Why You Should Be Using Aromatherapy… on Your Skin

You dutifully spritz yourself with a facial mist containing essential oils and turn on the diffuser when in serious need of a Zen moment (or a burst of energy). But did you know aromatherapy can work its mood-boosting and complexion-boosting wonders just as well when used in your beauty routine?

When put in contact with your skin, your body heat activates the power of essential oils to give off scent. The result? All kinds of good energy—plus extra healing and skin-care benefits.

That's why botanical-oil powerhouse Decléor (a global leader in aromatherapy) brings essential oils to its AROMESSENCE™ line. With 100 percent pure essential and botanical oils in its serums and balms (which are also free of parabens, colorant, and mineral oils), it proves essential oils are a direct route to major olfactive therapy.

And skin-care experts agree. "We like to use essential oils in our treatments whether for skin or body because of the way they make you feel," says Sandra Chiu, acupuncturist, herbalist, and studio director at Treatment by Lanshin, a healing center in Brooklyn, New York. "They can smell absolutely beautiful, calming, and delightful—which make you feel these states of being."

Plus, certain essential oils can even be used for specific beauty functions, like to minimize inflammation and reduce the effects of aging, she notes. "Extracting the oil from the plant concentrates its healing properties, which can be applied directly via a [serum or balm] for benefiting the skin," says Chiu.

Often these plants grow in the wild and are harvested from their natural habitats, which causes them to develop strong defense mechanisms—a key benefit to add to your beauty arsenal.

We asked Chiu which ingredients to turn to for max glowiness and positive vibes—because of course, the most important factor in your skin-care routine is how it makes you feel. The easy part? They're all included in the AROMESSENCE™ range.

Keep reading to find out 4 ingredients with powerful aromatherapy benefits in skin care.

 

Hazelnut oil

It's not just a healthy snack—the oil from hazelnuts actually has complexion-clearing benefits. "Hazelnut is a base oil that is used either alone, with other base oils, or to 'carry' essential oils," says Chiu. The mega hydration dose is especially suited for dry, sensitive, or mature skin.

 

Neroli oil

Looking to maintain your skin's healthy plumpness? Try neroli. "Neroli is a beautiful oil, known for its fragrance as well as properties," says Chiu. "It's perfect for use in beauty and skin-care products for this reason, as well as its effectiveness in helping the skin regenerate and supports good elasticity. This makes the oil useful for reducing the appearance of scarring, wrinkling, and blemishes."

If you're on the hunt for a moisture-packed option that works for all skin types, AROMESSENCE™ Neroli Hydrating Oil serum will be your best friend.

 

Sandalwood

"Sandalwood is known in Chinese medicine as an herb that powerfully improves circulation, making its essential oil helpful for more stubborn or serious issues like acne, eczema, dry flaking skin, rashes," explains Chiu about this popular perfume note. "Its aroma calms and relaxes the nervous system, which is important for creating beauty that's beyond skin deep," she adds. Another bonus? It's anti-inflammatory.

 

Petit grain

Made from the leaves and twigs of the bitter orange tree, petit grain has its own beautifying prowess. "Petit grain delivers a calming fragrance that delights the senses," says Chiu. "Its oil applied to skin is known for reducing excessive oil, so is often used in cleansing oil formulas or for products designed to balance acne and oily and congested skin."

 

Ready to upgrade your beauty routine with the power of scent? Check out the AROMESSENCE™ line at décleorusa.com

Photo: Stocksy/Bonnin Studio