What are the benefits of essential oils and aromatherapy in skincare?

The skin holds so many secrets, especially that of the body. When the body, mind and soul are in synergy, the skin will naturally reflect that, hence the existence of beauty regimes that focus on a holistic approach when it comes to managing the skin’s health.

This holistic approach is typically executed through aromatherapy, which has essential oils as the main star. But while many still do not understand the idea of aromatherapy and doubt its usefulness, this treatment can really be beneficial in more ways than one. But first, let’s take a look at what aromatherapy really is, and how it can help with healing inside out.

What is aromatherapy?

This treatment employs the use of natural plant extracts distilled into essential oils to boost health and wellbeing. Its history dates back to thousands of years ago, where ancient cultures of Egypt, Persia, India and China were known for incorporating aromatic plants into their medicine, balms, cosmetics and even religious purposes. Naturally, these plants gained a reputation for having both physical and psychological benefits.

Although science has come a long way in establishing more medicinal products and methods to treat ailments and diseases, aromatherapy still is recognised for being effective in treatments.

In this modern day and age, aromatherapy is typically used in diffusers, inhalers, bathing salts, essential oils for skin and body and more as it works through the sense of smell and skin absorption.

The benefits of aromatherapy

Medical manuscripts and ancient notes on aromatherapy products have proven that the method is effective in managing pain, improving sleep quality, reducing stress and anxiety, soothing soreness, treating headaches and migraines, easing discomforts, fighting bacteria, improving digestion as well as boosting immunity.

Sandalwood essential oils, for example, have calming and relaxing properties, while Lotus essential oils moisturise, softens and leaves skin supple. Essential oils benefits are truly endless.

Incorporating essential oils in skincare with Clarins’ Aromaphytocare

Over 65 years ago, Clarins founder Jacques Courtin-Clarins coined ‘Aromaphytocare’ a portmanteau of aroma, phyto and care. Aroma is where the most powerful natural ingredients come together to stimulate the mind and body. Phyto is where the nutrients from potent plants are harnessed. Care is the commitment of all of us at Clarins in ensuring that you get only the best.

This concept is essentially a combination of the stimulating power of essential oils and its fragrances, the beneficial properties of plant extracts and a skincare product that promotes not only healthy skin but also wellbeing. It is a true experience of both physical and emotional upliftment.

This entire idea was produced in a physical form, through the brand’s Face and Body Treatment Oils collection, which houses a selection of products that do not erode the true beneficial ingredients of pure plant extracts at all. The entire collection of products are made of 100% plant extracts, and free from preservatives, synthetic colours and fragrances.

How to incorporate aromatherapy into your skincare routine

The most potent of all extracts lies in the Plant Gold Nutri-Revitalizing Oil-Emulsion, a 2-in-1 moisturiser and essential oil mix that contains 100% natural ingredients. Upon use, the skin is comforted, revitalised and radiant. By combining Clarins’ iconic Blue Orchid Face Treatment Oil and patchouli essential oil with a lotion, the skin is immediately nourished, toned, hydrated and softened. To top it all off, the sense of smell is also stimulated, resulting in a general feeling of health and wellbeing.

There are several essential and treatment oils available, such as the aforementioned Blue Orchid Face Treatment Oil which works to fix dehydrated skin and restore radiance, the Lotus Face Treatment Oil which is formulated with Rosemary, Geranium and Lotus extracts to moisturise, tighten pores and prevent fine lines, and the Santal Face Treatment Oil - Dry Skin/Redness which rescues extremely dry skin.

If you are planning to start incorporating the concept of Aromaphytocare into your routine, take the first step by determining what your top concern is. Is it combination or oily? Do you experience redness or breakouts on the daily, or is it dull, dry or filled with fine lines? The best way to figure this out is to head to the Clarins site, as we have products that target varying concerns. As for the question of, ‘how to apply face treatment oils’, these are the four simple steps:

Step 1: Blend and warm the treatment oil with your night cream in the palm of your hand. One or two drops will suffice.

Step 2: Bring your hands closer to your nose and take a deep breath.

Step 3: Using the natural weight of your hands, distribute the product evenly on your neck and décolleté area.

Step 4: Finally, drain it. To do so, gently tap your cheeks and forehead for 3 times, and your neck and décolleté for 5 times. You’re done!