Most individuals have heard how essential oils can be used to reduce stress. Most skin care professionals are likely familiar with oils, such as lavender and eucalyptus to promote calming and relaxation benefits that soothe and ease tension. Many are already familiar with these aromatic scents andyou may have already used some of them.Perhaps these oils have been used in bathing products like bath salts, in body scrubs, skin care products, on clients’ facial towels, or while massaging. Personally, I love using essential oils in all of my treatments. I also love to educate on the many beneficial uses of essential oils and the powerhouse impact they can have in our lives on a daily basis. 

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ESSENTIAL OIL USES

There are three ways to use essential oils. Through aromatics(smell or inhalation), and you can use this method by diffusing oils into the air, by applying a drop into your hand and inhaling, or wearing it as a personal fragrance. They can be used topically – oils are absorbed through the skin.You can massage oils into the skin.Apply to targeted areas of the body and add them into products like lotions and moisturizers. Essential oils can also be used internally, as in ingesting oils to be transported throughout the body. This method can be used by dropping oils into a glass of drinking water, putting them into a vegetable capsule to ingest, or placing drops under the tongue. 

It is important to know how to safely use all essential oils. For example, if ingesting oils, they must be deemed safe for internal use. When using topically, dilution combined with carrier oil will minimize skin sensitivity. 

ESSENTIAL OILS FOR STRESS

Lavender is known as one of the most calming essential oils because it has significant relaxing properties when used aromatically, topically, and internally. Suggest that clients add a few drops to bath water to ease tension, diffuse in the bedroom before bed for a restful night’s sleep, or take internally to calm anxious feelings. 

Bergamot provides a wonderful way to promote a calming atmosphere, while simultaneously encouraging uplifting feelings. Try diffusing to promote a calming atmosphere, rubbing on the bottom of feet before bedtime, or mixing with fractionated coconut oil for relaxing massage balm. 

Clary Sage is one of the most relaxing, soothing, and balancing essential oils. If clients are experiencingtrouble sleeping, combine a few drops of clary sage oil with water in a spray bottle and have them spritz over their pillow before going to bed for a restful sleep. Diffuse clary sage at the end of a long day to help promote feelings of calmness and relaxation orwhen you need a quick and simple way to relax.Apply clary sage oil topically to the pulse points (neck and wrists) to create a sense of calm.

Roman chamomile is known to have calming effects on the skin, mind, and body. Add one or two drops of roman chamomile oil to herbal tea to soothe the body and mind. Apply to the chest over the heart for a feeling of well-being. To avoid bad moods, diffuse roman chamomile oil to soothe any feelings of anger and irritability.

YlangYlang has several impressive qualities, including its ability to uplift a mood while also having a calming effect. Combine a few drops of YlangYlang oil with Epsom salts and place them in a warm bath to promote relaxation.Apply this essential oil to the back of the neck for a calming, uplifting effect or rub on wrists for a natural perfume that will give off a soothing and calming aroma throughout the day.

Petitgrain is inviting and comforting but also provides calming and relaxing benefits that can ease feelings of stress. In addition to calming feelings of stress and tension,taking petitgrain internally eases feelings of tension and calms the nervous system.When in the middle of a stressful day, diffuse petitgrain oil to promote feelings of calmness.Spritz a few drops and other calming essential oils, like lavender or bergamot over pillows and bedding to promote feelings of relaxation.

Vetiver is known for its grounding, calming effect on emotions, and for its calming nature. The rich, exotic aroma of vetiver is quite unique; however, it has the ability to promote grounded, calm feelings after a busy or frazzled day. After a difficult day, massage vetiver oil into the neck and feet to promote feelings of calm.Diffuse with other calming essential oils to calm emotions and lessen stress.

STRESS RELIEVING DIFFUSER BLENDS

Try three drops of lavender plus three drops of lime plus one drop of spearmint. Another blend to indulge in is two drops of geranium, two drops of frankincense, and one drop of basil. A final option to utilize is three drops of lavender plus three drops of clary sage, followed by two drops of ylangylang, and one drop of marjoram. 

Essential oils are a plus to creating a welcoming place for clients when visiting the spa. Clients and skin care professionals alike can indulge in wellness using essential oils and their many benefits. With this in mind, skin care professionals should utilize these to create blends that bring calm and peace into their spa space. Allof these blends will bring a sense of calm and allow you and your client to celebrate wellness.

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Catherine Kooiman is a licensed aesthetician with over 25 years’ experience in the beauty industry. As the founder and CEO of Skin So Sweet and Get Sugared?!, the two companies were established in 2006 as one of the first sugaring for hair removal establishments in Orange County, California. Kooiman has spent the last 15 years cultivating her passion for providing excellent service, leading Skin So Sweet, and Get Sugared?! She is also a master sugaring educator who started an education,professional supplies, and product distribution company called “Sweet Professional” in November of 2012. While operating Sweet Professional Inc. to help lead the sugaring movement for five years, she cultivated a training and certification platform that successfully certified over 1,600 sugaring practitioners. She returned her focus to the treatment room servicing clients and leading staff and continues to passionately focus on her career as a multi-location business owner, operating her Orange County-based skin care studios. Kooiman continues to aspire and dream to lead Skin So Sweet and Get Sugared?! into a conceptualized sugaring-based franchise brand opportunity. Kooiman is also a mother to two beautiful children in which she gleams is her favorite and most important job ever.