​Less is more” is often touted as the best beauty advice you can follow. But that isn't necessarily the case with your skin care routine. Your skin care routine should work for your lifestyle, your skin type, and your budget. However, it also should include certain types of products - the essentials, if you will.

Here are the six products that you absolutely must include in your skin care routine (and typically in this order).

​1. Cleanser

The obvious first step: A good cleanser sets the stage for your whole routine. Ultimately, your cleanser should be gentle, water-soluble and able to remove your makeup. Avoid anything with soap in it - soap’s pH level is too basic and will dry our your skin.

When it comes to finding the best cleanser, let your unique skin be your guide and choose a product designed to target your primary skin concern (whether that’s acne, dryness, oiliness or sensitivity). 


2. Toner

Toner often gets dismissed as overkill, but as part of a comprehensive skin care regime, toner is actually a pretty crucial step. Not only does it remove any oil or makeup residue, but it also preps your cleansed skin to receive whatever treatments you put on next. Think of it like a pre-serum or a pre-moisturizer. 

Most people choose to skip toners, partly because there’s a lingering assumption that most toners are harsh and irritate the skin. Fortunately, that’s not the case anymore. While they don’t physically “shrink” pores, the new breed of toners can serve multiple purposes, like act as a delivery system for antioxidants, vitamin B derivatives and even toning acids. Additionally, each type of toner is intended for a different skin issue, so it’s important to use the right kind for your skin concern.

Choose a gentle, non-alcohol-based formula with skin-repairing ingredients, as well as calming and anti-inflammatory properties. 


3. Exfoliator

This is a crucial, though definitely not daily, step in your skin care routine. The best ways to go about exfoliating your face is to either use a cleanser with chemical exfoliants in it or use a dedicated physical exfoliator. Either way, look to use this product about twice a week.

Chemical exfoliators are best for sensitive skin, and physical ones (with gritty bits) are good for occasional use if your skin is on the dry and flaky side. 

4. Serums

Serums are one of the most important skin care products you can use. Serums are super-concentrated, nutrient-dense treatments that address specific concerns (brightening, repairing, hydrating, anti-aging, etc.), so it’s better to keep them as close to the skin as possible. There are various serums available on the market today, but antioxidant serums, which provide a variety of benefits from blunting your skin’s inflammatory response to neutralizing damage from UV rays and environmental pollutants, are generally recommended. 


5. Targeted Treatments

These are the big guns, generally for treating blemishes, dark spots and physical symptoms of skin conditions, like eczema. Targeted treatments usually have powerful ingredients that should be used sparingly and (usually) at night to avoid damage from sun sensitivity, but they really work. Retinols and hyperpigmentation treatments fall into this category.


6. Moisturizer

The last step in your skin care routine is as important as the first. Yes, everyone needs a moisturizer, even if you have oily skin. Even though your body has its own natural lubricating system consisting of glands that secrete oil to maintain a protective coating against harsh outside conditions and infections, most of us do need extra hydration after the havoc that sun, weather and harsh chemicals wreak on our skin. No matter what state your skin is in, it needs to remain hydrated. Luckily, moisturizers are made for all kinds of complexions, either oil-free or loaded with skin care goodies like antioxidants and vitamins.

You can use a facial oil as a moisturizer, too, no matter what your skin type. Different types of oils have different benefits, but generally, skin likes it because it matches its own sebum texture.


7. Sunscreen

Last but definitely not least is sunscreen. Sunscreen should be the last step in your daytime skin care routine if you’re using a physical or mineral sunscreen, which works by physically blocking the UV rays. Since the sun is one of the most damaging forces to the skin and overexposure can increase your risk for various types of skin cancer. Help your skin protect itself by never skipping the sunscreen. 

Conclusion

Aside from the order of application, some experts believe it’s also important to consider the time it takes for your skin to absorb your products. However, since most of us are often in a rush to get somewhere (or hit the sack), this isn’t always possible. The answer to this riddle? Keep your skin care routine simple.

