How to use essential oils: everything you need to know
Do you know the difference between essential and vegetable oils? Contrary to popular belief, they are not the same thing. If we talk in general terms, essential oils are "organic substances that are kind to our skin," explains Hemely Varela, director of education at Darphin.
Today we will discover how to use essential oils, what are their main benefits and which ones to choose according to the properties you want to exploit.
What are essential oils?
It seems like a simple question, but the answer is not obvious. Essential oils can come from flowers, fruits, barks, seeds or even roots. They help us balance our skin, as they provide essential lipids. In general, the oils protect, moisturize and provide flexibility and brightness to the dermis. They also have an anti-aging effect, as they refine and soften expression lines.
See also
Are essential oils and vegetable oils the same thing?
Absolutely not, experts say. Essential oils are molecularly different from vegetable oils. "Vegetable oils are substances extracted from the fatty parts of plants, known as triglycerides. A vegetable oil has a large and heavy molecular structure that activates the skin and provides essential and non-essential fatty acids. The essential ones are the ones that we must consume or apply on the skin. skin because we don't synthesize them ".
Fatty acids have vitamins of group A, E, D and B. They are also rich in antioxidants, which gives them an anti-aging effect.
The best known are the oils of:
- Almond
- Argan
- Jojoba
- Olive
They have been used in cosmetics since ancient times and are classified according to the size of their molecules, because their penetrating power depends on their size. Thus, the avocado has less penetrating power because its structure is larger and " sunflower oil penetrates deeper into the epidermis due to its small structure.
In any case, vegetable oils in general are very nourishing and tone the membranes of the dermis, providing elasticity.
Essential oils, a source of well-being
"They are mistakenly called oils, their molecular structure has nothing to do with that of plant products," says Hemely Varela. "Essential oils are non-greasy and very light substances. They have been used for years to provide pleasure or well-being, both physically and psychologically. Moreover, thanks to their small organic structure, they penetrate the skin much deeper than plants. D" on the other hand, their distillation and production process is very different from that of vegetable oils ".
To obtain a liter of essential oil, large quantities of its raw material are required. "For example, we need 400 kg of lavender, hand-picked, to get just one liter of essential oil. If we are talking about roses, we would need 4 tons and 1 million kg of jasmine, all harvested by hand. Also, the harvest cannot be carried out at any time of the day, but it is necessary to see the point where the flower has all its properties: sometimes in the morning or, otherwise, in the evening ". This fact, together with the process used to obtain them, explains not only the potency of these oils, but also their often high price.
The creation process
Essential oils can be obtained through various processes. The most used is the distillation process. All the hand-picked flowers are placed in a container, to which water is added and subsequently heated.
In this case it is necessary to have an exhaustive control of the temperature: if it is exceeded by one degree, some properties could be lost. From this process we obtain, on the one hand, the floral water and, on the other, the essential oil.
The amount of water that is extracted is always much greater than that of the “oil.” The negative point of this system is that we have to work at high temperatures. Also, it's important to consider the molecular weight - when that substance goes from liquid to vapor. For example, citrus substances have a lower point, so they change faster from liquid to vapor. That's why citrus in the "aroma are the first notes of a perfume to emerge," says Varela.
Another process used to obtain essential oils is maceration. The plant is put for some time in another liquid until it captures its properties. When maceration takes place in vegetable oils it is called oleate; if it occurs in alcohol, it is called a tincture.
How are essential oils absorbed by our body?
- Superficial way (through the skin)
Being rich in vitamins and unsaturated fatty acids, they hydrate and nourish the skin deeply. They also allow the penetration of beneficial active ingredients into the dermis and epidermis. Contrary to what it may seem, these substances do not leave a feeling of greasiness on the skin. For this reason they are commonly called dry oils. The skin is velvety and radiant in seconds. .
- Respiratory tract (through the sense of smell)
It was a woman, the biochemist Margueritte Maury (1895-1968) who promoted aromatherapy and the use of essential oils in therapeutic massages. Today the relaxing effect of essential oils is known. "When an aroma enters the nasal cavity it activates the limbic system of our brain. This is the part related to memory and emotions. 70% of our emotions are generated by the aromas that surround us," says Varela.
- Oral (through the digestive system)
In fact, we can take essential oils in the form of pills. However, it is recommended that a specialist recommend its prescription and dosage. The best known in this sense are the famous Omega: 3, 6 and 9.
How are essential oils used?
We could say that their simplest use is "aromatherapy, just smell them! D" on the other hand, their application through the skin is simple, although we must take some precautions as they are very concentrated substances. For this reason, essential oils should always be used diluted in conductive substances, such as vegetable oils or clays.
Only the essential oils of lavender, chamomile and tea tree can be applied directly to the skin. Regarding oral use, the doses and the choice of the various types will depend on each person. In this regard, it is best to consult a professional.
1. Face
Essential oils are real revitalizers for the skin. They block some cellular degradation processes. A daily massage, before applying the curative cream, promotes cell renewal and restores the skin's brightness and elasticity. With 5 drops you will have more than enough: "one on the forehead, one on each cheek, one on the chin and one on the neck". Just spread these drops from the inside to the outside of the face with downward motions, says Varela.
