Weekly Top Picks! : Skincare Products

Usually I post the 'Weekly Top Picks' on Mondays but I was a bit late this week due to family commitments. I will extend the discount coupon offer.

This weeks top picks I have chosen because they are 3 of my favourite skincare products which I use on a daily basis.

 

1. Face Cream - Rose & Frankincense

"This luxurious damask rose and frankincense face cream is light in texture and feels non greasy. Ideal for all skin types but of particular benefit to aging or dry skin. Also contains skin loving carrot seed oil. A little of this cream goes a long way. Will make your skin feel silky soft". I use this moisturiser every morning after my shower. I love it because it is light wearing and leaves my skin is feeling so soft without an oily residue. A perfect daily moisturiser.

2. Lip Serum - Vanilla & Rose

"Protect your lips with this nourishing and natural roll on lip gloss serum. Infused with vanilla and very lightly scented with beautiful bulgarian rose absolute. This lip gloss is tinted using a natural merlot coloured mica powder". The more you apply the darker & glossier your lips will be. Can be worn for some colour or just used regularly to help moisturise your lips and prevent dryness. My lip serums are available in 3 different tints. Tinted lip balms also available.

3. Body Lotion - Lavender & Vanilla

"A light, non greasy and easily absorbed moisturising lotion that has been infused with vanilla bean extract and gently scented with calming lavender essential oil. A lovely lotion to apply before bed. Paraben Free. All natural plant based ingredients". I have been applying this cream every night before bed. The scent is heavenly and the lavender essential oil helps to promote a restful night sleep. It absorbs quickly into skin.

Thanks for reading this weeks top picks!

COUPON CODE:

This weeks coupon can be used on all skincare products which includes : creams, lotions, face oils, face mists, lip serums & lip balms currently available on my website -

WTP230817 

10% OFF. Expiry Thursday 31st August 2017.

This Week At Aromatic Boutique!

This week at Aromatic Boutique I have added new bath and skin care products to the online store. Here is a quick update with some of the new products!

New bath bombs have been added to the online store.
Pictured: Geranium & Palmarosa bath bomb.

  

A variety of new mango butter based soaps have been added to the online store.
Pictured: Lavender & Mandarin + Patchouli & Ylang Ylang soaps.

  

 New natural face & body creams have been added to the store.
Pictured : Rose & Frankincense face cream + Lavender & Vanilla body lotion.

  

 New bath melt varieties are also available.
Pictured: Geranium & Palmarosa + Patchouli & Ylang Ylang bath melts.

Castile hand & body wash is back and now available in 4 different scents.

View all the latest products here: 

Essential Oil Topical Dilutions

 

I often get asked what percentage of essential oil should be diluted in carrier oil. With the amount of recipes posted on social media by essential oil reps, it's no wonder that people are confused. 

Not a day goes by that I don't see a recipe posted suggesting the use of extra strong topical dilutions. Many dilution charts coming from a particular MLM company suggest the majority of their oils should be applied either neat or at approximately 30% - 50% dilution! You have to stop and wonder is this just another marketing ploy so you will use up your essential oil quicker and need to purchase more?

No matter how pure and natural the essential oil being used is, safety should always be considered. This is what inspired me to create this basic topical dilution guide. ( Topical meaning skin application for anyone who is confused. )

Please note that this is a very general guide. Some essential oils should not be applied topically and other 'hot' oils (eg. cinnamon bark) or phototoxic oils (eg. lemon cold expressed) should be diluted at much lower concentrations. Other factors to consider are age of person being treated, any known medical conditions, if you have sensitive skin, are you on prescription drugs, are you pregnant or breastfeeding, and what issues are you hoping to be treated?

 
Always refer to a health care practitioner prior to treating medical conditions.

So here is how you do the math!

Basically 1ml of essential oil equals 20-40 drops of essential oils. 30 drops being the average amount.

