by Danielle Sade
Covid-19 has impacted the way individuals are approaching personal care products. As the world adjusts to a new norm, the mindset is to stay safe and clean. According to research conducted by Nielsen Bases, “Consumers are looking for products that claim to focus on killing germs, providing immunity and overall health, alongside with naturalness and sustainability.” (Doyle et al., 2021)[i] This era has introduced social distancing, being self-sufficient, dealing with shortages in medications, and travel limitations, and due to these cultural changes, there has been a universal psychosocial impact. (Dubey et al., 2020)[ii]
This article reviews how essential oils can be used in daily skincare routines, which also help in the holistic well-being. The article will also introduce how the skin is influenced by the circadian rhythms and the importance of applying certain Aromatherapy products on to the skin at the right time, thus leading to greater efficacy in treatment.
The physiological and psychological treatments Aromatherapy has to offer when using personal care products can lead to hybrid results in one product, that is, they can support the skin, and at the same time, address emotional health, well-being, and improve sleep.
Aromatic Methodology to Skin Care
When addressing the skin in an Aromatherapy practice, the therapist must consider a supportive approach to improve overall health, well-being, and sleep by using sustainable plant-based products to hydrate, protect, and repair the skin, alongside avoiding irritation, sensitization, and overexposure to essential oils and carrier oils. The Aromatherapist also should take advantage of the substantial evidence that essential oils influence the sense of smell, which has primary receptors that connect to regions of the brain that involve emotions and memory. (Sade D., 2019)[iii]
The Skin
The skin is the largest and widest organ in the body. It provides a protective barrier, prevents moisture loss, reduces the harmful effects of UV radiation, helps regulate temperature, takes part in the immune response, and synthesizes hormone Vitamin D.[iv] (Krumbart et al., 1996) In addition, the human skin owns its ecology and disinfecting power system, including sweat, sebum lactic fatty acids, and a pH balance of 4.5–6 commensal bacteria.[v] (Sade, 2019) Also, the skin plays acts as an interface between the individual and society.[vi] (Amed et al., 2020) As we can see, the skin is quite a sophisticated organ, that protects both the body and itself.[vii] (Sade, 2017) To read further follow this link
References
[i]Doyle, L. (2021). Safe is the New clean: Hygiene and Wellness Intersect Amid Beauty's New Reality. Retrieved 25 May 2021, from http://link.gale.com/apps/doc/A647514074/AONE?u=guel77242&sid-AONE&xid=2189c38d
[ii] Dubey, S., Biswas, P., Ghosh, R., Chatterjee, S., Dubey, M., & Chatterjee, S. et al. (2020). Psychosocial impact of COVID-19. Diabetes & Metabolic Syndrome: Clinical Research & Reviews, 14(5), 779-788. doi: 10.1016/j.dsx.2020.05.035
[iii] Sade, D. (2019). The Aromatherapist Approach to Skin care. Presentation, Woodbridge, Ontario.
[iv] Krumhardt, B., Alcamo, I., & Alcamo, I. (1996). Barron's E-Z anatomy and physiology (1st ed., p. 93). Hauppauge, N.Y.: Barron's Educational Series.
[v] Sade, D. (2019). The Aromatherapist Approach to Skin care. Presentation, Woodbridge, Ontario.
[vi] Ahmed, I., Mikail, M., Zamakshshari, N., & Abdullah, A. (2020). Natural anti-aging skincare: role and potential. Biogerontology, 21(3), 293-310. doi: 10.1007/s10522-020-09865-z
[vii] Sade, D. (2019). The Aromatherapist Approach to Skin care. Presentation, Woodbridge, Ontario.