Did You Know ...

Today I wanted to help people understand the difference between Essential Oils and Fragrance Oils (Synthetic Scents). As much as people may think that this is not a big deal, it is quite simply a huge deal. So today I am on a mission to show you the difference, and the importance of making an informed decision regarding the products you choose.

What exactly are essential oils?   An essential oil is a volatile and aromatic liquid ( sometimes a semi solid ) which generally constitutes the odorous principles of a plant. It is obtained by a process of expression or distillation from a single botanical form or species. A pure, concentrated essence taken from the plant.

Huh?  In layman's terms an oil created from the distillation process of a plant or flower.

What are fragrance oils?   Fragrance oil, also known as aroma oils, aromatic oils and flavor oils, are blended synthetic aroma compounds that are diluted with a carrier like propylene glycol, vegetable oil, or mineral oil. Aromatic oils are used in perfumery, cosmetics, and for flavoring of food. For some people, synthetic fragrance oils are less desirable than plant-derived essential oils as components of perfume.

What does this mean to you?  Have you ever walked into a store and the scents were overwhelming, sometimes to the point of nausea? Synthetic smells and essential oils both create a reaction in the brain once inhaled. Essential oils have a direct correlation with the brain, where as synthetic smells have an adverse reaction.

The best example of this is the scent of rose. When comparing essential oils to synthetic "scents", rose essential oil will be far less overwhelming. However rose essential oil, will illicit a sense of calm over the body. In fact, when smelling some of the essential oils, we become so conditioned to the synthetic smell, that it might not even be recognizable. Most people have a hard time actually telling what they are inhaling.

Essential oils are for balancing. They can calm a person, balance hormones, even cure certain ailments. Definitely worth looking into. I have listed a few below that are great for different skin issues. Try them out and see for yourself the difference.

Rose:  Calms the senses. Soothes dry, sensitive and mature skin. (Dry and Sensitive Skin)

Patchouli:  Calms the senses. Helps ease tension. Excellent for moisturizing dry, chapped and mature skin. Enhances massage. (Dry Skin)

Tangerine:  Refreshes the senses. Helps purify and refresh oily skin. Creates an invigorating bath experience. (Oily Skin)

Tea Tree:  Refreshes the senses. Helps purify oily skin. Delivers cleansing, toning and deodorizing benefits. (Oily and Acne Prone Skin)

Sandlewood:  Calms the senses. Promotes focused, grounded feelings. Helps tone and balance dry, mature and oily skin. Helps soothe irritated, itchy and sensitive skin. Comforts skin after shaving. (All Skin Types)

Lavender:  Calms the senses. Deep-cleanses, soothes and balances all skin types. Creates an aromatic bath experience. (Dry Skin)

Bergamont:  Refreshes the senses. Helps balance oily or blemished skin. Delivers deodorizing benefits. (Oily and Acne Prone Skin)