Our guest blogger, Jessica Elkins, is a licensed Esthetician and has been practicing for 11 years. She opened her own practice 5 years ago (2007) and operates out of a yoga studio in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Jessica's interest in skin care started when she was handed a book on essential oils while traveling in Arizona. Ever since, she has been an enthusiastic student of botanical skin treatments and their effects for different skin types. It wasn't long before Jessica was mixing her own masks and perfume oils. During Esthetician training, she worked at Whole Foods in the Body Care Department and taught classes on natural skin care. Jessica enjoys studying both natural skin care and the study of the biochemistry of skin care ingredients. Her philosophy is:"The best of science and nature".

Adult Acne Treatment

 

Below are several ideas relating to acne treatment from Jessica's Skin & Body Apothecary: Essential Oils and Hydrosols for Acne:

Many women who come to see me for facials are frustrated by the onset of adult acne. Acne does not only affect individuals with oily skin; it can present itself in all skin types. Regardless of the cause of acne, your skin can benefit from anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial ingredients. As a skin care expert, I have created some guidelines to easily choose the right combination of essential oils and hydrosols for your skin's condition.

Essential Oils & Hydrosols for Adult Acne

Guidelines for Essential Oils and Hydrosols Dehydrated, sensitive, acne-prone skin will benefit from calming Essential Oils:

• German Chamomile and Yarrow
• Calming Hydrosols - German Chamomile, Calendula, Helichrysum & Lemon Balm.

Hint: Stimulating plants should be avoided, with the exception of Tea Tree which can be used as a spot treatment. Dull, dry, acne-prone skin is best served by stimulating ingredients with an overall emphasis on hydration and exfoliation in the skin care regimen: Oily, sensitive, acne-prone skin will benefit from the calming and anti-inflammatory properties of essential oils & hydrosols such as: You can also use stimulating ingredients in moderation, such as Rosemary Essential Oil and Lemon Verbena, Clary Sage, and Lemon Thyme Hydrosols.

• Rosemary and Tea Tree Essential Oils
• Lemon Thyme and Lemon Verbena Hydrosols

• German Chamomile and Yarrow Essential Oils,
• German Chamomile, Calendula, Helichrysum & Lemon Balm Hydrosols.

Oily (not sensitive) acne-prone skin benefits most from: For pustules or cyst, undiluted Tea Tree Essential Oil can be applied as a spot treatment.

• Tea Tree and Rosemary Essential Oils
• Lemon Verbena, Clary Sage, and Lemon Thyme Hydrosols.

Adding essential oils and hydrosols to your skin care regimen can give you a great advantage over your acne! Aromatics International suggests simply adding one drop of your preferred essential oil to a mixture of White Kaolin and French Green clay. This mixture will draw impurities from the skin, increase circulation, and decrease inflammation. Add enough hydrosol or water to make a mask or use as a poultice This is a great step in your regimen because decreasing acne inflammation is extremely important in combating scaring and lingering acne. Following the removal of your mask, spray with a mist of your favorite hydrosol. This will take the place of a "toner" in your regimen, and give your skin another layer of botanical benefits. Finally, don't forget to protect your skin with a moisturizer.

White Kaolin Clay

For more information on natural skin care visit www.jessicasapothecary.com You can also follow Jessica's blog at: http://jessicasapothecary.wordpress.com/

Questions or comments?! Please email us at: team@aromatics.com!