To complement the MASSAGE Magazine article, “Aromatherapy Facial Massage,” by Carollanne Crichton, in the October 2013 issue. Article summary: Aromatherapy involves the skillful application of essential oils to support a desired outcome. In an aromatherapy facial massage, the desired outcome may be focused initially on skin conditions, but a superficial effect is never the whole story when working on the face with essential oils.
Bergamot blends well with cypress, jasmine, juniper, lavender, neroli, lemongrass and citrus. Good for all skin types.
Carrot seed blends well with geranium, lavender, rose, sandalwood, citrus oils, cedarwood and chamomile. Good for skin repair and acne-prone skin.
Chamomile blends well with neroli, fennel, clary sage, bergamot, rose and lavender. Soothing; good for acne-prone skin.
Clary sage blends well with lavender, yarrow, vetiver, bergamot, cinnamon, coriander, cardamom and citrus oils. Good for all skin types; beneficial for acne-prone skin. Stimulates circulation.
Coriander blends well with rosemary, juniper, clary sage, lemon and lavender. Soothing.
Fennel blends well with lavender, chamomile, angelica, cardamom, clove, orange and ginger. Soothing.
Geranium blends well with lavender, bergamot, cinnamon, coriander, cardamom and citrus oils. Good for acne-prone skin. Stimulates circulation.
Jasmine blends well with rose, sandalwood, lavender and citrus oils. Soothing.
Juniper berry blends well with sandalwood, clary sage, pine, lavender, fir needle and rosemary. Astringent; stimulates circulation.
Lavender blends well with most citrus and floral oils, clary sage, pine, geranium and patchouli. Soothing.
Lemongrass blends well with bergamot, lavender, pine, rose and neroli. Stimulates circulation.
Neroli blends well with jasmine, lavender, rose, clary sage, ylang ylang and citrus oils. Good for acne-prone skin. Soothing and tautening.
Marjoram blends well with lavender, rosemary, bergamot, cypress and chamomile. Good for all skin types. Anti-inflammatory.
Myrrh blends well with frankincense, sandalwood, juniper, bergamot, patchouli and thyme. Promotes collagen synthesis and skin repair.
Rosemary blends well with lavender, oregano, thyme, basil, peppermint and petitgrain. Good for acne-prone skin. Stimulates circulation; tautens.
Sandalwood blends well with rose, coriander, lavender, black pepper, patchouli, myrrh and jasmine. Anti-inflammatory; soothing.
Ylang ylang blends well with jasmine, lavender, rose, clary sage and citrus oils. Anti-inflammatory; soothing.
Carollanne Crichton, L.M.T., is board certified as an ayurvedic health consultant, aromatherapist and continuing education provider. She is based in Guilford, Connecticut, where she maintains her healing arts practice as well as Solavedi Organics Formulary (www.solavedi.com), a massage-and-aromatherapy products company. She is available for classes and consultations.