2. Body
Essential oils are massaged on certain parts of the body to treat specific problems, stimulate microcirculation and facilitate the loss of water, especially in the case of ailments such as cellulite and heavy legs. They can be applied all over the silhouette to improve the elasticity and firmness of the skin.
3. Hair
The use of essential oils, soothing and stimulants:
- activates microcirculation,
- relaxes the scalp,
- restores tone and hydration to the hair.
The benefits of different essential oils:
Essential oils have the specific properties of the plants from which they are obtained. In general, they are all:
- Anti-inflammatories
- Antiseptics
- Cellular regenerators
- Antivirals
- Relaxing
- Invigorating
- Excellent against free radicals
- Activators of blood and lymphatic circulation.
The benefits of the most used essential oils
- Lavender: antibacterial, balances dry and irritated skin.
- Geranium: invigorating, strengthens sensitive skin.
- Carrot: antioxidant, revitalizes dry and tired skin.
- Cypress: venous tonic, calms congested skin.
- Patchouli: Cures, reduces acne.
- Lemon: astringent, purifies oily skin.
- Roman chamomile: anti-inflammatory, suitable for all skin types.
- Rosemary: invigorating, restores shine to weak hair.
- Eucalyptus: antiseptic, cleans the scalp.
- Mint: stimulating, restores vigor to the hair.
- Sage: tonic, facilitates hair growth.
- Oregano: anti-cellulite, refines the silhouette.
- Juniper: draining, exfoliates cellulite.
- Orange: antispasmodic, relaxes the body.
- Sandalwood: stimulating, tones the body.
- Thyme: bactericidal, fights all types of infections.
- Jasmine: stimulating, aphrodisiac, lifts the mood.
You can try the 6 main fragrances of essential oils in the Lagunamoon kit available on Amazon for only € 12.99.
How to store essential oils
We must try to keep them in their original containers because they have an airtight closure system so that the product does not deteriorate in contact with the air and lose its properties. They are usually stored in dark glass bottles (never plastic) for avoid oxidation due to sunlight.
Even so, it is best to keep them in dark, cool places and not expose them to sudden changes in temperature. Of course, they should always be out of the reach of children.
If kept in these environmental conditions, they can last up to four years, retaining all their beneficial properties.
Precautions for use
- Beware of essential oils that come from citrus fruits such as lemon, orange or bergamot, as they have a photosensitizing effect. This means that if you apply them to your skin and then sunbathe, they can cause spots or slight burns. Better use them in the winter months or try not to sunbathe in the hours following application.
- Pregnant women, infants and the elderly should seek the opinion of a doctor. In fact, some oils have properties such as increasing blood flow in the pelvic area, encouraging menstruation, while others can increase blood pressure or decompensate the system. nervous.
- People suffering from neurological or coronary disorders should also limit themselves to lavender, chamomile or tea tree.
- In case of allergies, consult a specialist.
Our favorite essential oils
Finally, we recommend our 5 favorite essential oils. Each of them has specific benefits and properties depending on your needs: whether they are shiny hair, tight and firm facial skin or a body without blemishes, these essential oils will be for you!
- The Renewal Oil, de La Mer.
A true beauty elixir. This is multipurpose, biphasic oil will make anyone who tries it think they have new skin. It combines eucalyptus and sesame oils that provide the skin with immediate and lasting nourishment. Wrinkles and fine lines are minimized, while collagen synthesis is enhanced, helping to lift the face. A magical potion that melts in a sweet and delicate aroma.
- 8 flower oil, Darphin.
In this product there are 8 floral essential oils for a revolutionary night cream that comforts and hydrates the skin by relaxing the senses during sleep. In addition to the 8 flowers (Ylang-Ylang, patchouli, orange blossom, rose, lavender, jasmine and lily), its formula integrates shea butter, tapioca, vitamins C and E and jojoba, macadamia and avocado vegetable oils.Upon awakening the skin will be soft, smooth and rebalanced. - Almond oil, L "Occitane.
The skin is nourished, firm, smooth and soft thanks to an ideal balance between almond oil, rich in omega 6 and camelina oil, rich in omega 3. Its spray bottle makes it easy to use. After a month, this L "Occitane product leaves the skin firmer and more elastic.
- Moroccanoil treatment.
An excellent solution for perfect hair. Combining the powerful ingredients of the Moroccanoil formula and including argan oil as a trademark, this advanced treatment strengthens hair, increases its elasticity and acts as a shield against the effects of the environment. It is a moisturizing, styling and finishing tool whose immediate absorption helps to achieve unparalleled shine and extraordinary softness. - Anti-Eau body oil, Clarins.
With 100% pure plant extracts, including varieties such as rosemary, geranium and mint. Firms, tones and improves skin elasticity, hiding stretch marks. This hazelnut body oil prevents moisture loss and gives the body dermis an unparalleled velvety softness.