Click for more information

Some bottles will have bigger or smaller drop sizes depending on the size of the orifice reducer. The viscosity of the oil may also affect the drop size. Thicker oils will have bigger drop sizes. It's best to do your measurements first to see how many average drops is in a ml with the oils you use.

For example : if you were creating a blend with a 3% dilution of essential oil in 30ml of carrier oil, you would work it out like this ~

0.03 x 30ml = 0.9ml
0.9 x 30 = 27 drops of essential oil total

Other dilution percentages per 10ml of carrier oil are listed below -

Below is a great chart by Robert Tisserand from Tisserand Institute.
Robert is one of the world's leading experts in aromatherapy. This is the same dilution guidelines that I have posted above which all qualified aromatherapists should  follow by.

Click on the image and it will take you to his page where you can download this wonderful chart to keep for reference.

 
I hope this article helps you! If you have any questions comment below.

Please read these other articles for more detailed safety information :

Essential Oil Safety & Precautions

Essential Oils for Pregnancy, Breastfeeding & Baby

Should I ingest essential oils?

Disclaimer: Information in this post is for education purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, cure, treat, or prevent any disease. Please seek advice from a health practitioner prior to use.

 

7 Essential Oil Remedies To Help You Sleep

Having trouble getting to sleep at night? You might like to try some of these relaxing aromatherapy remedies and products before bed.

1) Ultrasonic Diffusers
Vaporising essential oils with a cold mist ultrasonic diffuser in your bedroom at night is a great way to help you to sleep. The benefits of using an ultrasonic diffuser like this is that when the water runs out it switches off. There is also no flame or heat which makes them safe to use while you sleep. I find the sound of the bubbling water also very relaxing.

Some essential oils to help you sleep include:
Lavender, Chamomile, Vetiver, Mandarin, Marjoram

Or try one of our pre-made essential oil blends :
Sleep Assist, Calming, Relaxation, Peace, Unwind, Stress Relief

< Shop for Diffusers > < Shop for Essential Oils > < Shop for Blends >

 

2) Body / Room / Pillow Mist
Our aromatherapy mists can be sprayed around the room, the pillow and on your skin before you tuck yourself into sleep at night. They make the room and linen smell amazing. The sedative properties of the essential oils used in our mists will help you to relax.

Our pre-made aromatherapy mists that help promote sleep are :
Lavender, Stress Relief, Sleep Assist & Calming

< Shop for Aromatherapy Mists >

3) Roll On Blends
Our Roll On Blends are pre-diluted and allow you to apply essential oils directly to the skin. I like to roll the blend on my neck, chest, wrists and behind the ears before I lay down to go to sleep at night. Essential oils cross the blood-brain barrier, so they are absorbed into the blood stream when applied to your skin. This is a convenient method of using essential oils before bed.

Roll On Blends that help promote sleep include:
Good Night, Calming, Relaxation, Sleep Assist, Stress Relief & Sleepy Time

 
< Shop for Roll On Blends >

4) Sleep Balm
Sleep balms work in a similar way to the roll on, in that they are appplied to the skin. They can be massaged into the chest and neck area. The oils are absorbed through the skin, whilst the vapours from the blend are also breathed in.

 
< Shop for Sleep Balm >

 

5) Relaxing bath with essential oils
Adding a few drops of essential oil to a bath before bed is another way to help you unwind. You may also like to add extras such as lavender petals and epsom salts which can help to sooth and relax muscles, making bath time that bit more indulgent. Try not to fall asleep in the bath though ;)

Essential oils that are nice in a relaxing bath include:
Lavender, Chamomile, Mandarin, Marjoram, Clary Sage, Ylang Ylang

< Shop for Essential Oils >

 
 

6) Nasal Inhaler
Nasal inhalers provide a convenient way to directly inhale pure essential oils. Breathing in oils stimulates our smell receptors sending the message to our brain and allowing the sedative properties of the oils take effect. Take long and slow breathes to help calm and relax you before bed at night.

