Monthly Archives: September 2017
September 12, 2017
How to use the FLORA+ FIONA FACIAL OIL
Lots of people have been asking me how to use Facial oil. Here is what I recommend:
To start:
- Remove all make-up.
- Put 3-4 drops onto the palm of your hand and rub together gently.
(If you are using the roller ball, roll on your fingertips with circular movements to release the oil and rub together). - Hold your palms up to the front of the face and breathe in the natural aroma of the oils. For me this is the best part. Breathe in deeply and inhale the natural fragrance of the oils, creating a wonderful feeling of wellbeing.
- Then, massage onto the face, neckline and décolletage with gentle upward movements. Be very careful around the eye area and just pat this delicate area with the fingertips.
- Take as much time as you can, even if it’s just a minute or two, these are valuable moments to enjoy the touch and aroma sensations with these natural oils. Remember, it’s all part of caring for yourself and your skin and giving a little time to tune into nature and all its gifts.
When you are using pure plant oils, you will notice a visible radiance and glow to the skin. I have chosen some of my favourite essential oils, Jasmine, Vetiver and Red Orange because they are deeply comforting and soothing and have mood enhancing properties that help to calm the mind and soothe the skin.
I have also added 6 plant oils which are easily absorbed and packed with vitamin A, C and E, and the Omegas, so necessary for the skin to be nourished and hydrated.
So when are my favourite times to use the Facial Oil?
Firstly, I use the oil post shower in the morning on damp skin. It gives me a positive start to the day and works well as a primer before make-up.
My husband also uses it post shave as a skin balm.
But for me, my special time with the facial oil is the night-time ritual I have developed so that I take some precious time for myself. The bottle is on my bedside table and because the oils are calming and grounding, they are a perfect way for me to end the day.
September 12, 2017
Autumn is in the Air
As the 1st September comes, you can feel the season change. The holidays are over, it’s time for return to school, to college, to work or routine. Many welcome the chance to wear warmer clothes and make lots of plans and resolutions: healthier food, less wine, more exercise, less browsing on the internet, more reading.
I love this change of season. Nature is abundant. The garden is filled with late blossoms, making the most of the September sun, our apple tree is bursting with fruit, the sea is still warm enough for a quick dip and the morning walk is invigorating.
Change is in the air.
I am full of new ideas for oil blends and have been busy creating more formulations for new products. I look forward to sharing new creations with you shortly.
Autumn is also a good time to develop a skincare and wellbeing ritual for the months ahead. The sun has left dry and flaky skin that needs some loving care and attention. For me, natural plant oils are always my first choice.
Unlike many water-based creams that sit on the skin, oils are absorbed quickly and deeply, where their natural nutrients heal and hydrate.
In creating my Facial Oil, Velvet Skin Body Oil and the Carry-on Travel Oil, I wanted them to effect both the body and the mind. Seeing the difference on your body is fundamental, but in all my oil blends, there has to be an emotional dimension, one that you can feel to complete the experience.
A balance between mind and body
FLORA + FIONA botanicals have to tick a few boxes to be included in my blends:
- Easy to absorb – without no greasy residue
- See the difference – soft, hydrated skin with a radiant natural glow
- Feel the difference – breathing in my unique blend of essential oils to give a powerful emotional response
- Be 100% natural – wild harvested and organic oils
- Rich in nutrients, omegas and antioxidants
One of the reasons why I became an aromatherapist was because of the powerful effect the oils can have on the emotions. The connection our sense of smell has with our subconscious is profound and never ceases to amaze me. This effect on the mind is the first thing I think of when I am creating a formulation. It completes the picture!
September 12, 2017
Essential Oil Safety
Essential oils are now available extensively in pharmacies and have become very popular. They are a wonderful addition to everyday life but they are highly concentrated and can be toxic if over-used. I thought it might be useful to give some basic safety guidelines to consider before using essential oils. If in any doubt at all, consult with a qualified aromatherapist or your medical practitioner.
Use of Essential Oils
- Not to be taken internally
- Keep out of reach of children – do not use with children under 7 years old.
- Keep away from the eyes
- If pregnant, do not use in first 12 weeks and seek medical advice before using essential oils at any stage.
- Do not use undiluted
- Do not put directly on the skin. Always put into a base or carrier – oil, cream or gel, even milk will do to dissolve the oil.
- Discontinue if there is an allergic reaction. Seek medical advice
Use a much smaller dose (normally 50%) for elderly and those with serious illness - Check that the bottle says 100% natural essential oil. The botanical name written in Latin must be on the bottle
- Store in a cool dry place – once opened, use within 12 months .
Dosage
- Adopt the approach – Less is more – The oils will be just as effective with a smaller dose. Do not be tempted to add a few extra drops.
The general rule is to use 2 drops to 5ml – (One teaspoon) of base or carrier oil* - Bath 6-8 drops in a carrier oil, milk, aqueous cream or epsom salts
2 drops in a tissue
3-4 drops in a bowl of hot water for steam inhalation.
* carrier or base oil is a vegetable oil, nut oil or wax for e.g sweet almond, coconut, jojoba, apricot kernel, argan, rosehip etc.
Further information:
There are many resources online to read up on essential oils. One site I like as a good resource is https://www.aromatics.com/. Oshadhi Essential Oils does a great newsletter with information on oils. I have previously mentioned Andrea Butje at Aromahead Institute, School of Essential Oil Studies Any question on oils and how to use them please contact me or leave a comment below I would love to hear from you.
September 12, 2017
Prickly Pear Oil: A Precious Oil
PRICKLY PEAR
Botanical Name: Opuntia Ficus Indica – distllled from the Prickly Pear Cactus seed
Prickly Pear oil is one of my favourite plant oils for the skin and one of the most precious. It is expensive but worth it because of its many benefits on skin health. I use it in both FLORA+FIONA Facial Oil and FLORA+FIONA Velvet Skin Body Oil.
Why is it so special?
- Exceptional skin hydrating properties
- Rich in antioxidant, Vitamin E – It has a higher concentration than any other plant oil
- Highest percentage of essential fatty acids. Omega 6 and 9.
- Excellent for mature or damaged skin
- Increases elasticity and brightens the skin adding radiance
- Deeply moisturising and easily absorbed
- Ideal for sensitive skin and dry skin
- Reduces redness and hyper-pigmentation
- Vitamin K to reduce brown spots
While these properties add to the physical well-being of your body and skin no oil is included in my blends that doesn’t also contribute to the emotional well being of the user. I talk about this in more detail in another recent post to this blog.
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