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FACE MAGIC
We asked aromatherapist Kay Cooper to prescribe
some facial oils specially for The Beauty Library. |
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Kay, who describes herself as an alchemist, says that the
joy of using oils rather than creams is that oils penetrate
more deeply into the dermis. Meanwhile, the brain is awakened
and soothed by the aromas. So aromatherapy is doubly potent.
Essential oils are the concentrated essences of fragrant plants
and flowers, distilled into oils. For massage, the oils are
mixed in minute quantities with carrier/base oils. Pure vegetable
carrier/base oils are best for your face, ideally cold-pressed.
Mix a ratio of 30ml of carrier/base oil with no more than
15 drops of a single essential oil, or a combination of no
more than four oils (again, not exceeding 15 drops total).
| carrier/base
oils |
| Choose
the one which seems most applicable to your skin: |
| Peach kernel oil |
rich in vitamin A; nourishing |
| Apricot kernel oil
|
rich in vitamin
A; good for wrinkles as well as stretch marks on the body |
| Wheatgerm oil |
rich in vitamin E and phosphorus;soothes,
heals and helps to smooth out wrinkles and lines |
| Almond oil |
lubricates and smoothes
skin and reduces red veins; good for sensitive and dry
skin |
| Coconut oil |
acts as a cleanser, can have a drying
effect on skin; good for oily skin |
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| Essential oils |
| Kay
suggests choosing the oil or oils most appropriate to
your skin. Or, she says, simply opt for the smells which
please you most: |
| Benzoin |
has a toning effect, acts as an antiseptic;
very good for dry skin |
| Lavender |
has a stimulating and antiseptic effect;
good for oily skin and spots or any blemishes which need
healing |
| Patchouli |
soothes dry, flaky skin |
| Frankincense |
rejuvenating and regenerating |
| Neroli |
rejuvenating and regenerating, this
is the only one to use around the eye area; very good
for broken capillaries |
| Myrrh |
nourishes mature skin (aged 50+);
especially good for any areas of inflammation |
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Geranium
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balances combination skins, as well as your emotions
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