Nasal Inhalers to help promote sleep include:
Sleepy Time, Calming, Stress Relief

< Shop for Nasal Inhalers >

 

7) Aromatherapy Massage

If you are lucky enough to have someone who can give you a massage it is one of the most therapeutic ways to help your whole body relax. By massaging oils into the skin, they are absorbed into your blood stream where the sedating therapeutic properties start to work. These beautiful massage blends will help you to relax whilst soothing the muscles. Alternatively you can use one of our  massage blends and massage the oil into your own skin before bed.

Massage Blends to help promote sleep include:
Do Not Disturb, Dreamtime, Peaceful Dreams, Relaxation.

< Shop for Massage Blends >

 

RELATED ARTICLE: 12 Essential Oils For Sleep & Relaxation

Handmade Products Giveaway!

GIVEAWAY TIME!

To celebrate the release of my handmade products line I am giving away prizes to 3 lucky winners.  The winners can choose any prize from our handmade category.

TO ENTER:

•   LIKE this Facebook post
  
• COMMENT on this Facebook post - Please tell me the product you would most like to win from the 'Handmade' Category. You will need to go to our site and copy the link of the product in the comments section from our 'handmade' category. Alternatively you can screen shot an image of the product page with your smart phone and post it in the comments.
  
• LIKE our Facebook page so you can be notified of who the winner is.

Here is the link to the handmade category to choose the prize you would to win: << CLICK HERE>>

Please Note : That when many people are on the site at once that it can have sometimes a few issues. Hoping it won't happen but if it does please come back and try later.

Competition will be drawn on Sunday 25th September around 8pm.

Prize is not for resale.

This promotion is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with, Facebook.

ENTER HERE VIA MY FACEBOOK PAGE-

 
   

< SHOP FOR HANDMADE PRODUCTS >

Essential Oil Safety

ESSENTIAL OIL PRECAUTIONS TO CONSIDER

Essential oils are approximately 70 times stronger than the plant that they came from, and it doesn't automatically make them safe because they are natural. Essential oils pose little or no risk if used correctly. Always consult a health care professional before using to treat medical conditions. This information on this page is for educational purposes only.

'Material safety data sheets' can be supplied upon special request for the essential oils that we sell on our website. Please contact us.

Please read the cautions for each essential oil before use. Detailed warnings are written on each of the essential oil product descriptions in our online store.

Below is a list of some general essential oil precautions to take into consideration.

Primary variables to consider :

• The method of application
• How much of the essential oil is to be used for treatment
• The person being treated
• The potential toxicity of the essential oil and any drug interactions
• The purity and freshness of the essential oil.
   

