Aah, aromatherapy. Your little skin saviour. Even if you don’t know it yet. Pop a little essential oil into your everyday routine and bam, there goes the stress. And the lacklustre skin. And the sleepless nights. We promise.
Here, we list 7 of our favourite aromatherapy oils, including the best way to use them and their benefits. Of course, we’ve thrown a few of our aromatic treasures from Africa in there too. And relax…
- What is aromatherapy?
If it’s all new to you, fear not. We’re about to enlighten you. And lift your spirits of course. Aromatherapy is the controlled and skilled use of essential oils extracted from plants. Scent from heaven, it can balance body and mind while enhancing physical, emotional and mental wellbeing. Whether you’re battling a cold or relaxing after a busy day in the office, say hello to aromatherapy. You won’t regret it. So, which aromatherapy oil does what?
- Romantic rose
Imagine you could use an essential oil to control your hormonal breakouts. Imagine that one thing also softens the effects of anxiety and depression. Well, here you have it. Rose oil, as the name implies, is our one true love. Found in plenty of beauty products and trusted by makeup pros the world over, this oil can help control skin balance and reveal clearer skin, without the use of harmful toxins and artificial fragrance. Apply directly to your face through gentle, circular motions to keep those pesky pimples at bay.
- Argan oil for relaxation
A bliss in the bathtub, argan oil has similar effects to eucalyptus but warms your bones while alleviating muscle tension and pain. Perfect after hitting the gym. Simply add a few drops to a running bath but ensure your bath isn’t too hot before getting in. If it is, you risk stripping your skin off natural oils. Complete your pampering ritual with a drop of our Verdure Conditioning Body Cream, containing shea butter and avocado oil, for smooth skin.
- Sweet almond oil
Dry skin SOS? Fear not. Almond oil is the most popular essential oil used during a massage and helps to firm skin while giving you that sought-after radiant glow. If you’ve ever had a massage, you probably remember the relaxing scent of almond oil filling the room. Its high content of fatty acids can help soften muscle tissue while improving blood circulation, leading to glowing skin. We cottoned onto the immense benefits of this natural oil, popping it in many of our products including our Verdure Nourishing Hand Cream, which is perfect for treating chapped or dry hands.
- Calming coconut oil
If you suffer from sensitive skin, coconut oil could be your miracle moisture saviour. Rich in vitamin E and K, its antioxidant properties make it a go-to for nourishing skin and banishing dry, chapped patches. You’ll find it in our award-winning Conditioning Body Scrub. A natural sugar exfoliant high in Alpha Hydroxy Acid, and 5 oils and butters. Simply apply to your skin and buff away dead skin cells under a running shower. Soft, silky skin awaits.
- Catch some zzz with lavender
Can’t sleep? Still got endless to-do lists running through your mind every night you hit the pillow? Turn to the long-standing tradition of lavender oil. Proven to reduce insomnia, this natural wonder instils calm whenever it’s inhaled, dramatically improving mood.
Discover how to use lavender with our quick fix DIY recipe. Dilute 2 to 4 drops of lavender essential oil into boiling water. Then, waft the vapour and inhale. Enjoy with a cup of chamomile tea before bed to help you relax, preparing your body for sleep.
- Eucalyptus says breathe, just breathe
Work project *check*, food shop *check*, 8 hour’s sleep *check*. Spa *not checked*. Does this sound familiar to you? The best thing about aromatherapy is it’s simple to fit in your daily routine. So, there’s no excuse for always being too busy.
Living in highly populated, polluted cities can cause a lot of respiratory problems, especially in colder weather. Relieve the tension and add a few drops of eucalyptus oil to your bathtub. Lay back, relax, read a good book and feel the soft aroma drift through your body.
- Colds-treating citronella
This ancient tradition is said to cure fevers, migraines and even menstrual cramps. Really? Can an oil achieve that? We know what you’re thinking. Well, just like eucalyptus oil, it helps promote sweating to remove harmful toxins from the body. Add a few drops of citronella oil to a bath or to a tissue and inhale. You can use it by itself or mix with other natural oils such as coconut oil or jojoba oil.
Many of our products use a blend of natural essential oils to balance body and mind. Have you tried our Verdure Room Mist yet? Just one spritz of our fresh forest green fragrance for that get-up and go.
What’s your favourite essential oil? Tell us all in the comment section below.