Many products say you have to wait anywhere from five to 30 minutes before the next step to ensure proper absorption, but who has time for that? If you make it too complicated, you just won’t do it. If you have many steps, pause for a bit (a minute) to allow each product time to react with the skin. 

Another piece of advice? Listen to your skin. Remember that you are unique and that nobody else has your skin. No matter what experts say, it’s important to find what works for you and to always be kind to your skin.

We use and recommend Dermalogica skin care products! Book a facial with us today by clicking the button below. 

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​If you are thinking about creating a habit of using essential oils, this blog gives you all the information you need to make informed decisions about essential oils, aromatherapy and what benefits of essential oils may be right for you.
 
More-and-more people are turning to more natural & holistic approaches to healthcare. By using natural remedies to heal ourselves we can be free of the worries of unwanted side effects.
 
One of the safest and most effective forms of alternative medicines is aromatherapy. Aromatherapy uses plant-based essential oils to provide the mind and body with numerous health benefits. These oils are typically inexpensive and free of harmful side effects.  Even better, they work very quickly as the oils get absorbed through the skin and lungs.
 
What Is Aromatherapy?
 
Aromatherapy is the use of aromatic essential oils derived from plants for the purpose of enhancing the well-being of one's physical or psychological health. Aromatherapy has been used for centuries as an alternative medicine that safely and effectively treats numerous ailments.
 
To create essential oils, the natural oils in certain plants are extracted and distilled, resulting in an extremely concentrated product with concentrated healing benefits.
 
Essential oils used in aromatherapy trigger responses in the brain that send healing to the body. These oils can balance out hormone levels, heal digestive disorders, and dramatically reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety.
 
Scientific studies have shown that aromatherapy is a completely legitimate form of medicine. By inhaling essential oils, nerves in the nose trigger powerful brain responses. Similarly, topical application allows these essential oils to quickly enter the bloodstream by being absorbed through skin tissue.
 
When selecting essential oils, it is important to look for pure and natural products. Oils that contain synthetic chemicals and dyes will not be effective.
 
How Can Essential Oils Be Applied?
 
Aromatherapy can be applied in many different ways depending on the condition that you want to address.
 
Topical use of essential oils is effective in treating skin ailments and mood disorders.
 
Some essential oils are beneficial when ingested. For instance, by swallowing peppermint essential oil, you can relieve gas and stomach cramps. Some essential oils can even be used as flavoring agents that offer nutritional value, such as lemon essential oil, which adds flavor to water while providing the body with vitamin C.
 
Essential oils for anxiety and other brain imbalances are delivered through diffuser or a hot bath. By simply breathing the oil, you will receive the benefits that this oil can offer on a psychological level.
 
These scents work in two ways. First, smell is powerful. Pleasant smells remind us of good times and relieve nerves, stress and anxiety. Second the chemicals inhaled actually enter the bloodstream and can help balance hormone levels.
 
What Is a Carrier Oil?

A carrier oil is an oil in which the essential oil can be diluted. By diluting your essential oil in a carrier oil, it may then easily be applied to the skin. Carrier oils will reduce skin sensitivity and also increase absorption through skin tissue. There are several different carrier oils from which you may choose, including:

• Olive oil
• Coconut oil
• Jojoba oil
• Almond oil
• Avocado oil

 
7 Benefits of Essential Oils
 
It's important to experiment, as different carrier oils may affect your skin differently. For instance, if you are using an essential oil to treat acne, test out a few different oils on a small section of your face to see how your skin reacts.
 
1. Improve Mood and Set a Positive Atmosphere
 
Scents are powerful stimuli that directly enter the brain, triggering intense emotional responses.
 
By inhaling essential oils, your brain will signal certain emotions that can leave you feeling energized, optimistic, and hopeful.
 