STORAGE – Keep in tightly sealed dark bottles, away from heat, sunlight, children and pets. Some oils are more flammable than others and should be kept away from open flames.
GENERAL USAGE – For external use only. Keep away from eyes and other mucous membranes ( mouth, vagina and rectum) . Specialised suppositories may be prescribed and created by a certified aromatherapist only. Do not operate equipment or vehicles after use of relaxation or sleep inducing oils and vary prolonged or constant use of the same essential oil. Some essential oils used for sleep may do the opposite if used in excess. 
DO NOT INGEST - It is against regulations in Australia for aromatherapists to recommend or prescribe the ingestion of essential oils. This level of knowledge should only be available from those who have studied Advanced Aromatic Medicine.
VENTILATION – Essential oils are concentrated, and exposure to excess or concentrated essential oils can cause headaches or other symptoms. Use with caution and adequate ventilation.
PATCH TEST – Put a few drops of any new or suspect oil on the back of your wrist or inside forearm, cover with a bandage and leave on for up to a day. If irritation, itching or redness occur, use a plain cream or vegetable oil to dilute and help remove the essential oil, then wash in warm soapy water. Discontinue use or reduce the concentration level used.
NEAT (UNDILUTED) APPLICATION – Essential oils should always be diluted in carrier oil and not be applied directly to the skin unless advised by a qualified aromatherapist. However, there are some exceptions to this rule. For example, lavender and tea tree can be applied to cuts, burns and insect bites, sandalwood and ylang ylang as perfume and lemon to warts. Always do a patch test first and keep away from eyes and mucous membranes. Use vegetable oil to remove essential oil from the skin rather than water.
PHOTOTOXICITY – These oils can cause skin pigmentation and irritation if exposed to direct sunlight. These oils include angelica root, bergamot (cold pressed), cumin, grapefruit (cold pressed), lemon (cold pressed) , lime (cold pressed), lovage, mandarin leaf, orange (cold pressed), rue & tagetes. Steam distilled citrus oils are generally not phototoxic. Skin should not be exposed to sunlight for approximately 48 hours after using these oils.
HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE – hypertense individuals should avoid hyssop, rosemary, Spanish and common sage and thyme.
EPILEPSY – Due to their powerful action on the nervous system avoid camphor, sweet fennel, hyssop, rosemary and all types of sage. Other essential oils with powerful smells might initiate such attacks.
DIABETES – Avoid angelica.
PREGNANCY – Because of uterine stimulation or possible toxicity, during pregnancy use a maximum of 2% dilution of essential oils in a cream or carrier oil and avoid : ajowan, angelica, star anise, aniseed, basil, bay laurel, calamintha, all types of cedarwood, celery seed, cinnamon leaf, citronella, clary sage, clove, cumin, sweet fennel, hyssop, juniper, labdanum, lovage, marjoram, myrrh, nutmeg, parsley, peppermint, rose, rosemary, Spanish sage, snakeroot, tarragon and white thyme.
SKIN SENSITISATION – For individuals with very sensitive skin or allergic sensitivity some oils my cause a reaction. Test patch for individual sensitisation French basil, bay laurel, benzoin, cade, cananga, coriander, cubeba, Virginian cedarwood, Roman and German chamomile, citronella, geranium, ginger, hops, jasmine, lemon, lemongrass, lemon balm, litsea, lovage, mastic, mint, orange, Peru balsam, Scotch and long leaf pine needle, styrax, tea tree, white thyme, tolu balsam, turmeric, turpentine pine, valerian, vanilla, verbena, violet, yarrow and ylang ylang. Reduce the chances of acquiring a sensitivity reaction from constant use of the same oil over several years by varying your choices.
DERMAL IRRITATION – Some oils may irritate the skin, especially for sensitive individuals or in high concentrations. Dilute these oils in half the usual strength and don’t use more than three drops when bathing. These oils include ajowan, allspice, aniseed, sweet basil, borneol, cajeput, caraway, Virginian cedarwood, cinnamon, clove bud, cornmint, eucalyptus, ginger, lemon, lemongrass, parsley, peppermint, Scotch and long leaf pine needle, white thyme and turmeric.
TOXICITY – Some oils should be limited to use for not longer than two week intervals and used in moderation because of toxicity levels and include ajowan, star anise, aniseed, exotic basil, bay laurel, West Indian calamintha, white camphor, cascarrilla bark, cassie, Virginian cedarwood, cinnamon, clove bud, coriander, eucalyptus, sweet fennel, hops, hyssop, juniper, nutmeg, parsley, Spanish sage, tagetes, tarragon, white thyme, tuberose, turmeric, turpentine pine and valerian.
HAZARDOUS OILS – You should consult an aromatherapist for specific information about these types of essential oils because they are considered to be hazardous in inexperienced hands or can cause severe dermal irritation. These oils include bitter almond, arnica, boldo, broom, buchu, calamus, brown and yellow camphor, cassia, chervil, cinnamon bark, costus, deertongue, elecampane, bitter fennel, horseradish, jaborandi, melilotus, mugwort, mustard, oregano, pennyroyal, dwarf pine, rue, common sage, santolina, sassafras, savine, savory, tansy, thuja, red thyme, tonka, wintergreen, wormseed and wormwood.
MEDICAL ATTENTION – Discontinue use if redness, burning, irritation or itching occur. Follow warnings, precautions and seek medical attention for any problems. If misuse of essential oils occurs please phone the poisons information centre straight away - 13 11 26
 
Please always consult with a health care practitioner such as a trained aromatherapist if you have any questions.
 
