Improving Skin and Hair with Essential Oils

Whether your skin is oily or dry, and whether your hair is thick and curly or thin and straight, essential oils combined with other natural products, can work as a daily beauty treatment. Essential oils also have the added bonus of enhancing mood or relaxing the body. These essential oils, long popular in eastern medicine and beauty, are growing more popular in the U.S. by the day. Many can be found in organic health food stores. Consider the following essential oil alternatives for your skin and hair.

For a relaxing bath, try adding essential oils of basil, chamomile, sandalwood or ylang ylang. For a more invigorating bath, stimulate the body and mind with eucalyptus, fennel, peppermint or rosemary.

Essential oils of chamomile, patchouli, lavender and rose, among others, are wonderful for dry skin. For oily skin, fennel, lemon and, again, lavender are the essential oils of choice. The skin can even benefit from facials and steams. And don't forget the tired skin on the feet. Soothe the skin on the feet with spearmint or peppermint. Deodorize them with essential oil of cypress and lavender. Circulation can even be improved through the use of essential oils, like rosemary.

For a powerful detoxification of the skin, try eucalyptus, juniper, rose or marjoram.
Create a soothing steam for the skin with chamomile, or heal the skin in a steam of fennel.

While beautifying the skin, enjoy the sensuous side effects of oils such as jasmine and neroli, or improve mood with sandalwood and rose oils.

For hair, mix essential oils with base oils such as almond to achieve the desired hair product. Individuals with oily hair may try essential oils of rosemary, basil, eucalyptus or sage. Those with dry skin or scalp and hair may try essential oils of rose, sandalwood or lavender. Individuals with normal hair can try lemongrass or rosemary, among others to maintain beautifully healthy hair.

Essential oils can be combined with everyday food products such as oatmeal, avocado yogurt and honey to create beautiful and natural skin and hair products.

Many manufacturers of standard skin and hair products are jumping aboard the push for essential oils by creating natural lines. Be sure to check the ingredients and do some research on essential oils to be sure the product will work for your skin and hair. To make your own skin and hair products, ask your knowledgeable organic grocer or herbalist about essential oils and which would work best for your specific needs.

Be careful never to apply essential oils directly to the skin or hair, and be sure to follow all directions for use. Essential oils are very concentrated and potent. Women who are pregnant should consult with their doctors before using any essential oils on either on skin or hair.