Combat Cellulite With Aromatherapy

As you may know, Aromatherapy is the use of volatile liquid parts of plants, which are called essential oils, for various natural treatments. It is a holistic alternative therapy that has been used since antiquity from all major civilizations and its popularity has been increasing recently.


Cellulite is the dimpling skin found especially on thighs and sometimes on tummy, back of arms and bottom which looks lumpy and ripply. While it is harmless, cellulite discomforts female population especially in summer time. Almost every woman (even the slimmest ones) has cellulite to some degree. It is believed that cellulite is not only fat, but accumulation of fat, fluids and toxins which are trapped in the skin, owing to weakening of the connective tissue.

Cellulite is caused by numerous reasons. Upon the whole, cellulite is genetically inherited from mother to daughter and related with female hormones and their changes. Cellulite is magnified during pregnancy, menstruation and estrogens therapy. Estrogen hormone plays the major part in determining intensity, formation and expansion of cellulite condition. Men’s lack of estrogen hormone, is the reason why men don not have cellulite on their body. What is more, diet poor in fibre, rich in fat and salt, smoking and inactive lifestyle contribute to cellulite aggravation.

Keep in mind that there are many things to do to reduce cellulite, but nothing can eliminate one hundred percent the “orange peel” surface of female skin at affected areas. Just to name few, increasing body exercise, decreasing fat income and sugar, drinking many cups of water, avoiding coffee and eating fruits rich in C vitamin, are suggested for combating cellulite. In this article we will present you some aromatherapy tips that can help you remove cellulite.

Essential oils can assist with anti-cellulite treatment in two major ways: Reducing body toxins, waste matter and imprisoned liquids and enhancing blood circulation. The essential oils that are used most for cellulite therapy are Juniper, Citrus, Rosemary, Lemon, Lemongrass, Grapefruit and Geranium oil. Bath and especially massage are the most effective Aromatherapy uses for a successful cellulite cure.

Add 5-10 drops of your favourite essential oil in your bath water and stay in it for at least fifteen minutes, once a week. This time allows essential oil to penetrate your skin and its diuretic and circulation boosting action to be more effective.

Aromatherapy massage is probably the most useful alternative method for treating cellulite because it is applied directly to the affected part of skin and encourage body detoxication and blood circulation. Carrier (or base) oils from various vegetables are used for essential oil dilution. Appropriate carrier oils for massage are among others, Avocado, Jojoba and Almond. Remember to follow carefully the safety rules for essential oils uses. Otherwise, you will run the risk to irritate and harm your skin.

Aromatherapy is not only a delightful and refreshing activity. It is beneficial for a lot of health conditions including skin diseases like cellulite. Using the right essential oils in bath and massage you can regenerate skin cells and reduce the toxins and fat that turn into cellulite.

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Natural Bar Soaps for the Kitchen and Bathroom

Good natural bar soaps that contain only substances that are good for your skin are available, although most people pay little attention to them. Many people might be unaware of the fact but the skin is the largest organ of the body. As such, the skin needs taken care of just as much as any other major organ, yet few people pay much attention to what they bring into contact with it. Although a lot of money is spent on body products, do you really know what your skin needs for optimum health and what substances can do it harm?


Your skin carries out many functions other than keeping the bits inside that should be kept inside. It is a natural thermostat, containing the sweat glands that dampens it and allows evaporation to cool you down. It contains hairs and subcutaneous fat, both of which help you to remain warm when the external temperature is low. Your skin is designed to remain supple, and so allow free movement of the various parts of your body.

It is an ideal waterproof covering for your body that also protects you from infection. Although infection can set in if the skin is ruptured through cuts or grazes, the skin itself rarely suffers from surface infections when related to the number of infectious agents it is constantly in contact with.

The health of your skin is very important, especially in view of the fact that it regularly comes into contact with some very hazardous substances. What may not have occurred to you is that one of the many functions of your skin is to eliminate some of the body’s waste products. It does this when you sweat and the toxins that are emitted can harm it. Although not often infected, it does suffer from complaints such as psoriasis, eczema and acne that are not primarily caused by bacterial agents or viruses, and hence not true infections.

These conditions, however, are caused largely through the emission of toxic agents through the sweat glands. Acne for instance is caused by excessive emission of sebum that combines with dead skin cells to form acne which can also become infected with bacteria. Psoriasis is the excessive formation of skin cells at too rapid a rate, the true causes of which are as yet unknown. Skin cells can become cancerous due to excessive exposure to sunlight or ultra violet radiation, and skin cancer is the most common type of cancer that your doctor is liable to come across.

