Commercially-produced cosmetics contain synthetic substances such as preservatives, dyes and fragrances which are damaging to the skin's flora and protective 'acid mantle'. They promote ageing of the skin which results in wrinkles.

Commercial shampoos clean so thoroughly that the scalp's natural sebum is washed away. Because the scalp is thrown out of balance the hair is unable to grow as well as it should do.

Shampoos also contain preservatives, chemicals, dyes and fragrances which can penetrate the hair follicles and enter the bloodstream. Ready-made cosmetics and shampoos also cost a great deal, far more than home-made natural cosmetics.

Advertising and packaging are expensive and the manufacturer and the retailer also have to make a profit, of course.

Cosmetics made with essential oils can promote and protect your natural beauty and you know exactly what is in them. It is also satisfying and enjoyable to create your own aroma therapy products, and they do make wonderful gifts for your family and friends.

Skin

What causes skin disorders?

Skin problems can be caused by a variety of physical and emotional factors:

• poor diet
• deficiency of oxygen from closed, overheated rooms
• environmental pollutants
• chemical pollutants
• food intolerances (e.g. dairy foods, wheat)
• hormone imbalances
• smoking
• drugs
• synthetic cosmetics
• stress and emotional problems
• working or exercise outside in the sun, wind and rain

When tackling skin problems the only real long-term solution is to try to find out the root cause of the disorder rather than just working on the symptoms. A change in living and eating habits is often necessary alongside your essential oil regime. Our skin is a mirror of our inner health.

Hair

Just as our skin is a reflection of our inner health, so is our hair.
The condition of our hair is, to a large extent, dependent on optimum health and nutrition. Hormonal changes, hereditary factors, stress, overexposure to ultraviolet rays, chemicals such as perms, dyes and hairsprays, pollutants and drugs will all affect the health of our hair. The health of our hair also depends upon the way that we treat it. It is vital that the hair is brushed thoroughly, preferably not with a nylon brush, to remove the old dead hair and stimulate natural growth. We have approximately 100,000 hairs on the scalp. Blonds have the most hair and the finest hair in comparison to redheads who have the least hair and the coarsest hair. Every day approximately eighty hairs are lost! My grandmother used to tell me to brush my hair 100 times a day and she was right; brushing massages the scalp, stimulates the circulation and removes old hair.

Essential oils are invaluable in hair care because they can influence and balance the sebaceous glands. The sebum which is secreted by these glands lubricates and protects the hair. If these glands are sluggish and underactive the hair will become dry and dehydrated. Conversely, if the sebaceous glands are overactive, the hair will become oily. Essential oils are beneficial to all types of hair for regulating the production of sebum.

Washing the hair

Many commercial shampoos contain chemical and synthetic substances which damage the scalp and the hair follicles. They attack the acid mantle of the scalp and wash away the hair's natural protective oils. Therefore, after each washing the hair should be rinsed with an acidic substance such as lemon juice or organic apple cider vinegar. This will wash out any residues of soap and will help to restore the acid equilibrium of the scalp.

You should avoid using the harsh detergent-based shampoos. Choose a mild natural shampoo which will be less likely to disturb the acid mantle of the scalp. You can even make your own shampoo using the following recipe:

- 100 g soap flakes (available from some health shops and pharmacies)
- 1 litre spring water

Simmer the spring water and add soap flakes, stirring until the flakes dissolve. Allow the mixture to cool and pour into a bottle or jar.

Add carrier oils and essential oils to this shampoo base, depending on your hair type.

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