During the chilly winter season, warm, aromatic oils and spices bring comfort to the mind, body and soul. They’re often used to punch up some of our favorite perennial recipes, give an inviting and comforting aroma to a room, and even heat up the body by stimulating circulation.
In addition to their tantalizing and comfort-giving properties, many wintertime oils and spices also deliver numerous health benefits to internal organs, the mind and even the skin.This is because many of our favorite oils and spices are packed with antioxidant, antiseptic, stimulating, and detoxifying benefits. Much of what they do for the body, they also do for the skin.
Winter Benefit
This winter, support clients in achieving glowing, healthy skin by spicing up their treatments and homecare regimens. Look to cinnamon, clove, orange peel oil, turmeric and paprika, to name a few, not only for their inviting aroma but also for their warming, stimulating and rejuvenating properties.
While these ingredients benefit the skin year-round, they are particularly useful during the winter months as they deliver the hydrating and antioxidant support necessary to keep the skin hydrated and healthy. Clients also enjoy the warming and soothing aromas.
The following nine oils and spices may be used in the treatment room or at home to stimulate circulation and capillary health, reduce inflammation, heal and soothe dry, winter skin, and deliver potent antioxidants to give clients a healthy, glowing appearance.
1. Clove
Primarily used as a natural anesthetic and antiseptic stimulant, Eugenia caryophyllus (clove) has been cultivated the world over for more than 2,000 years. The oil has long been used in Chinese medicine for detoxification and to stimulate the circulatory system. Its aroma also stimulates the mind. Clove’s antiseptic, antimicrobial and antibacterial properties make it ideal for the treatment of acne, as it supports with reducing inflammation, purifying and removing impurities.
2. White Ginger
A well-known anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antioxidant, Hedychium coronarium (white ginger) root stimulates circulation and aids in combatting skin disease
3. Arctic Cranberry
Cranberries contain numerous vitamins and phyto-chemicals such as vitamin B-6, benzoic acid, lutein and proanthocyanidins, which are responsible for the fruit’s high antioxidant and anti-inflammatory content. They’re a powerful source of polyphenols, as well as vitamin C, and work as carrier oil with omega 3, 6, and 9 essential fatty acids to aid in the absorption and utilizations of EFAs in the skin. As a result, Oxycoccus palustris (artic cranberry) seed oil provides lipid barrier protection, assists in moisture retention, relieves dry, itchy conditions, and has been shown to provide an effective barrier against the damaging effects of UV rays.
4. Cinnamon
Cinnamomum cassia (cinnamon) leaf oil is primarily used for its potent antioxidant, antibacterial and antifungal properties, as well as its stimulating effects. It promotes a glowing, healthy complexion by way of the terpenoids found in the oil. It also contains phenolic compounds, flavonoid derivatives, and its antimicrobial and antioxidant properties work to tighten and lift the skin, as well as support overall health and healing.
5. Orange Peel
In addition to its uplifting citrus aroma, Citrus aurantium dulcis (orange) peel oil is a natural source of vitamin C. It works as a natural astringent, and provides antibacterial and toning properties. It’s an ideal ingredient for sensitive or irritated skin.
6. Bergamot
Another oil with an uplifting citrus aroma, Citrus aurantium bergamia (bergamot) fruit oil is considered a balancing oil and provides gentle antiseptic and toning properties.
7. Black Spruce
From a species of spruce tree in the pine family, Picea mariana (black spruce) leaf oil delivers a fresh, clean forest scent and provides purifying and cleansing attributes.
8. Turmeric
This potent golden spice provides shielding and healing properties. Curcuma longa (turmeric) protects against damaging environmental elements (UV rays, chemicals, microbes, and other free radicals), and aids in the treatment of acne, hyperpigmentation and eczema, as well as slowing the aging process. It’s known as one of the most powerful antioxidants found in nature and works to protect and heal the skin.
9. Paprika
Paprika capsicum annum (paprika) stimulates and detoxifies cells, and revitalizes and oxygenates the skin. Paprika is made from the grinding of dried bell peppers or chili peppers and is high in antioxidants and vitamin C.
These oils and spices may be found in formulas ranging from cleansers (particularly the bergamot and orange peel oil) to hydrating masks and serums, as well as corrective peels and enzymes leaving numerous ways to work them into the treatment room this season. Clients will revel in the enticing scent and a glowing complexion following their treatment, and to continue the care at home consider integrated these ingredients into their at-home systems to help them maintain hydration and circulation during cold winter months.