If you suffer from any specific skin condition, such as acne, or even dry skin that can be caused through excessive exposure to degreasing agents or dry winds, then your skin will need special care. The soap you use is very important in the way you care for your skin, and many people will use soaps that contain many ingredients that they cannot pronounce let alone understand.

Your skin needs cleansed regularly since it comes into contact with many dangerous and toxic substances. Apart from the everyday pollution of traffic fumes and factory emissions, there are also the substances that contaminate your skin at work and at home. At home specially, domestic cleaners can be very harsh on your skin, consisting of substances that are intended to clean away greases and oils, the very types of substance that protect your skin from the elements. When you clean your oven or your sink without gloves, you also clean off the protective oily layer on your skin and leave it open to bacterial attack.

Your skin can also become sensitized to many substances, so that whenever it comes into contact with them it promotes an allergic reaction that can cause irritations so severe that your life can become very miserable. Many people are allergic to various types of soap or detergent because they have become sensitized to them, and are unable to use that type of cleanser after sensitization.

Many soaps contain active ingredients that are intended to carry out specific functions. Thus, some contain antibacterial agents to inhibit the growth of specific types of bacteria on your skin, while others contain detergents to improve their cleaning power. However, some detergents can be very harsh on your skin, and try to avoid bar soaps containing PEG-6 methyl ether or butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT). These can be harmful to your skin. There are others, and if your skin is sensitive try to avoid soaps containing animal products or petroleum derivatives.

Take tetrasodium EDTA, which is present in common bar soaps. It enhances the penetration of substances through your skin, which means that it can also enhance the penetration of the lees welcome ingredients in the soap as well as the moisturizers. Substances as sodium etidronate that is a synthetic preservative that might cause irritation to your skin and mucus membranes. There are several other synthetic detergents that are ingredients in bar soaps, and many kitchen soaps contain the same ingredients as personal or bathroom soaps, the difference between them being only in their moisturizer and perfume content.

Other ingredients than can cause potential problems are limonene, linalool and camphor, all of which can give rise to unwelcome conditions such as irritation or respiratory problems. The first two of these are common in bar soaps, as are benzaldehyde and benzyl alcohol which are irritants. Alpha-pinene, found in some bar soaps, is a sensitizer than can damage your immune system. Unless you know what a specific ingredient is, don’t use the soap. Instead you should use pure natural bar soaps containing antioxidants that are good for your skin.

A pure soap should contain the fat or oil that it is made from, good examples being coconut or palm oils, water, a water softener to enable the soap to cleanse the skin properly, an example being one of the penetrates, a moisturizer such as glycerine or lanolin and possibly a perfume derived from natural sources. Salt is also frequently used, and is a good bactericide.

Wherever possibly, you should choose a natural soap containing antioxidants. Citrus soaps, for example, contain vitamin C although many soaps contain antioxidants such as beta carotenes, vitamin A and vitamin E. Since soap consists of both oils and water, you can have both oil and water soluble antioxidants in your soap. The antioxidants help to protect your skin from the ravages of pollution and the effects of the sun’s rays, both of which generate free radicals that can accelerate the aging and wrinkling of your skin.

A good antioxidant, moisturizer and wetting agent in your bar soap will help to protect your skin from the effects of atmospheric pollutants, the drying effect of the sun and wind and also effectively cleanse the skin surface and pores of everyday dirt. If this is associated with an absence of synthetic chemicals that can cause irritation then you will be giving your skin the best protection that you can. This is true of soaps intended either for the kitchen or the bathroom.

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The Science of Beauty in the Bath - Application of Body Scrubs and Soaps

Using specially formulated body scrubs and soaps is one way to deal with several skin and body conditions. Be sure to stay away from scrubs and soaps which contain harsh chemicals, acids or mineral oil (also called parafin) as these can be drying and even damaging to your skin.


Making your own scrubs and soaps is another option which doesn't have to be complicated or difficult. I've included some terrific, simple recipes here for you to try. A little extra TLC and time in the bath can not only improve the look and health of your skin, it can also help to reduce stress and improve your overall health.