A great book on essential oil safety information is : 'Essential Oil Safety: A Guide for Health Care Professionals' by Robert Tisserand



DISCLAIMER :

The information contained on this website is for educational purposes only. The traditional and suggested uses listed here are for reference only and under no circumstances should they be taken as recommendations for cures or treatments for diseases or medical conditions. Aromatherapy For Australia shall not be responsible for any damages resulting from use of or reliance upon this information. Therapeutic oils are used to support natural body functions and work in harmony with our body's physiology. The information on this website should not be used as a substitute for medical counselling with a health professional.

Always refer to an Aromatherapist or health care professional before using any essential oils to treat any medical conditions. Most essential oils should be diluted before applying to skin. Essential oils are highly concentrated and only a small amount is required. If too much essential oil has been applied to the skin and irritation occurs, please use a carrier or vegetable oil rather than water to dilute the area and remove the oil with a tissue. Do not ingest essential oils without the advice of a fully qualified Medicinal Aromatherapist. It is against regulations in Australia for aromatherapists to prescribe the ingestion of essential oils. This website will not be responsible for any harm or damages caused by incorrect usage of any essential oils purchased through us. Always keep out of reach with children and consult a medical practitioner before use during pregnancy or on children. The essential oils that we sell are safe if used as directed. If misuse of essential oils occurs please phone the poisons information centre straight away - 13 11 26


RELATED ARTICLE : Essential Oils For Pregnancy, Breastfeeding & Baby

Roll-On Jojoba Dilutions - Uses & Tips

3% Essential Oil in Jojoba

ROLL-ON JOJOBA DILUTIONS : USES & TIPS -

- Apply Chamomile before bed to chest and neck to help promote a restful nights sleep.

- Apply Helichrysum onto skin to help minimise scars or fine line and wrinkles.

- Apply Rose to wrists and neck for a natural and uplifting perfume. It can also be applied to the face as part of your daily skin care routine.

- Apply Neroli to help with broken capillaries and prevent stretch marks and scarring.

- Apply Jasmine and massage in to help soothe dry skin.

-Apply Nag Champa onto wrists and wear as an uplifting natural perfume. It is also perfect as an addition to your anti aging skin care routine.

Please Note: These jojoba dilutions contain 3% essential oil. Patch test first on sensitive skin. A little of these precious oil dilutions go a long way so don't overdo it. Be careful and avoid contact with eyes. Please read cautions with each oil on their descriptions. This information is for education purposes only.

SHOP FOR ROLL-ON's -

12 Essential Oils For Skin Care

1 - Rose 
Rose essential oil has been used in beauty treatments for thousands of years. It is commonly found in skin care products due to it's amazing emollient properties and benefits for dry skin. Studies have shown that rose essential oil helps to reduce the stress hormone cortisol and therefore has a positive impact on the skin. Although expensive, only a couple of drops of this wonderful oil is needed. A little goes a long way! When added to skin care preparations, rose oil helps the skin to absorb more nutrients. Rose essential oil has strong antimicrobial properties that make it great for acne. Rose hydrosol is well known for being a fantastic skin toner. SHOP > 

2 - Tea Tree
Tea Tree essential oil is commonly known for it's use in natural acne treatments. It's antibacterial and antifungal properties are proven to be as effective an benzoyl peroxide, but without the harsh side effects. Tea Tree has exceptional healing qualities that make it a great oil for cleansing and repairing the skin from minor cuts and abrasions. SHOP >

3 - Carrot Seed

Carrot seed oil helps to smooth and rejuvinate the skin with it's cell regenerating properties. It has been proven to fade scars and improve the signs of aging skin. Carrot seed oil also helps to heal eczema, dermatitis and other rashes and skin irritations. SHOP > 

