The Beauty Benefits of Essential Oils

Lately I am hearing more and more about essential oils, and naturally, I was curious to try them. We have tried a variety in our house and I have been impressed by the range of essential oils available, as well as the many uses they have.

I love that you can diffuse them and use them aromatically. I’m a big fan of scented things, particularly like candles, but like that essential oils are a natural alternative. They last for a long time too as you only need a few drops each time.

I have used them for medicinal purposes, for fighting off colds particularly, and for cleaning around the house. I don’t have a way to test just how efficient they are at killing germs (that would need to be in a science lab or something) but from what I’ve read, they are great at getting straight through and killing germs. It makes the house smell great anyway.

It got me thinking though, what beauty benefits do they have? I should surely be using them for the that too, right? Quite seasonally, I know that frankincense is good for skin as is melaluca (tea tree). I have recently been using the Body Shop’s Spa of the World Range for massaging into skin. In particular I have been using French Lavender and Thai Lemongrass and I love them. It must sound like I’m obsessed with smells, but they smell so good! The lemongrass one is my favourite, really reminds me of being in Thailand, funnily enough 😉

Thai Lemongrass Oil:

• scent is known to boost vitality and awaken senses
• this oils is great to use when you want your body and mind to feel instantly re-energised
• is great to use as a natural skin toner
• soothes aching muscles
• can be combined with melaluca and rubbed on nails to clean and strengthen

French Lavender Oil:

• known for being relaxing and has been used to help people sleep for years
• I’ve been using this oil when I just need to calm down quickly and to relax
• It helps regenerate skin cells so is great for older skin, sun spots, and scarring
• a great oil for all skin types
• massaging into scalp can help with hair loss and headaches

These oils are already in a carrier oil, but if you have essential oils ‘neat’, it is usually best to put a few drops in a carrier oil (such as de-fractionated coconut oil or other cold pressed oils), before rubbing onto skin. This instantly makes any ‘neat’ oils into a massage oil.

Have you ever used essential oils? If so, which is your favourite?

Rebecca x

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*written as part of the Body Shop’s #24DaysofHappiness campaign. All opinions are my own. View the Body Shop Advent Calendar here.