Body scrubs and special soaps can be used for:

1. Goosebumps

2. Blackheads

3. Skin that needs revitalizing

4. Addressing problems such as dry skin or cellulite

The process is simple and choices are available to improve the look and feel of your body's skin.

a. Scrub down with soap and water using the bath mitt, loofah or brush.

b. Rub all over with sea salt as you stand in the bath.

c. Rub all over with sugar using your soap lather.

d. Fill a muslin bag with ground oats/bran from a health food store and scrub with that.

The use of a loofah, hemp glove, long-backed bristle brush is beneficial at all times, but is especially important is the person is on a strict diet or undertaking a fast. Under these circumstances the body is throwing off poisons rapidly, and these need to be scrubbed off the skin.

The Use of Soap

Even dermatologists are unable to reach agreement on as to whether soap is positively good or bad for the skin. The theory that it is bad is based on the fact that skin is naturally slightly acid, while soap is mostly alkaline. Hence the soap temporarily destroys the skins' acid mantle. However, as the balance is restored in one to three hours, the damage is not permanent.

The `anti-soap` brigade claims that the drying effect of soap is cumulative; years of washing will take their toll in the form of skin that is prematurely dried or cracked. Certainly, students will feel the drying effect of soap on their skin; it is this very feeling that makes some women say that they feel `clean`, but often this means that soap has been left on the skin which has not been adequately rinsed and dried off.

You should be aware that although nowadays most soaps contain moisturizers such as cold cream to mitigate the drying effect, this does not alter their alkalinity. Most people will cause little harm to their skin by using soap. It is only those who have particularly dry or sensitive skin who should use the special acid-balanced soaps, which are not strictly soaps at all, they are more aptly called cleansers.

Natural Body Cleanser, Scrub and Soap Recipes

Homemade Sea Salt Exfoliator

Mix 1/8 cup of Olive Oil and 1 heaping tablespoon of sea salt

Use on knees and elbows in the shower and rinse off. Pat dry with a soft towel.

Honey Scrub

To make a good exfoliating scrub, mix a tsp. of warm runny honey with 1 tbsp. milk. Add sugar until you get it to a grainy consistency.

Use immediately.

Liquid Lavender Soap

Put 6 tbsp. of grated castile Soap and some water in a heatproof bowl and place over a saucepan of boiling water. When the Soap has melted, stir in 5 tbsp glycerin. Remove from heat and stir in 4 drops of Lavender oil.

If desired, stir in a few drops of natural food coloring to color the Soap. When cool, pour into clean bottles and seal with corks.

Cool Shower Gel

Ingredients

* 1/2 cup herbal shampoo (look for one that is detergent-free; avoid labels that list any variation of "sodium lauryl Sulfate")
* 1/4 to 3/4 cup water
* 3/4 teaspoon salt
* 8 drops Peppermint Essential Oil
* 2 tablespoons Aloe Vera gel
* Blend all the ingredients thoroughly, adjusting the amount of water to get the desired consistency.
* Pour into a bottle or jar.
* Place a dab of this cooling gel in your hand to use instead of Soap.

Helpful Hints:

Formula may be doubled or tripled to make extra for gifts.

And please be sure to use pure Peppermint Essential Oil, not a fragrance oil.

Oatmeal Bath Gel

To make a creamy bath gel, mix 1/4 cup dry oatmeal and 1 tsp. honey with enough milk to make it a paste. Put in the microwave for a few seconds to warm up and then use.

Almond Mayonnaise Scrub

(for very dry skin)

* 1/4 cup almonds
* 1/8 teaspoon mayonnaise

Grind almonds in blender until they form a meal. Whirl in mayonnaise. Vinegar-Rinse your skin. Rub in Scrub gently and thoroughly. Leave on skin for about 10 minutes. Rinse off and follow with Vinegar Rinse.

Basic Body Butter Lotion Bar

Ingredients:

* 1 Part Beeswax
* 1 Part Cocoa OR Shea Butter
* 1 Part Carrier Oil
* 1 Part Skin-Safe Fragrance or Essential Oil

Directions

* Do not use both Cocoa Butter & Shea. Cocoa Butter will make a slightly harder bar, Shea Butter will make a slightly softer bar.

* Add Beeswax, Carrier Oil of choice and Butter of choice to a microwave safe container. A Pyrex Measuring Glass works best for cleanup purposes. Melt in 20 second increments until all is melted. Stir well. Add Fragrance of Essential Oil, and stir well. Pour in a Melt & Pour Soap mold, Push Up Stick, or Deodorant Container and let harden overnight.