4 - Lavender
Lavender essential oil is a versatile oil that is perfect for all skin types. Another oil that is great for combating the effects that stress can have on the skin. Lavender is a healing oil that helps  reduce acne, it is soothing, calming and helps to ease redness and other skin irritations. Lavender is also great for healing dry or sunburnt skin. SHOP >  

5 - Myrrh
Myrrh essential oil has been used for thousands of years in traditional healing. Myrrh is one of the top essential oils for skin rejuvenation and will help with dull, dry and dehydrated skin. It is especially important for use on older and mature skin. It has anti-inflammatory properties that help improve skin tone, elasticity and helps to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. SHOP > 

6 - Lemon
Lemon essential oil is known for being a natural astringent & detoxifier. It has antibacterial properties which is extremely beneficial to those with oily and acne-prone complexions. It also helps tone the skin and reduce the appearance of pores. Lemon essential oil can help brighten skin by removing dead skin cells and creating a fresh clear complexion. (Note: Please do not apply lemon essential oil to the skin 48 hours before going out in the sun.) SHOP > 

7 - Ylang Ylang

Ylang Ylang essential oil is versatile for both dry and oily skin. It can help to preserve the signs of aging and give the skin a 'youthful glow'. This incredibly luxurious oil has been trusted for centuries for beautifying the skin. SHOP > 

8 - Geranium

Geranium is another extremely versatile oil that is suitable for all skin types. It is a great healing oil that can be used to help prevent and reduce scarring and stretch marks. It also helps to tighten sagging and loose skin and also reduces the appearance of wrinkles. Geranium also helps regulate oil production and reduces acne breakouts. It is by far one of my favourite oils to use in skin care preparations. SHOP >

9 - Sandalwood

Sandalwood essential oil is another luxurious oil commonly found in skin preparations like soaps , lotions & aftershave. Sandalwood has a list of benefits which include helping soften skin by increasing it's ability to retain moisture, relieving rashes and irritation and helping to fade scar tissue. SHOP > 

10 - Patchouli

Whilst the scent of Patchouli is not everyone's cup of tea it is quite a versatile essential oil that is suitable for most skin types. Because it also has antiseptic, antifungal, and antibacterial properties, it can also benefit skin conditions such as eczema, dermatitis, psoriasis, and acne. Patchouli helps to promotes new cell growth and smooths the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles on aged skin. It can also help improve the appearance of chapped or dry skin. SHOP > 

11 - Helichrysum

Helichrysum is also known as everlasting essential oil. It is a wonderful healing oil that helps regenerate skin tissue and fade scars, to reveal a more vibrant complexion. It is moisturising and will help heal cracked and dry skin. Helichrysum is regarded as the perfect addition to skin care formulations for those with sensitive skin, since it’s so calming and soothing. It is suitable for eczema, dermatitis and other skin irritations as it won’t exacerbate the condition, but will help fade redness and soothe dryness. SHOP > 

12 - Neroli

Neroli essential oil is great for oily, sensitive, and mature skin. Neroli essential oil helps to stimulate cell growth and rejuvenate and regenerate the skin. This luxurious oil can help reduce unsightly stretch marks and broken capillaries on the skin, plus also prevents scarring. SHOP >

Please see the chart below for more oils that can be of benefit when used in a skin care regime.

---------------------------
PRECAUTIONS: Always dilute essential oils before applying to the skin. Essential oils are recommended to be added to our base products or carrier oils at a 0.1% to 2.5% concentration. For many skin care applications, a 1% concentration is sufficient.

Citrus Oils are phototoxic and should not be applied if going out in the sun within 48 hours. They can possibly cause skin pigmentation and irritation.

It is recommended to do a patch test before application when trying out new essential oils or if you have had skin sensitivities in the past.

Read our safety information for more details. 

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NOTE: Information on this page is for educational purposes only.

 © Aromatherapy For Australia 
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