Skin Renewal Part 3
Skin Renewal Part 3
Eczema and contact dermatitis affect millions of people. Both display symptoms of red, inflamed skin. Flaky skin, rashes and itching may lead to weeping blisters and local infection. Cradle cap is related to eczema, affecting mainly babies and young children. The scalp develops a thick, yellow crust with scaling behind the ears. Contact dermatitis is caused by sensitivity to an irritant, such as wool or washing detergent. Atopiceczema is related to food allergies in children. These include peanuts, corn products, milk, eggs wheat citrus, strawberries and preservatives. Both conditions require awareness of irritants and allergens. It is beneficial to increase essential fatty acids in the diet. Also, reduce caffeine, alcohol, sugary and fatty foods such as donuts and pastries.
Essential oils can be wonderful stress reducers. Topically, they must be diluted to 1% into carrier oil. Use carrier oils specifically for troubled skin. Borage, jojoba, and primrose oils are best suited for these conditions. Fresh aloe may also be used as carrier oil. If the skin is very sensitive, I use the carrier oil alone at first and add the essential oil as the skin begins healing. Avoid all commercial products that list parabens and fragrance. Some aromatherapy products use chemical scents in combination with essential oils to extend the fragrant shelf life. Be sure to know your source of products.
When my twins first started bleeding externally from eczema, I began using healing water on their skin. Rose water achieved the best results in the shortest amount of time. I distilled my water, but you can make a simple rose water using the following recipe.
Skin Renewal Mist
In 4 ounces of distilled or filtered water, add 5 drops of Rose Otto essential oil. Pour into a 4-ounce container with a mister spray top. Spray the inflamed or affected area 2 or 3 times daily to reduce irritation, itching and scaling skin. Use more when needed. Store remaining rose water in a cool place away from direct sunlight.
Note: It is important to continue hydrating the skin even after the condition improves.
Weeping eczema and sores are best treated with a dilution of myrrh essential oil. I dilute it in jojoba oil to keep the skin safe and protected from infection The following blend is a recommended dilution, safe for children and adults.
Weeping Eczema Application
In a 1-ounce jar filled with jojoba oil, add 2 drops of myrrh essential oil. Allow to cure 3 hours or overnight in a tightly sealed jar. Stir the liquid with a non-metal stir before application. Using a glass dropper put several drops on a clean cloth or sterile gauze.
Gently apply to affected area. Repeat 2 r 3 times daily until the condition improves. Store remaining blend in a cool place away from direct sunlight. It will keep for 6 months.
Dermatitis and eczema appear very often on elbows and behind knees, under the chin, underarms and groin area. The following blend may be applied as needed to troubled areas. This blend may also be worn to prevent problem skin.
Protective Skin Therapy
In a 2-ounce jar with a wide mouth, add 2 ounces of jojoba oil. Add 5 drops of German chamomile. Cover with a tight fitting screw lid. Allow to cure 3 hours or overnight. To apply, put several drops on a clean cloth or sterile gauze. Gently apply the blend to affected skin. Repeat 2 or 3 times daily, or as needed to facilitate healing.
The following blend is great to alleviate dry, itchy skin. Adults and children can use it.
Itchy Skin Compress
In 1 cup of distilled or purified water, add 1 teaspoon of baking soda. Aluminum free baking soda is referred and may be purchased at a health store in the baking section. Stir the water. Add 3 drops lavender essential oil. Stir again using a non-metal stir after adding the essential oil. Soak sterile gauze in the water and apply to an itchy area of skin. Leave on for 5 to 10 minutes. Use clean sterile gauze and apply to another area, after soaking it in the lavender water. Repeat until the water is used. Discard any leftover water.
If a large area of skin is itching, draw a cool or lukewarm bath. Add ¾ cup of baking soda. Swirl the water with a clean hand to dissolve the baking soda. Add 8 drops of lavender and swirl the water again to distribute the lavender. Immerse the body into the bath and soak15 minutes. Pat dry with a clean towel when finished.
Rosacea
Rosacea is an unusual disorder of the sebaceous glands. The red pustules and hyperplasia of the oil glands occur on the nose, cheeks face and/or chin. It occurs 3 times more often in women than men. The exact cause is unknown. Sunlight usually makes symptoms worse, as does red wine, caffeine and fatty foods. Acne may also occur, as well as patches of dry, cracked skin. I have helped women with dry, cracked, crusty skin covering their entire face to the earlobes. Other people may only experience reddening of the cheeks. Doctors for symptoms prescribe tetracycline antibiotics.
In severe cases, I use rose hydro late only, sprayed on the skin several times daily. The rose oil blend in pure water may also be used. Make sure the rose oil is pure and unadulterated, which would worsen the symptoms.
For milder cases, treat with rose or lavender essential oils diluted in jojoba oil. Blue or German chamomile can also be used. Be sure to do a skin test on a small area of facial skin to determine safety. Remember, jojoba oil is not a true oil and will not adversely affect the skin.
Rosacea Skin Treatment and Facial Massage
In 2 ounces of jojoba oil, add the following essential oils:
6 drops Rose
3 drops Lavender
1 drop German chamomile.
Allow the blend to cure 3 hours in a dark, glass bottle with a glass dropper. To apply, drop 4 or 5 drops of the blend on the fingertips. Using firm strokes, move the fingers from the nose to the edge of the face. Continue to repeat this motion over the entire face up to 10 minutes. Reapply drops of the blend as needed. This is a daily routine, best performed at night after cleaning the face. This is a specific massage to reduce rosacea symptoms.