* This recipe can also be used for Lip Balm, by using a Skin-Safe Flavor Oil instead of the Fragrance of Essential Oil.

Easy Sugar Scrubs

You'll need a small to medium jar, white or brown sugar to fill it near the top, and enough oil to add so the mixture is moist. You can use olive, sweet Almond, or vegetable oil. At this point you can add a 1/2 tsp. of an Essential Oil or blend of oils. Lavender, Rose Geranium, or Rose mixed with Rosemary, Lemon or Orange is nice.

If you mix oils they should all total about 1/2 tsp.-not a 1/2 tsp. each. Mix all with a spoon in the jar, cover with the lid and allow to sit at least overnight. The mixture should look "oily" and moistened. If it doesn't, add more oil.

To use: Scoop a small amount on to your hand and rub your hands and fingers gently with the scrub, not too hard. Rinse with warm water and pat dry. This leaves your hands soft, and is great after gardening!

About the Author

Dee Braun, a single mom of 6, is a Certified Aromatherapist, Certified Dr. of Reflexology and a natural health practitioner. Click now to visit NaturallyBeautiful.Me at http://www.naturallybeautiful.me/ - where you can find helpful information on natural and effective skincare treatments (including recipes!) to help battle the ravages of time, toxins and stress as well as address many common skincare problems.

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What to Look for in Anti-Wrinkle Face Creams?

Eventually time and life catches up to us whether we want it to or not. The most noticeable perhaps of this occurrence is in the face. Why does this happen? Over years, the skin ages and becomes drier and thinner. The skin covering the neck, face, back of the hands and tops of the forearms tend to be the most exposed to the elements of life and show the most wear and wrinkles appear quicker and with more of them than the rest of the body. Sun damage causes the most havoc on skin, but is a natural process regardless of the sun for all humans.


Many people are looking for ways to reverse the process, wishing for younger skin that was smooth, wrinkle-free and smooth. Many people also find out that companies selling products on the market are more interested in making money than in selling a real product to help restore the skin. So is there anything available for purchase that actually works?

Beautiful skin may not be able to miraculously return to a person with any product but there are products available to help condition and improve the skin and show less signs of aging. There are some areas to look for when in the market for purchasing an anti-wrinkle cream. The right combination of active ingredients that work together can retrieve beautiful skin. Here is a list of ingredients that have been scientifically formulated synergistically to optimally work to combat wrinkles.

Maracuja - a passion fruit extract from Brazil. This extract naturally softens the skin and with the use of linolenic acid, regulates sebum production in order to avoid the skin from getting too oily or too dry. Maracuja nourishes and adds a velvety and smooth feel to the skin.

Grapeseed oil - is a oil produced by pressing the seeds of grapes. Grapeseed oil has a powerful antioxidant with a high content of fatty acids, that will add a layer on the skin to hold in the moisture and repairs the skin.

Babassu palm wax - the babassu palm is native to Brazil and found in the Amazon. It works on many levels - to soften the skin, keeps out impurities and locks out moisture with a protective layer on the surface of the skin.

Vitamin E - combats the free radicals in the skin and their damaging effects from the environment, UV rays from the sun, poor dietary nutrition and unpreventable aging through the anti-oxidant properties. It also reduces the amount of wrinkles to appear and lessens the appearances of age spots. Some products use a synthetic version of Vitamin E that can be less effective, look for a product that contains alpha-tocopherol acetate which is the natural form of Vitamin E.

Wakame - a Japanese sea kelp that is nutritionally rich in minerals and vitamins naturally. It helps to keep the skin healthy, firm and moisture-balanced. It also prevents the breakdown of an acid in the skin that maintains the youthful appearance in skin.

Co-enzyme Q10 - increases elastin production and collagen in the skin, reduces wrinkles dramatically and nourishes the skin with antioxidants. As mentioned above antioxidants work to inhibit the damages caused by free radicals. A particular type of co-enzyme Q10, by the name of Nano-Lipobelle H-EQ10, penetrates the skin deeper to more effectively work than the other types.

Keratin - is similar to a natural protein found in the skin and helps to mimic it to improve regenerating skin cells as well as the regrowth of collagen and elastin. This is a key ingredient to look for in an anti-wrinkle cream product for a result in improved elasticity, smoothness and a softer, even complexion.

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