Best Essential Oils for Anxiety

These oils can be added to a hot bath or used in an oil diffuser to create a positive atmosphere inside your home.
 
Essential Oils to Improve Mood

• Eucalyptus essential oil is a natural stimulant that can help you wake up more easily in the morning. It can also greatly improve your overall mood.
• Studies have shown that jasmine essential oil can not only significantly reduce stress, but also enhance your overall mood. It can also help make you more alert.
• Orange, jasmine, sandalwood, and vanilla essential oils have all been shown to greatly enhance mood and promote feelings of optimism.
• Grapefruit essential oil can give you an energizing boost to help you start your day.
• Rosemary essential oil not only reduces stress and enhances positive feelings, but also improves cognitive brain function. This oil is highly effective if you need to study for an exam or make a good impression at a job interview.

2. Benefits of Essential Oils for Relaxation and Sleep
 
Studies have shown that aromatherapy is very useful in treating psychological disorders such as stress, depression, and anxiety.
 
By using essential oils to stimulate positive signals in your brain, you can significantly reduce negative emotional conditions. You may use these oils in an oil diffuser or a hot bath.
 
Best Essential Oils for Sleep

You can also apply these oils topically to emotional trigger points throughout the body, such as the neck, the elbows, behind the ears, and the backs of the knees.
 
Essential Oils for Relaxation and Sleep

• The use of lavender essential oil has been shown to be highly effective as an anxiety reducer. Studies have also linked the use of lavender essential oil to a decrease in depression symptoms. Lavender essential oil can even reduce symptoms of PTSD and postpartum depression. As lavender essential oil encourages relaxation of the mind, it can be a powerful sleep aid.
• Bergamot essential oil is a natural anxiety remedy. It has been shown to encourage relaxation and lower blood pressure and heart rate. Bergamot essential oil can also slow down breathing patterns that tend to elevate during moments of anxiety.
• Clary sage oil can reduce anxiety and depression significantly as well. It is a natural mild sedative that has even been shown to reduce seizures. Clary sage oil can balance hormone levels and is incredibly useful as a treatment for PMS symptoms.

3. Inflammation Relief
 
Certain essential oils have powerful anti-inflammatory properties that, when applied to the skin, can reduce irritation and inflammation. These oils may either be applied directly to skin or used with a carrier oil.
 
Essential Oils for Inflammation Relief

• Tea tree oil is effective in treating acne and skin inflammation. It can reduce redness associated with inflammation as well.
• For digestive inflammation, peppermint essential oil can be highly effective. Peppermint essential oil can reduce inflammation of the intestines that results from digestive disorders.
• Rosemary and eucalyptus essential oils can reduce inflammation of the sinuses and throat associated with colds. These two oils can also open up congested airways and clear out clogged sinus passages.
• If you have dandruff or an itchy scalp, rosemary essential oil can provide itch relief and dramatically reduce irritation.
• Thyme essential oil is known for its potency as an anti-inflammatory. It's been shown to reduce respiratory inflammation when inhaled.

4. Benefits of Essential Oils for Pain Relief
 
Aromatherapy can significantly reduce pain, as the oils can be absorbed through the skin. The topical use of essential oils in the treatment of pain is completely safe and works quickly.
 
Essential Oils for Pain Relief

• Ginger, frankincense, and myrrh essential oils can provide fast relief to the muscles, joints, and tendons for arthritis pain.
• Helichrysum oil can heal damaged muscle tissue and reduce pain associated with illnesses such as fibromyalgia.
• Chamomile oil can quickly relieve pain related to the digestive system, as well as menstrual cramps. Chamomile oil is also an effective pain relief treatment for lower back and muscle pain.
• Peppermint essential oil can instantly relieve pain associated with gas when ingested. It can also relieve nausea and indigestion.
• Both lavender and rosemary essential oils have been shown to greatly reduce tension headaches and migraines. By applying these oils directly to the temples and on either side of the nose, the inhalation sends quick pain relief, as these oils are received by the brain in seconds.

