Five essential oils for the skin

Lavender. 

Notice how many nighttime-use products contain lavender? That’s because studies have shown that lavender can help treat depression, insomnia, headaches, and even PMS. Lavender is also one of the essential oils that can be applied directly to the skin, as this helps treat inflammation caused by sun damage and burns. This is a wonderful oil to add to products you apply at night, since its soothing properties can easily help you drift off to la-la land. Lavender can be quite drying though, so if you plan to apply it directly to your skin, use sparingly.

Geranium. 

Taken from the rose geranium plant, geranium oil is great for those with combination or oily skin, as it has the capacity to balance the production of sebum (oil) in the skin. Because of this, skin becomes more elastic, making it firmer and toned. And since this oil stimulates the lymphatic system, it also relieves water retention and swelling, which can prevent and lighten the appearance of cellulite on the skin. An added bonus is that geranium contains cicatrisant properties, which promotes the healing of cuts, bruises, and even eczema!

Carrot Seed. 

Carrots are good for your eye sight, but they’re also good for your skin! Carrot seed oil is rich in beta carotene and vitamins B, C, D, and E, and makes for a wonderful skin rejuvenator as it stimulates cell growth. It also makes for a great ingredient in products targeted to improve dehydrated, tired, aging skin. Carrot seed oil not only improves skin complexion, but it also strengthens red blood cells, which helps increase the elasticity and firmness of the skin.

Chamomile. 

You probably know chamomile best in its tea form, which helps soothe and calm your nerves. But chamomile is great for inflamed skin as well, especially acne and rashes. That’s because chamomile contains phenolic derivatives, which possesses certain healing qualities and doubles as an antiseptic. The flavonoids in chamomile also help strengthen the skin, as it promotes granulation and cell regeneration.

Tea tree. 

Aboriginal tribes in Australia have known about the benefits of tea tree oil for thousands of years—they’ve been using it to treat mouth ulcers and abscesses, as well as boils, psoriasis, thrush, and other wounds. That’s because tea tree oil has powerful anti-viral and anti-fungal properties that, at the same time, help stimulate the immune system. Look out for tea tree oil in products for treating dandruff, candidiasis, and even sun burns. This oil is also great for treating acne—studies have shown that it’s just as effective as benzoyl peroxide, with the added bonus of not causing any redness or peeling of the skin.

Taken from: http://my.custom.yahoo.com/amazingyou/article/five-essential-oils-for-the-skin-2171