Essential Oils

Hey everyone,

So when it comes to adding scents to our products, there are two methods we use at River Elegance Skincare. The first is Essential Oils and the other is Fragrance Oils.

We have more of a preference to Essential Oils as they are non synthetic and made from natural resources. Essential oils have also been used for hundreds of years (some claim all the way back to Ancient Egypt times) for aromatherapy, meditation and some medicinal practices.

Essential oils are generally potent oils that are extracted from aromatic plant parts, including the root, flower or herb. When extracted properly their beneficial properties are also captured, aslong as strong scents and flavors. Most essential oils are classed as "neat" meaning they have not been diluted, mixed, processed and don't have any additives.

Unfortunately, just not all scents are captured in essential oils and that's where we do bring a few fragrance oils. Although fragrance oils are man made they still fall under two categories; synthetic and natural. Research says that a Natural fragrance oil is safer for people with sensitive skin, than a Synthetic fragrance oil.

Synthetic Fragrance Oils are created from artificial chemical components that are not found in nature, these fragrances can be a problem for people with sensitive skin, as in some cases up to 80 chemical components can be found in one synthetic fragrance oil. These fragrances are used in most commercial products as they hold their scent really well for extended periods of time.

The other fragrance oils are Natural Fragrance Oils, now don't get too caught up on the word Natural there, these fragrances are still man made in a lab, but what classes them as natural is that they are made by isolating a naturally derived fragrance component. Yes that last bit was a bit of a mouthful, what it really means in lamers terms that the scent is derived from a natural source but is copied or mimicked within the lab.

At River Elegance Skincare we have a larger list of Essential oils that we use than the Fragrance Oils, and that is because we are not afraid to pay a little more to get a safer fragrance option for your skin.

If you want to read up on some of the claimed benefits of the essential oils we use in our products, we have it listed below:

Rose Essential Oil - hydrates skin, clears acne*, reduce signs of ageing*, minimize the appearance of scars, and help with conditions such as eczema and rosacea.

Palmarosa Essential Oil - is well known for its hydrating properties, and can assist in preventing inflammation and quelling dehydration. It also balances the sebum or oil production of your skin, aids in the healing of cuts and bruises, and helps remedy acne breakouts*.

Geranium Essential Oil - known to reduce feelings of stress, anxiety, sadness, fatigue and tensions, thereby enhancing the general sense of well-being and relaxation, while offering relief to those suffering from insomnia*.

Peppermint Essential Oil - naturally cleanses the skin and has antiseptic and antibacterial properties. It has a cooling affect which soothes irritation and inflammation caused by acne*.

Vetiver Essential Oil - Helps in clearing acne, and acne marks*. It exhibits very strong anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties. Some research says that the acne causing bacteria do not find favorable conditions to grow in the presence is the anti-bacterial properties of vetiver essential oil. It is also said to have excellent antioxidant actions that help to prevent premature ageing in your hair follicles.

Cedar-wood Essential Oil - has anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial properties. This may make it beneficial for skin conditions like acne*. - One case study indicated that the addition of cedar-wood oil to traditional acne treatments was helpful for alleviating and reducing stubborn breakouts. Cedar-wood essential oil may also help reduce and soothe an itchy, flaking scalp. This may be beneficial for treating dandruff and scalp eczema.

Lime Essential Oil - the pleasant citrus scent is invigorating and may help promote mental clarity and encourage creativity. Topically, lime e.o provides antioxidants to the skin, which may reduce dark spots due to ageing* and acts as an insect deterrent, whilst also helping to purify the skin and hair.

Orange Essential Oil - is antiseptic and anti-inflammatory which makes it an ideal ingredient in your skin and hair routine. Orange oil is not just for acne prone skin, it is shown to increase the ability to absorb Vitamin C, collagen production and blood flow, all of which are essential for anti-aging*.

Vanilla Essential Oil - Promotes skin health, is said to help keep skin clear of acne and fending off free radical damage*. Can also help in preventing wrinkles, fine lines and aging spots*.

Lavender Essential Oil - is believed to help promote calmness and wellness. It is also said to help reduce stress, anxiety, and possibly even mild pain.

Sandalwood Essential Oil - It is believed to be beneficial in treating both physical and mental disorders*, including anxiety, bronchitis, diarrhea, fatigue, fever, gallbladder problems, high blood pressure, indigestion, insomnia, liver problems, low libido, sore throat and urinary tract infections.**

* these are claims made by researchers and have not been proven to be true by anyone within River Elegance Skincare. If you want to know more about these claims, please contact your healthcare professional.

** no one at River Elegance Skincare are health professionals or qualified to give medical advice, the information provided is a guide into some research that is happening around the world. Please consult you Healthcare Professional for information regarding these claims, and if they may benefit you.