5. Prevent Certain Illnesses and Boost the Immune System
 
Many essential oils have anti-fungal, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory properties that can prevent the development of certain illnesses.
 
Aromatherapy can also improve the immune system, as essential oils that are breathed in enter the lungs and are then absorbed into the bloodstream.
 
Essential Oils to Boost the Immune System

• Eucalyptus, peppermint, and tea tree essential oils can greatly prevent colds by keeping your passageways clear of congestion and bacteria.
• Cinnamon, eucalyptus, oregano, sage, and frankincense essential oils have been shown to boost immune system function when inhaled.
• Tea tree oil is a powerful antibacterial and anti-fungal that can prevent cuts and fungus from developing into severe infections.
• Clove essential oil has successfully boosted immune system function in patients with Lyme disease.
• A powerful antibacterial, oregano oil can be ingested to heal infections throughout the body, preventing them from developing into more serious conditions.
• Garlic essential oil is a powerful healing oil that can be ingested to fight off various fungal, viral, and bacterial infections.

6. Heal Skin Irritations
 
Certain essential oils have powerful anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. This makes them a highly effective natural method to healing skin irritations of all kinds.
 
When applied topically to the skin, these essential oils quickly get absorbed into the deeper levels of skin tissue and promote healing.
 
Essential Oils to Heal Skin Irritations

• Tea tree essential oil can effectively reduce pimples and blemishes by killing the bacteria on the face that causes acne. It can also reduce eczema and provide quick relief to insect bites and sunburn.
• To heal cuts quickly, apply lavender essential oil to the skin directly. The antibacterial properties of lavender essential oil will hasten the healing process.
• Lemongrass essential oil is an effective facial astringent, eradicating acne and significantly reducing the appearance of large pores.
• Basil essential oil can reduce itching and irritation associated with insect bites and eczema.
• Rosemary essential oil can reduce skin irritation on the scalp and face by working as a gentle anti-inflammatory.
• To treat sun damage, apply carrot seed essential oil to the skin. This will reduce sunburns effectively.

7. Safer Alternative to Candles and Incense
 
Aromatherapy is an effective way to make your home smell wonderful in a completely safe way.
 
Candles and incense put your home at risk of fire. They are especially dangerous if you have pets or small children.
 
However, by using an oil diffuser, you can dramatically change the smell of your home without putting your precious belongings at risk.
 
An oil diffuser is a small device that can be placed on any surface of your home. It acts as a miniature humidifier, filling the room with steam or sonically induced water vapor.
 
Simply fill the tank with water and add 10-15 drops of your favorite essential oil combination. As the water vapor "diffuses", the fragrances will take over your home, allowing you to enjoy the benefits of aromatherapy while you go on with your daily routine.
 
Conclusion of Aromatherapy and Essential Oil Benefits

We hope that you found this article on the natural benefits of essential oils to be valuable. We tried to link to the deeper research many of the essential oil benefits are based upon as often as possible.
 
By understanding the many essential oils benefits, you can heal your mind and body in a completely safe and natural way. Aromatherapy has been around for centuries and is an effective way to treat an enormous variety of ailments.
 
If you are new to the concept of aromatherapy, you can get an essential oil starter pack here.
 
Also, if you would like to enjoy the many benefits of using an oil diffuser in your home, this oil diffuser is a favorite of ours.
  
If you enjoyed the article or have any further questions about aromatherapy or the essential oil benefits, please let us know in the comments below.
 
If you have your own stories about how aromatherapy or essential oils impacted you life, please also share these thoughts  in the comment section below.
 
Like this essential oil benefits post?
If you know anyone else who can benefit from the benefits of essential oils, feel free to share this article.
 
Thanks!
 
Stay Healthy

If you want a clear, well-hydrated complexion and more youthful appearance, facials are a necessary addition to your skin care routine. Millions of people enjoy the relaxing, skin-improving features of a facial on a regular basis.

