Posted August 2, 2015 in Essential Oil Basics by Rocky Mountain Oils

Manage Skin Conditions with Essential Oils

Chronic skin conditions are hard. Eczema, Rosacea, Psoriasis, etc just make life difficult. While I can't say at all how to medically treat any of these -- I am not a doctor -- I have found some recipes you can try to help alleviate the symptoms. Chronic skin conditions typically aren’t curable, but they can be managed by paying close attention to your lifestyle. Learn more about symptoms, treatments, and ways to feel better. As we have already published an article on treating warts with essential oils, it will not be addressed on here. Please consult with your chosen doctor before using any of these recipes. And always, always, always carry out a patch test on a penny-sized portion of your skin with any of the recipes to ensure that you won't have a bad reaction.

Some Types

Rosacea is a common disorder that mainly affects skin on the face. It causes redness on the nose, chin, cheeks, and forehead. (We have already published an article focused on Rosacea.) Psoriasis is a common skin disorder that produces thick red plaques covered with silvery scales. The most common areas affected are the scalp, elbows, knees, and lower back, although any skin surface may be involved. It can also occur in the nails and body folds. Psoriasis is not contagious and cannot be passed from person to person, but it can occur in members of the same family.Psoriasis usually begins in early adulthood or later in life. In most people, the rash is limited to a few areas of skin; in severe cases, it can cover large areas of the body. The rash can heal and come back throughout a person's life. Couperose is skin marked with tiny dilated capillaries, which are not very noticeable, unless the case is severe, and which are found mostly around the nose or the cheeks. Can occur with any skin type so choose your cleansers, toners, moisturizers, etc according to your skin type -- whether it be Dry, Oily, Combination or Normal - and use the oils recommended below for Couperose. Dermatitis is a general term that describes an inflammation of the skin. There are different types of dermatitis, including seborrheic dermatitis and atopic dermatitis (eczema). Although the disorder can have many causes and occur in many forms, it usually involves swollen, reddened and itchy skin.Dermatitis is a common condition that usually isn't life-threatening or contagious. But, it can make you feel uncomfortable and self-conscious. A combination of self-care steps and medications can help you treat dermatitis.

Types of Dermatitis

Contact dermatitis, a rash that results from either repeated contact with irritants or contact with allergy-producing substances, such as poison ivy
Neurodermatitis, a chronic itchy skin condition localized to certain areas of the skin
Seborrheic dermatitis, a common scalp and facial condition that often causes dandruff
Stasis dermatitis, a skin condition that's caused by a buildup of fluid under the skin of the legs
Atopic dermatitis, more commonly known as just eczema or atopic eczema, a chronic itchy rash that tends to come and go
Perioral dermatitis, a bumpy rash around the mouth

Best Oils

Dermatitis: Carrot Seed, Cedarwood, Roman Chamomile, German Chamomile, Eucalyptus globulus, Geranium, Helichrysum italicum, Lavender, Neroli, Rose Geranium, Tea Tree, Melaleuca, Thyme, Frankincense, Balsam, Fennel Seed, Juniper Berry
Psoriasis: Helichrysum italicum, Lavender, Bergamot FCF, Cajeput, Roman Chamomile, German Chamomile
Couperose: German Chamomile, Geranium, Cypress, Roman Chamomile, Helichrysum italicum, Rose Geranium, Orange, Neroli, Lavender,

If your skin is very sensitive, it would be best to avoid using Citronella, Geranium, Ginger Root, and Ylang Ylang.

Carrier Oils

Aloe Vera, Almond, Apricot, Avocado, Wheatgerm, Borage Seed, Evening Primrose,

Points of Interest

Seek more personal advice from an aromatherapist, herbalist, naturopath, or nutritionist who will devise for you a plan personalized for you.
Reduce your stress! That cannot be said enough times! Stress has a direct link to Eczema/Dermatitis. Reduce your stress!
Try not to be exposed to extreme temperatures. Not always easy to do depending on where you live but if you are being exposed, cover up as much of your skin as you can. Protect it any way you can.
Use sunscreen.
If you smoke, stop. Avoid excessive consumption of spicy foods or alcohol.
If you aren't exercising, do. Make sure you get in at least moderate exercise 3-5 days a week.
Before you even get started on treatment, you need to start from the inside out. Eat more dark green vegetables, fruits, and whole grains. Increase your omega-3's, vitamin E, B complex, and C. If you can't get it through food, than take supplements. Avoid high fat foods and empty calories.
Drink water! Get in 6-10 cups a day. It helps flush toxins out of your skin.
Take a bath with no more than 5 drops of one of these oils -- Roman Chamomile, German Chamomile, Geranium, Melissa, or Lavender -- mixed in with 1 tablespoon Evening Primrose Oil.
Do not use dry skin brushing with any of these problems.

Recipes

Always test on a small part of your skin first before using all over your face or body. Please be sure your skin can handle the blend before being covered in it.

Rosewater and Glycerin Cleanser

3/4 cup Rose Hydrosol
1/4 cup Vegetable Glycerin
4 drops essential oil of choice from above lists

Combine ingredients in a storage container and shake well before every use. Use 1 teaspoon per application and apply this liquid cleanser with a washcloth or cleansing pad daily. Follow with a moisturizer if needed. Use within 6-12 mont

Tea Tree and Thyme Tonic for Eczema or Psoriasis

1 cup Distilled Water
1 tablespoon Thyme leaves
10 drops Tea Tree or Melaleuca oil

In a small saucepan, bring the water to a boil, remove from heat, add the herb, cover, and steep for 30 minutes. Strain and pour the liquid into a storage container. When it has cooled to room temp, add the essential oil. Shake vigorously to blend. Apply with a cotton cleansing pad approximately 1 teaspoon to the face or more as necessary for other parts of the body. Avoid eye area. Prepare a new batch every week

Cucumber Tonic

1/4 cup Distilled or Purified Water
1/4 cup Aloe Vera juice
6 drops Cucumber Seed oil

Shake well before every use. Apply approximately 1 teaspoon to the face. Avoid eye area.

Basic Facial Steam

1 quart boiling water
1 large handful of herbs (Lavender, Rose, Geranium, or Chamomile)
5 drops essential oil of choice (from above list)

Steep the herbs for 5 - 10 minutes, covered. Remove lid and add essential oils, leaving the herbs in the water. Use a towel to make a tent over the pot or bowl and steam your face for up to 10 minutes. Strain the herbs and save the tea to use as a final rinse water at the end of facial.

Dermatitis Demolisher

2 drops Cedarwood
3 drops Chamomile
3 drops Lavender
2 drops Tea Tree

Mix together and use blend one of the following ways:

Pour blend into a bowl of steaming water, over which you put your face. Drape a towel over your head to hold the healing moisture in.
Mix blend into 2 tablespoons Almond oil and massage into affected skin areas.