Of all the ways to use essential oils, aromatherapy, massage, and skin care are favorites here at Anjou Spa.

Are you in on the essential oil craze yet? Essential oils are a concentrated liquid that contains the aroma and compounds of certain plants – like ginger, lemon, and peppermint. They are a liquid botanical extract — a plants “essence” — that houses powerful properties (and smell amazing) that you can harness for your health and mental well-being.

With a couple of guidelines, you can use essential oils in your skincare routine, and maximize them when receiving treatments to work best for your skin. Ask during your next spa visit to incorporate oils into your treatment that will help you achieve your skin care goals. Be it anti-aging or reducing breakouts, there’s an essential oil for that!

It’s helpful to know that not all essential oils are created equal. The oils on the market can vary widely in quality and concentration. Essential oils are not regulated, which means that they can be sold to consumers without FDA approval. Buying oils from a company you trust and ideally, a local company, is the best way to ensure that you are getting the best quality for your money. Essential 3 uses an independent lab to test their oils and ensures that they are free of pesticides and synthetics and contain the plant particles for most effective use.

To keep your essential oils from degrading, store them in glass bottles, in a cool dark place, and tightly secure the caps to limit air exposure and evaporation.

Aromatherapy

You can use an oil as a single note or as part of a blend to boost their overall effect. Bends are oils that have been mixed together for their synergy and with the intention to produce specific effects on the body and/or emotions.

Steam inhalation (with either single oils or blends) is used at Anjou spa to maximize your treatment and put your mind at ease. The steam allows pores to open and receive the essential oils in a very natural and gentle way, and preps your skin for treatment. You can also use a diffuser to give a room or your entire home a particular mood.

Blends for energy

Use in equal amounts, 3 drops each in a diffuser or 1-2 drops each using steam inhalation:

Peppermint, Orange, Lime
Frankincense, Grapefruit, White Fir
Juniper Berry, Grapefruit, Douglas Fir

Blends for relaxation

Lavender, Roman Chamomile, Ylang Ylang
Bergamot, Geranium, Lavender
Clary Sage and Sandalwood

Skincare

Remember that any essential oil you apply topically to your skin will need to be diluted. Essential oils are potent, and a straight application can cause skin damage or a sensitivity to that oil over prolonged use.

Essential 3 recommends using these guidelines when diluting oils. Diluting doesn’t mean the effects will be minimized – on the contrary, using a carrier will actually make the oil more effective by increasing absorption by your skin. The carrier will dilute the concentration, which minimizes evaporation while binding the molecules to your skin. Carriers also allow for covering a greater surface area on your skin, which means better absorption.

Examples of Essential Oil Carriers:

Unscented Lotion or cream
Jojoba Oil
Almond Oil
Fractionated Coconut Oil
Liquid Soap
Aloe Vera
Epsom or Dead Sea Salt

Essential Oils for your skin:

• Lemon – a natural astringent and antibacterial. Try Eminence Lemon Cleanser.
• Ylang Ylang – regenerates skin cells and reduces wrinkles; strengthens the overall quality of your skin. Try Eminence Facial Recovery Oil.
• Neroli – good for sensitive skin, mature skin and helps to reduce wrinkles and oil while being gentle. Try Eminence Neroli Age Corrective Hydrating Mist.
• Lavender – heals scars, reduces sun spots and prevents acne breakouts (also known as the “general oil” – it can treat just about any skin issue and skin type.) Try the Eminence Lavender Age Corrective Night Concentrate.

Essential Oils to avoid for direct application to your skin:

Photosensitization is when UV light interacts with a substance and then causes a reaction o the skin. Some essential oils can cause photosensitivity and could result in a burn if your skin is exposed to the sun after application. Use caution if you are using an essential oil directly on your skin, and avoid using any that are photosensitive, such as the following:

• Bergamot
• Grapefruit
• Cumin
• Lime
• Bitter Orange
• Lemon

Explore the world of essential oils while keeping in mind these safety guidelines. You can pick up some quality Essential 3 Essential Oils at the Welcome Boutique next time you are in the spa, or book one of our massages which include complimentary aromatherapy during your treatment.

Call us at (541) 241-8454 to schedule your next treatment or book online. Consider home goods, organic self-care products, and other gems when shopping our Welcome Boutique at our new location of 1835 NW Pence Lane, Suite 120, off NW Shevlin Park Road. Read Anjou Spa Reviews here, and learn more about our Anjou Bend Spa Membership too.