What does a facial do?
A professional facial is designed to help improve your skin and to help you relax. Facials are customized treatments for the face, neck and decolette that help prevent and treat common problems like acne, aging and hyperpigmentation, says Brianna Karavas, aesthetician at Julinda's Spa & Salon. Having a smooth, glowing complexion is only part of the allure; facials can also:

• Remove dead skin cells
• Improve the appearance of fine lines and blemishes
• Clear your pores
• Moisturize and hydrate

The end result? Healthier, younger looking skin.

What are some of the different types of facials?
Many brand, Dermalogica, offers their signature facials targeting various skin concerns, says Karavas. She notes that there are many types of different facials, each designed for a specific type of skin or concern. These are: deep cleansing facials, acne prevention facials, rejuvenating facials, anti-aging facials, brightening facials, chemical peels, and microdermabrasion facials.

How should you prepare for a facial?
Know what products you are currently using and what your main skin concerns are, says Karavas. This is your best way to ensure the results you want and avoid irritating your skin during or after the treatment.

Want to ensure full relaxation during your facial? Karavas recommends turning off your cell phone and enjoying the moment.

Julinda's Salon & Spa uses Dermalogica Professional Skincare products. Your treatment will begin by completing a short form allowing the aesthetician to get to know you and your skin care routine.

When you are comfortably on the treatment table, the Dermalogica trained technician will pre-cleanse your face, allowing her to evaluate your skin. This process is called Face Mapping. It discerns areas of concern and areas to concentrate on during the facial. It also determines what professional products will be utilized during the facial.

According to aesthetician Karavas, there will be a thorough cleansing, treatment with steam, extractions if necessary, a facial massage, a mask mixed specifically for your skin, facial serum and moisturizing to complete the treatment. During the facial, you will also be offered a hand, foot or scalp massage.


How do you care for your skin after a facial?
Post-treatment breakouts and irritation are possible if the products used were too harsh for your skin or if your pores weren't cleared and cleansed properly. To minimize redness and blemishes following a facial, you should always follow any specific instructions your aesthetician gives you and cleanse your skin with a gentle, non-comedogenic cream or foam. Also, it's best to skip toner for the first few washes after your facial; your freshly cleaned skin doesn't need it. Because your skin may feel sensitive following a facial, avoid harsh cleansers and vigorous scrubbing for 48 to 72 hours following your treatment.

What can you expect during your first facial?
Facials last an average of 60 minutes; however, what to expect largely depends on your skin. Your experience will depend upon the type of facial you want and your skin type. For example, some facials are designed to help improve certain skin concerns, like acne, and may include extraction (of blackheads/whiteheads) or chemical exfoliation. Others might just hydrate and nourish the skin through a series of steps.

Depending on the type of facial, Karavas explains that some tools may be used on your complexion such as high frequency, microdermabrasion and microcurrent to help enhance your results. She also adds that your aesthetician may provide knowledge on your skin type and how to maintain a proper home care regime.

Best of all? You will leave the spa with a smoother texture, proper hydration, glowing complexion, fewer breakouts and firmer skin, says Karavas.

When should you avoid a facial?
As with any treatment, it's best to check with your doctor if you are pregnant, breastfeeding or have any specific health concerns before scheduling any facial treatment.

During the summertime, it's best to skip chemical peel and more intense resurfacing treatments as these actually remove the top layer of skin, making it extra sensitive and susceptible to sunburn and UV damage.

If you have extremely sensitive or acne-prone skin, you may want to ask your dermatologist for specific recommendations, as some types of facials and peels can irritate your skin even further.

Your face is one of the most exposed parts of your body and, therefore, one of the first areas to start showing signs of aging or environmental stress so treat it with care (and a little pampering, if you so choose). Not ready to visit a professional just yet? You can give yourself a gentle at-home facial using one of the products featured on our site.