Stress is a fact of life and we all encounter stressful situations at various points of our lives, but this year has brought new and unique stresses to everyone. It can have long term effects on our minds, bodies and skin, and sometimes finding something that ‘works’ is easier said than done. Enter aromatherapy, a natural and oft-cited way to help reduce stress.
From what essential oils to use to help relieve stress to how to use them, discover our guide to relaxing aromatherapy below.
How stress affects skin
You may notice that your skin doesn’t look its best when you’re stressed. Perhaps you’re breaking out more than usual, or pre-existing conditions such as eczema and psoriasis are worse than they have been in a while. This is because stress can cause a chemical response in your body that may make skin more sensitive.
Stress can also lead to your body making more hormones like cortisol, which may cause the glands in your skin to produce oil…which could lead to breakouts. On top of that, you might be neglecting your skin care ritual as your mind is on other things.
What is aromatherapy?
Aromatherapy has been used as a holistic wellbeing tool for years, with even the Ancient Egyptians known for using different scents to alter their mood. Aromatherapy involves the use of aromatic plant materials, particularly essential oils, to alter one’s mood and promote wellbeing. Its primary benefits come from inhaling the scent of these essential oils, which can have benefits for the mind and body.
Essential oils for stress
Lavender Pure Essential Oil
Lavender essential oil has a calming, relaxing and balancing effect and is probably one of the best-known essential oils. In fact, one study found that spraying lavender spray on clothing was effective in reducing work related stress in nurses for three-four days.
Bergamot Essential Oil
Bergamot essential oil is also known for its calming and balancing effects. The oil comes from the peel of a fruit called Citrus bergamia and according to one study, it may improve negative emotions, reduce fatigue and help lower cortisol levels.
Geranium Pure Essential Oil
Geranium essential oil is also known for being calming and relaxing when used in aromatherapy.
Or try one of our relaxing essential oil blends such as Comforting Blend Essential Oil and Harmony Blend Essential Oil.
How to do an aromatherapy massage
Create your own aromatherapy massage oil by mixing Jojoba Carrier Oil and your essential oil of choice for a calming, indulgent way to relax – try using it when you treat yourself to your next at-home spa day.
Other ways to use essential oils include pouring a couple of drops into your bath or diffuser or inhaling it by adding a couple of drops to a tissue.
If you’re looking for more stress relief techniques, try these 7 yoga poses to relieve stress. Shop all essential oils at Jurlique or treat yourself to an aromatic massage at your nearest Jurlique Spa.
¹https://www.webmd.com/beauty/the-effects-of-stress-on-your-skin
From what essential oils to use to help relieve stress to how to use them, discover our guide to relaxing aromatherapy below.
How stress affects skin
You may notice that your skin doesn’t look its best when you’re stressed. Perhaps you’re breaking out more than usual, or pre-existing conditions such as eczema and psoriasis are worse than they have been in a while. This is because stress can cause a chemical response in your body that may make skin more sensitive.
Stress can also lead to your body making more hormones like cortisol, which may cause the glands in your skin to produce oil…which could lead to breakouts. On top of that, you might be neglecting your skin care ritual as your mind is on other things.
What is aromatherapy?
Aromatherapy has been used as a holistic wellbeing tool for years, with even the Ancient Egyptians known for using different scents to alter their mood. Aromatherapy involves the use of aromatic plant materials, particularly essential oils, to alter one’s mood and promote wellbeing. Its primary benefits come from inhaling the scent of these essential oils, which can have benefits for the mind and body.
Essential oils for stress
Lavender Pure Essential Oil
Lavender essential oil has a calming, relaxing and balancing effect and is probably one of the best-known essential oils. In fact, one study found that spraying lavender spray on clothing was effective in reducing work related stress in nurses for three-four days.
Bergamot Essential Oil
Bergamot essential oil is also known for its calming and balancing effects. The oil comes from the peel of a fruit called Citrus bergamia and according to one study, it may improve negative emotions, reduce fatigue and help lower cortisol levels.
Geranium Pure Essential Oil
Geranium essential oil is also known for being calming and relaxing when used in aromatherapy.
Or try one of our relaxing essential oil blends such as Comforting Blend Essential Oil and Harmony Blend Essential Oil.
How to do an aromatherapy massage
Create your own aromatherapy massage oil by mixing Jojoba Carrier Oil and your essential oil of choice for a calming, indulgent way to relax – try using it when you treat yourself to your next at-home spa day.
Other ways to use essential oils include pouring a couple of drops into your bath or diffuser or inhaling it by adding a couple of drops to a tissue.
If you’re looking for more stress relief techniques, try these 7 yoga poses to relieve stress. Shop all essential oils at Jurlique or treat yourself to an aromatic massage at your nearest Jurlique Spa.
¹https://www.webmd.com/beauty/the-effects-of-stress-on-your-skin