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For most of us winter brings dry skin, partly due to seasonal changes but mostly it’s down to keeping the windows closed and turning up the thermostat.

Adding a few drops of a sweet smelling essential oil to a bottle of carrier oil (available from most pharmacies) and using this as an alternative to expensive (and often drying) bath treats.  Adding a handful of epsom salts to your bath is very cleansing as well.

Some people may find that using this bath oil is enough to keep their skin soft, but most of us will need a little more moisturising.

Try slathering yourself with a body butter after your bath or shower and see how fast your skin absorbs it.  If your skin is really dry try using a body oil before your normal skin cream.   You can also help by patting dry after your shower rather than scrubbing away with your towel.  The slight dampness that remains on your skin will be trapped by the oil or lotion and help to keep your skin hydrated.

There’s no need to use expensive lotions and potions, often the cheaper brands may be better for your skin.  I’m sure that some of the expensive creams with alpha-this and hydroxy-that can be beneficial but having looked closely at the skin of many older ladies (and men) who have used a variety of products I honest think that taking a basic cream and massaging it well in every day will keep your skin looking and feeling supple and glowing.

I do recommend though that you put some effort into finding a cream that has minimum additives and  scents – especially if you have sensitive skin, or eczema-prone skin.

Another thing that many of us just can’t be bothered with is exfoliating.  You can do this by body brushing, using a loofah or using a scrub.  My personal favourite is to mix a big handful of either sugar or salt with a glug of oil and a few drops of essential oil.   Then just slap it on, gently but vigorously  rub rubbing in small circles and paying special attention to knees, elbows and heels.  It’s best to stand in the shower or in your bath to do this as it can get messy!   I like to run my bath to about 10cm or so first and then I top it up and soak in the residue.

One bonus of making your own oils is that you can choose your own favourite smells – look at some of my posts about essential oils and aromatherapy for some good ideas about which oils to use.  Some of them will help you to sleep, others are ideal for waking you up in the morning.

Happy smooth Autumn!

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As we are all aware Aromatherapy is nothing new to civilization. However it is unlikely that you will find the word man and aromatherapy in the same sentence. In fact if you ask most guys what they know of Aromatherapy for men you would receive a vacant stare in return as they draw blanks in the mental index. The truth of the matter is many properties of Aromatherapy for men will benefit in todayís society. We are not living in the days of hunter gathers so the types of stress a man faces today are different compared to tribal days.  Not to say that the amount of stress is not similar to hunting or being hunted. I guess it can be summed up that todayís stress is a battle of the mind. When I think of how Aromatherapy has changed my life I reflect on three major benefits that have taken place in my life. This article will address the benefits of Aromatherapy for men in todayís modern culture.

I think it would be appropriate to start from the beginning and briefly go over what Aromatherapy actually is, in case any of you guys donít know. Believe it or not modern Aromatherapy was actually identified in France by a man named Rene Maurice Gattefosse in the 1920ís. Mr. Gattefosse was a chemist and apparently so prone to getting burned in his lab he became somewhat of a authority on burns from his own personal experience. One day as Mr. Gattefosse lit his arm on fire in a panic he doused the flames in a vat of lavender oil. Gattefosse experienced immediate relief from the pain and additionally in the days to come the recovery process was extremely short with minimal scarring. Compared to the previous burns he had experienced he could not deny he was on to something. After the incident Gattefosse dedicated his life to the study of Aromatherapy. So guys there you go nothing to be shy about Aromatherapy for men is totally natural.

The number one benefit that I have seen happen in my life is the ability to deal with the stress in modern life. Previously to my experiments with Basil Oil my depression what at a all time high. Itís difficult to describe the properties of Basil Oil without smelling them in person. It is important to note that you should never use the exotic variety of basil it could possibly be a source of cancer. However Basil oil is amazing at giving me a second wind at the end of the day. I have more quality time with my daughter and strangely am able to let go of the stress I have had during the day. My focus is sharper so I can think clearly about positive aspects in life and bring my self to a place that is pleasant. I have also used Lemon oil but I tend to favor Basil but you should try both.

When thinking about Aromatherapy for men think about what it can do for us when we are sick. Letís face it most men turn to kittens when a cold strikes. Believe it or not Aromatherapy can get you back to the testosterone injected beefcake you once believed yourself to be. Let me introduce you to my little friendÖ..Eucalyptus oil and mint. During a cold or flu this little combo delivers a knockout in clearing the nasal passages. Give it a shot the next time you a feeling sick. Also another amazing essential oil is Yarrow oil it can get rid of most cold and flu symptoms. Obviously again this is treating the symptoms and not the cause but again it should be enough to get yourself positive enough to fight back mentally.

Aromatherapy for men is also important in the area of skin burns. Lets face it guys are prone to skin burns. A nasty header burn on the leg can be a real bummer for the weekend. Skin burns are no bueno and as previously mentioned lavender oil is a great way to get some relief. You may also want to try Bergamot for cold sores combined with Eucalyptus oil provides amazing relief.

Aromatherapy for men in the future will more than likely be more commonplace than it is today. I know from personal experience that it has had a tremendous effect on my relationship at home after a stressful day. I get through sickness with less misery and if by chance when Iím out playing I should get some sort of skin damage well Iím covered there as well. Aromatherapy for men in all has many uses. Just remember itís making your life easier if you are having trouble getting over the stereotype. You are facing some risks with aromatherapy and in turn you will need to become informed with the techniques involved in producing the results you are looking for. If you are interested I have link to my website below full of information on Aromatherapy and yes Iím a man.

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The origin of aroma therapy can be traced back to pre historic period, in the countries of ancient Egypt, Far East and China. The concept aims at the holistic treatment of the human body by making use of the immensely useful essential oils obtained from various herbs and plants.

The essential oils are normally obtained from the various parts of specific plants extracted by distillation and applied along with diluters such as almond oil, coconut oil etc. The oil content in these plants is so low that it takes huge quantities of plant parts to yield smaller quantities of essential oil, to cite an example around 440 ponds of fresh lavender flowers are required to produce a meager 2.5 pounds of essential lavender oil. That makes this product very dear.

The use of these essential oils is a part of ones life style and they takes care of the health and well being of the entire family. These oils have since become very popular in various parts of the world . Though the aromatic plants used to produce these essential oils were known and put to use since time immemorial the term ëaroma therapyí is of recent origin, to be precise from the early 90s only. Let us examine the use of these plants as a scent to alters oneís mood, the general atmosphere in oneís surroundings and to have a feeling of goodness.

Itís a fact that not only the natural scents serve the above purpose but also by the artificial ones. However the minute difference lies in the most natural fragrance of this nature packed oils that when used gives us a wonderful feeling.

The fairy tales behind the aroma therapy like the claim of its power to cure the cancer or the depression are all packed in mystery. No certified or scientific study has been undertaken on these tall claims the plants are supposed to possess. Even natural health experts treat it as a complimentary therapy only. Aromatherapy belongs to branches of conventional medicines or systems that are not subject to any serious study or research leading to any standardization or certification. This branch of herbal science can be used in various applications like in enhancing the beauty of skin and hair, and also on its influence on oneís moods and feelings known as aromacology. Thirdly its medicinal properties is said to cure or prevent ailments. However the best use of the therapy is said to be its wholesome benefit for the body, mind and the spirit.

Between the fantasized divinity attributed for this herbal science and the sheer neglect of this concept as a magnified traditional culture, lies the real truth of this revived ancient science that can be effectively used to get the best out of the herbal plants, hitherto neglected by the civilized society.

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