Naturally scented oils have been made with whole plants and infused into oil since ancient times, from Egyptians to the Greeks. In our modern day we now have essential oils which are extracted by steam distillation. Essential oils may contain as many as 100 compounds in one drop. They are highly concentrated extractions that can have some amazing benefits when used properly.
How do essential oils work?
Plants contain phytochemicals. What is a phytochemical? “Phytochemical is a collective term for plant chemicals with varied structure and function. In plants, they may serve different functions for protection and reproduction, such as color and odor for protection and insect attraction for pollination, phytoalexins for pathogen defense, hormonal functions for growth and signaling, antifeedants and toxins for insect protection, and allelochemicals for defense against herbivory.” (1) The above-mentioned 100 compounds contained in one drop of essential oils are phytochemicals. These phytochemicals serve many purposes for the plant they are derived from and can serve many of the same purposes in the application of skincare products. Consider lemon essential oil “Twenty one components were identified in the C. limon essential oil and the two dominant compounds were limonene (39.74%) and β-Pinene (25.44%).” (2) Lemon essential oil has been studied and proven to prevent listeria from growing in raw beef meat thus proving its strong antioxidant and antibacterial abilities.
Essential oils have a wide range of applications:
Antioxidant Protection: Shield skin from environmental damage and premature aging
Anti-inflammatory Properties: Calm irritation and reduce redness
Natural Antimicrobial Effects: Help combat acne-causing bacteria
Enhanced Skin Barrier Function: Support your skin’s natural protective layer
Improved Circulation: Promote healthy blood flow for a natural glow
Balancing Properties: Help regulate sebum production
Aromatherapeutic Benefits: Enhance mood and overall well being (3)
When applied to the skin, essential oils can interact with the body through three primary mechanisms:
1. Absorption
“Essential oils are absorbed through the skin and can enter the bloodstream. This allows their beneficial compounds to circulate throughout the body.”
2. Topical Application
“Essential oils can provide localized benefits to the area of application, such as soothing irritated skin, reducing inflammation, or providing antioxidants.”
3. Aromatherapy
“The aromatic molecules of essential oils can be inhaled, influencing mood and emotions through the limbic system in the brain.” (4)
In the application of skincare that contain essential oils, it can be supportive in multifaceted ways. For example, skincare products containing lavender essential oils can be supportive for conditions such as rosacea and acne while also having a mild antidepressant effect. And this is true for citrus essential oils, which help brighten the skin while also boosting mood and improving energy levels.
But consider:
“Essential oils are extremely concentrated and can be too potent for direct application to the skin. Diluting them with a carrier oil helps reduce the risk of skin irritation or sensitization. Although essential oils tout numerous complexion benefits, they’re not without faults. Nearly all essential oils contain allergens and are a common cause of allergic contact dermatitis.” If you are allergic to a certain compound then an essential oil free product may be what your individual need is and you can receive many of the same benefits essential oils offer through different forms of plant infusions. (5)
To harness the amazing benefits of essential oils we have thoughtfully formulated them in many different products. But we never recommend the consumption of essential oils due to the strength of the essential oils which can have adverse affects on the digestive system which is teaming with living organisms that support our digestion and immune system.
At Dandelion Naturals, we have carefully crafted our products:
We currently have 4 unscented bar soaps available and 31 essential oil scented bar soaps, many of which feature exfoliating ingredients and the essential oils provide a variety of benefits. Bar soap is not the only essential oil scented handcrafted skincare product we make. Our natural skincare products range from balms, to laundry soaps, to lip balms and more! You may browse our many products on our website at dandelionnaturals.com
Our new Tallow Balms are amongst some of our best creations yet! Dandelion Naturals Tallow Balm comes in 5 different scents, one of which is unscented. Dandelion Naturals founder has crafted them with supportive essential oils and skin nourishing oils we know you are going to love!
Our Frankincense Tallow Balm is formulated with organic castor oil which is known for its deep moisturizing & cleansing properties, castor oil helps to hydrate & balance skin, reduce acne, & improve texture. Castor oil can also enhance the absorption of other skincare products, making them more effective. Frankincense essential oil helps to rejuvenate aging skin, reduce the appearance of scars, & even out skin tone. With its anti-inflammatory & anti-aging properties it promotes skin healing, enhances elasticity, and restores a youthful glow.
You can find our Frankincense Tallow Balm on our website at: https://dandelionnaturals.com/product/frankincense-tallow-balm-with-castor-oil/
Sunkissed Tallow Balm has been thoughtfully crafted using organic jojoba oil and citrus essential oils. Jojoba oil closely mimics the skin’s natural oils, making it a perfect, non-greasy moisturizer suitable for all skin types. Jojoba oil helps to nourish, hydrate, and rejuvenate your skin. We have formulated Sunkissed with bergamot oil which is known for its ability to balance oil production, making it ideal for oily or acne-prone skin while also offering a refreshing, uplifting scent. And orange oil which brightens the complexion, while geranium oil helps to balance skin’s moisture and reduce inflammation. You can find our Sunkissed Tallow Balm at: https://dandelionnaturals.com/product/sunkissed-tallow-balm-with-jojoba-oil/
And for those that prefer unscented we have formulated our Unscented Tallow Balm which contains olive oil. The features of this balm are: Grass-Fed & Finished Beef Tallow: Packed with vitamins A, D, & K2, tallow closely resembles the oils naturally found in your skin, making it highly effective in locking in moisture, soothing dry patches,& promoting skin regeneration. This is the same for all of our tallow balms. And organic olive oil is rich in antioxidants, vitamins A and E, which help nourish, protect, and hydrate the skin, reducing signs of aging. Its natural moisturizing properties make it ideal for soothing dry, irritated skin and maintaining a smooth, healthy complexion. You can find our Unscented Tallow Balm on our website at: https://dandelionnaturals.com/product/unscented-tallow-balm-with-olive-oil/
Whether you are new to essential oils or a long-time user of essential oils, you will find our products to be supportive for your skin. And we can’t wait to keep creating natural products for you!
Resources:
https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/agricultural-and-biological-sciences/phytochemical (1)
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5543433/ (2)
https://www.wellandgood.com/shopping/best-essential-oils-for-skin (4) (5)
