Dry, irritiated skin can be particularly problematic for Black skin, which already tends to be more sensitive - and is more likely to show outward signs of trouble.
So what's the answer?
Staying very hydrated, eating well and getting enough rest are all excellent ways to start. You should also invest in a few essential oils.
What Are Essential Oils?
These nutrient rich skin savers are created in small cavities in the cellular structure of plants, either in the root, bark, seed, peel or petal (as in the case of roses). Essential oils can play a significant role in skin care. Fresh herbs and essential oils penetrate deeply into your skin tissues to nourish, repair and restore balance to damaged skin by accelerating cell rejuvenation.
Your skin will improve with time and will appear healthy while at the same time you will be supplying your skin with the natural essences it craves. Their therapeutic properties allow them to effectively assist in the treatment of everything from blemishes, burns, dry skin, and minor skin rashes.
1. Bergamot oil has a spicy lemon-orange like scent and it is excellent for acne prone skin. Loaded with antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and drying properties bergamot is ideal for spot treatment for existing blemishes and oily skin. Bergamot pure essential oil is an excellent natural antiseptic and is excellent in skin care products because it instantly starts the healing process. Using the oil in a facial steam bath is effective for cleansing and healing the skin. The citrus aroma also has a calming affect on the mind and soul.
2. Chamomile oil is strongly aromatic, with a distinct scent of apples. It contains key constitutes that have a soothing effect on the skin. It soothes your skin, lessens and eliminates stress thus bring a natural glow, beauty and a youthful appearance back to your skin. Excellent for skin care particular, eczema, wounds, burns and congested or stressed skin. Applied externally as a wash or compress for skin inflammations, it immediately begins to heal skin and soften the skin. The essential oil was found to reduce the time required to heal burns and the herb kills certain bacteria. Chamomile, like lavender is a miracle worker in skin care.
3. Tea tree oil is an excellent antibacterial treatment making it a valuable acne fighter as well as a natural wound cleaner. Tea tree oil is not just soothing and disinfecting; it is capable of penetrating into the lower skin layers with its anti-inflammatory and disinfectant qualities. This makes tea tree oil excellent in skin care and personal hygiene. Tea tree oil is fast acting and acts to clear up the skin and calm the injured area. The healing properties of this oil make it one of the best essential oils to have in your purse or medicine cabinet.
4. Lavender oil is regarded as the most versatile of oils and is an excellent choice for those new to aromatherapy. It has antibacterial and soothing properties and is excellent as a preventative treatment that effectively stops breakouts while clearing the redness often associated with acne prone skin. Lavender essential oil is helpful with acne, dermatitis, eczema, sores, spots, and wounds. This is one of the few oils that can be used straight on the skin, but use common sense with the use of any essential oil.
5. Clove oil is a very potent essential oil that has burning and purifying properties. In its pure form it is very irritating and should be blended with a carrier oil (like jojoba oil) before being applied to the skin. This soothing oil is one of the best oils for spot treatment of acne. When diluted, clove oil can be applied to the skin to treat newly forming or existing breakouts because it acts very quickly. Clove oil should never be used full strength except on the advice of a licensed homeopathic professional.
Essential oils are rejuvenating agents in that they facilitate the elimination of waste and dead cells and promote regeneration of new healthy cells. Added to a carrier oils such as jojoba oil or olive oil they will nourish and help the skin retain its natural moisture.
Please Note: When you first begin working with essential oils, take care in handling them. When you buy oils, write the names and date purchased. Pure essential oils can last from six months to two years. Due to the large quantity of plant material required, pure essential oils are expensive, but they are also highly effective - only a few drops at a time are required to achieve the desired aromatherapy results. Synthetic oils are available at a lower price, but they do not have the healing aromatherapy powers of the natural essential oils. Always keep essential oils in dark colored glass bottles and stored in a cupboard (away from direct sunlight) in a dry, cool area in your home.
All skin types will benefit from pure essential oils. Your skin will enjoy the good health it deserves!
Seek a licensed clinical aromatherapist for serious skin conditions.