebaceous (oil-producing) glands.

If your skin has no particular ‘condition’, but appears tired, lifeless, pallid, or ‘worn out’, try mixing one-fifth ounce of Rosehip Seed and four-fifths ounce Hazelnut oil. Then add 15 drops each of Carrot Seed essential oil (also known as Queen Anne’s Lace or Wild Carrot), Lemon verbena (which helps the skin detoxify), Niaouli (gently tightening the skin), and Rosemary verbenone this creates an excellent restorative blend. For aging skin needing firming that can be used around the eyes try this more gentle variety: Mix in five ounces of Hazelnut oil and one ounce of Rosehip seed oil, add fifteen drops of each of Myrtle essential oil (green), Cistus or Rock Rose and Rosemary.

So there are a few tried-and-true aromatherapy skin care blends to use in your natural beauty regime. You can easily mix and match the oils described to create your own blend, and add any oils you really like the aroma of (be aware that a FEW essential oils are VERY strong, and should not be used on the skin the more common of these include Cinnamon, Clove, Oregano, and Red Thyme consult with a knowledgeable practitioner if you are unsure about the safety of any oil). A word about purchasing oils for your blends do NOT use anything labeled as a ‘fragrance oil’ these are synthetic reproductions of essential oils that will likely cause an allergic reaction. DO seek out a reputable source. And oils, like wine, do vary greatly from maker to maker. A higher price can mean a significantly nicer oil (though not always) one that is sweeter, or more well-rounded only a few oils should smell ‘medicinal’ Spike Lavender is a little ‘camphorus’ in general but a good Rosemary verbenone should have a very appealing scent . Despite the initial outlay, you are more likely to continue to use a blend that you really like the aroma of, and that has therapeutic effects. Though once you find the oils you adore, you’re more than likely to continue the practice of making your own blends for some time to come.

Scents play a big role in our lives. Some fragrances may recall memories or transmit sensations. Who has not felt better after going to sauna with eucalyptus smell? Or associated flowers` scents to the feelings of calm and peace? Aromatherapy took advantage of this basic human instinct to treat diseases, provide well being, skin care and relaxation. It can be defined as the therapeutic use of essential oils for prevention and/or auxiliary treatment of physical, psychological and energetic problems.

The true Aromatherapy consists on the therapeutic application of 100% essential oils in baths, massages, compresses, diffusions, internal use, etc. Before being used, the essential oils are frequently dissolved in neutral lotions such as vegetal oils, cereal water or cereal alcohol. This preserves chemical properties and chemical/physical activity in the human body.

According to “The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Essential Oils”, the favored technique of aroma therapists is the massage, because it ensures that the oils are absorbed in the skin and into the blood stream. On this method, the essence is diluted into base oil (jojoba, avocado, peanut, soy, peach kernel oil, etc). Another book, “Aromatherapy: Healing for the Body & Soul”, emphasizes the importance of rubbing the oil in the skin. The author, Kathi Keville, claims that the human touch warms the body, relieves stress, relaxes and encourages deep breathing.

Benefits
Aromatherapy is known for bringing well-being and stress relieve to people, but this is only one of its possible benefits. This therapy can affect the body chemistry; the emotions and attitudes; and the ability of the body to function. The book “Aroma Therapy: Healing for the body and soul” cites a wide range of therapeutical uses for Aromatherapy:

- Reduction of pain, inflammations and spasms;
- Stimulation of the immune system, hormone production and blood circulation;
- Skin infections;
- Heal of respiratory and digestive problems;
- Emotional problems, like depression and panic.

Precautions
Some essential oils, like camphor, thuja and red thyme, can cause damage to the patients due to their high toxicity levels, which can cause severe dermal irritation. Essential oils should not be applied directly at the skin; they should be diluted in a carrier oil or cream. It is also suggested to do a patch test on the skin before using the essential oil, because some people can be very sensitive or have allergic reactions. Some oils, like the lemon and the verbena, when exposed to the sun, may cause spots.

The “Illustrated Encyclopedia of Essential Oils” warns that pregnant patients or the ones who have diabetes, high blood pressure and epilepsy can not be massaged with some essential oils. It is recommended that they inform the therapist about their condition. It also adverts that essential oils should not be used at home to treat serious medical or psychological problems.

Oils properties
The oils have different properties. Some of the most common essential oils are:

Calming – chamomile, lavender, geranium;
Uplifting – ylang ylang, clary sage, rose, neroli, lemon, fennel;
Energizing – rosemary, thyme (white), grapefruit, cinnamon;
Cleansing – rosemary, tea tree, lavender; frankincense;
Decongesting – eucalyptus, pine, tea tree, peppermint;

Profession
Although nowadays Aromatherapy has become a widespread practice around the world, it is still considered a complementary medicine in the majority of the countries. In France, Aromatherapy is part of the formal education in Medical schools. During history, medicinal and aromatic plants were used to purify and scent places, scare away evil spirits, treat skin and other physical disorders as in the use of infusions, in the mummification process in ancient Egypt and Roman baths.

According to The National Association for Holistic Aromatherapy (NAHA), the organization that promotes and supports the practice of this method, there is no licensure or laws for Aromatherapy in the US. NAHA determined that to become an aroma therapist is necessary to be graduated in a course of at least 200 hours. Some professionals incorporate the training of this technique with their licensed work. It is the case of many massage therapists, acupuncturists, doctors and nurses.

Are Natural skin care products the answer to all problems?

When it comes to skin care products, you will find that a lot of people are very particular about using only natural skin care products. They treat all the synthetic products as harmful to the skin.

So, are natural skin care products the answer to all of our problems? What if a natural skin care product is not available for the treatment of a particular skin disorder? Are the synthetic skin care products so harmful that they should be banned?

Different people have different answers to these questions. However, the reality is that due to presence of synthetic preservatives, its really tough to find a natural skin care product that is 100% natural. There are natural skin care products that have natural preservatives, but their cost might be detrimental. Moreover, such natural skin products have a shorter shelf life and hence are not preferred by the manufacturers of natural skin care products.

Some people carry a wrong notion that since natural skin care products are natural, they cannot cause any harm to the skin. The suitability of a skin care product is not based on whether it is synthetic or natural. An unsuitable natural skin care product can harm you in almost the same way as a synthetic one. So, use natural skin care products, but be open to synthetic ones too (you might need them when a natural solution is not available)

Your selection of a natural skin care product should be based on 3 factors:

1. The skin type (dry, oily, normal, sensitive) of the person who will use that natural skin care product
2. The climatic conditions in which it will be used e.g. hot and humid condition would warranty the use of oil-free natural skin care products.
3. The process for application/use of the natural skin care product. A good natural skin care product (in fact any product) can seem useless if not used in the proper way.

You can also make natural skin care products by yourself, by using the recipes that are readily available on the internet and in the books at book stores.

Use of organic fruits and vegetables is also popular as a natural skin care procedure. Some essential oils, herbal oils, are useful too and are known for their moisturising and antiseptic properties

However, using a natural skin care product does not mean that you can exercise carelessness with other aspects of skin care. Natural skin care products should be used like supplements to the following essential recommendations: healthy eating habits (avoiding oily food), regular exercise, drinking a lot of water (8 glasses everyday), and cleanliness. This will then form a perfect and completely natural skin care routine that will help maintain a healthy beautiful skin for longer time.

Find more on skin care here: skin care tips.