TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK

AFEW drops of aromatic bath oil can change your mood immediately.

The cosmetic industry began to pay more attention to the essential oils since they have discovered their true properties.

Until recently the cosmetic oils were used only for a body massage but nowadays there is a huge variety of oils that contain many nourishing and therapeutic ingredients used for different purposes‚ to regulate oily skin, to shrink large pores, to nourish and moisturise the skin, to repair sun damage, to relief dry skin etc.

Nowadays these oils aren’t as oily as they used to be and you can find them at any drugstore or cosmetic counter.

The cosmetic oils are appropriate for every age and for every skin type.

They can be beneficial for both dry and oily skin as they not only moisturise the skin but they also repair and nourish it.

Maybe your have noticed that the newest face creams, moisturizers, cleansers, body lotions and even the makeup products contain different essential oils due to their properties, smell and benefits.

FACE OILS The face oils contain a cocktail of essential (vegetable) oils that are “essential” for a healthy and beautiful skin.

One big misconception is that these oils are appropriate only for dry skin, and that of course isn’t true.

For example the teat tree oil or eucalyptus oil have antibacterial properties that regulate the oil production, shrink large pores and repair the skin.

If your skin is hypersensitive chamomile oil, olive oil or almond oil will be your best choice as these oils calm and soothe the skin immediately after application.

Many of the biggest cosmetic companies began to produce makeup removers in which oil is a main ingredient as it removes any makeup thoroughly without damaging the skin.

How to use and apply face oils? Apply a small amount of the oil over your entire face and neck and rub the oil very gently to spread it evenly.

Leave the oil on your skin for approximately 10-15 minutes and then use a tissue to remove the excess.

You had better apply the oil in the evening if the product is too oily and you don’t feel comfortable with it.

You can also use the oil to massage your skin in order to improve the blood circulation and to “tone” your skin.

Apply the oil with soft, circular motions for about 10 minutes and then remove the excess.

HAIR (SCALP) OILS Your hair, just as your skin, also needs nourishing and extra TLC.

There are different nourishing oils for hair that protect your hair and repair any damage.

The active ingredients that these oils contain penetrate deeply into the scalp.

They nourish the hair and improve blood circulation.

There are oils that regulate the excess sebum production (the biggest problem for those with oily hair), oils that moisturise the hair (for those with dry hair), oils that nourish and repair hair damage (for those with chemically treated hair).

There are even hair oils that prevent and “heal” split ends or frizzy hair.

Some scalp oils can even encourage faster hair growth in people with alopecia areata (excessive hair loss) as they nourish and condition the hair deeply.

How to use and apply hair oil? Hair oils should be applied on dry hair, before washing.

To apply the oil evenly you should separate your hair into a few sections.

Apply the oil only to the roots and to the ends of the hair, depending on the product, with the aid of your fingers or with a brush.

Massage your scalp gently with your fingertips and wrap your head into a towel.

Leave the oil on your scalp for approximately 30 minutes, unless the instruction says otherwise.

To remove the oil you should use hot or lukewarm water to rinse your hair and a mild shampoo.

You can use any hair (scalp) oil once a week to keep your hair and scalp healthy, beautiful and shiny.

BATH OILS A few drops of bath oils can do wonders for your mood and for your skin.

The combination of essential oils and fragranced oils has an aromatherapic action.

The bath oils not only soften the skin but they also contain many moisturizing ingredients that hydrate and sooth even very dry skin.

BODY OILS Body oil is a must for those with dry or sensitive skin.

The body oils are also known as “dry” oils because they are absorbed quickly into the skin without leaving any oily patches.

The body oils usually come in a spray form and the application is very easy (usually takes 1- 2 minutes).

These oils have a big concentration of moisturizing and nourishing ingredients – essential oils that repair the upper layer of the skin.

These oils erase any feeling of dryness or tightness and keep the skin well-moisturized all day long.

How to use and apply body oils? You shouldn’t use body oil for a massage purposes, as most of them absorb quickly into the skin.

Apply the oil on wet skin, straight after a bath as the oil will lock 10 times more moisture than many body lotions or creams.

NAIL AND CUTICLE OILS Nail and cuticle oils are the best “remedy” for brittle, weak nails and dry cuticles.

The nourishing ingredients soften the cuticles, straighten the nails and prevent the appearance of dry cuticles.

How to use and apply nail and cuticle oil? Apply the oil daily by gently rubbing it into the cuticles.

Massage in to help increase circulation to the nail bed and stimulate new nail growth.

Reapply as often as desired.