Geranium is a bushy perennial shrub belonging to the Pelargonium genus which is very extensive family including over 200 species. Most originate from South Africa but it is Pelargonium graveolens of the Reunion Islands which is thought to produce the oil of highest quality, often referred to as Bourbon geranium. The unfortunate side of this fine quality oil is that today it is often blended…

When we think of these two essential oils, Sweet Orange (citrus sinensis) and Mandarin (citrus reticulata), the words that come to mind are joy, happy, uplifting and optimism. These oils are absolute favorites in the spa, being safe, nontoxic and are oils that all clients can benefit from. The therapeutic value of orange was first identified in Ancient China, where for centuries the dried peel…

Forty-one percent of Americans will develop cancer. This means, with very few exceptions, every family will be touched by this disease. Chemotherapy drugs (in combination with radiation) are a crucial component to all cancer management; and with this rising cancer burden, doctors and patients alike will see an increasing incidence of chemotherapy-related skin toxicity. If significant skin reactions are not managed quickly, dose interruptions, reductions,…

Although some skin breakdown occurs simply due to the passage of time, the majority of visible aging is attributed to external offenders. Up to 85 percent of all skin aging is a result of unprotected ultraviolet (UV) exposure, smoking and other preventable causes. UV rays are a clear and well-documented affront to our skin's health and youthful appearance. From a simple sunburn to dramatic dermal…