Aromatherapy Joana Lages essential oils Image

Aromatherapy by Joana Lages

The role of essential oils in aromatherapy and skin & hair care

Essential oils have long been valued for their therapeutic properties. In skincare and hair care, they offer natural solutions to address concerns such as acne, dandruff, aging, and hair loss, while also promoting emotional well-being.

How do essential oils work on skin and hair?

According to Joana Lages, essential oils act through various mechanisms depending on their chemical composition:

Anti-inflammatory and regenerative action – Oils like lavender and chamomile contain sesquiterpenes and alcohols that soothe irritation and stimulate cellular repair.
Antimicrobial properties – Tea tree and rosemary combat bacteria and fungi, helping with conditions like acne and dandruff.
Oil regulation – Lemon and geranium help balance sebum production on the skin and scalp.
Microcirculation stimulation – Oils such as rosemary and peppermint promote blood circulation, supporting hair growth.

Three main pathways of action

Biochemical action – Active compounds (such as monoterpenes and aldehydes) interact with skin and scalp cells, providing regenerative, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial effects.
Physical action – Due to their lipophilic nature, essential oils penetrate the skin easily, stimulating microcirculation and enhancing nutrient absorption.
Aromatic action – By interacting with the olfactory bulb, essential oils influence the nervous system, regulating hormonal and emotional balance—this directly impacts skin and hair health.

The emotional impact of essential oils on skin and hair health

"Emotional well-being directly influences skin and hair health," says Joana Lages. Stress can lead to skin inflammation, hair loss, and premature aging. Essential oils such as lavender and frankincense help reduce stress and promote hormonal balance, supporting skin and scalp health. Additionally, ylang-ylang’s relaxing effect can minimize conditions like dermatitis and psoriasis.

What makes essential oils different from other active ingredients?

Joana explains that essential oils, being natural and highly concentrated plant extracts, offer unique benefits compared to synthetic ingredients:

Multifunctionality – A single essential oil can provide anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antimicrobial properties.
Skin compatibility – Properly used, essential oils are well-absorbed and work synergistically with natural skin processes.
Natural potency – Unlike synthetic fragrances, essential oils contain bioactive compounds that deliver real therapeutic benefits.
100% natural composition – Free from preservatives and chemical additives.
High bioavailability – Ensuring efficient absorption and longer-lasting effects.

Key compounds and their effects

Essential oils contain various compounds that determine their therapeutic properties:

Monoterpenes (e.g., limonene, alpha-pinene) – Found in citrus and pine oils, they offer purifying and toning effects.
Sesquiterpenes (e.g., bisabolol, beta-caryophyllene) – Present in chamomile and frankincense, known for their calming and regenerative properties.
Aldehydes (e.g., citral, neral) – Found in citronella and lemongrass, providing antifungal and anti-inflammatory benefits.

The synergy between these compounds enhances their efficacy. For instance, lavender combines alcohols and esters, offering both regenerative and calming properties, while tea tree oil’s monoterpenes and phenols give it strong antimicrobial power.

Quality and safety considerations

"The extraction method directly affects the purity and efficacy of essential oils," Joana emphasizes. Steam distillation and cold pressing preserve the bioactivity of essential oils, while solvent extraction can compromise therapeutic properties.

Indicators of high-quality essential oils:

Correct botanical name
Safe extraction method
Traceable origin
Certifications like GC/MS (gas chromatography/mass spectrometry)

Practical uses and safety guidelines

Effective essential oils for skin and hair concerns

Acne – Tea tree, lavender, rosemary
Scars – Rosehip, frankincense
Dandruff – Cedarwood, tea tree
Hair loss – Rosemary, peppermint

Anti-aging benefits

Certain essential oils, such as frankincense, rose, and sandalwood, possess antioxidant properties that combat free radicals and boost collagen production, aiding in skin rejuvenation.

Safe usage practices

While essential oils offer numerous benefits, they must be used safely:

Photosensitivity – Citrus oils can cause skin reactions if exposed to sunlight.
Sensitivity – Oils like cinnamon can irritate the skin.
Toxicity – Some oils, like eucalyptus, can be harmful in high doses, especially for children.

Safe dilution guidelines:

For skin – 1-3% in a carrier oil (e.g., jojoba, rosehip)
For hair – 2-5 drops per tablespoon of carrier oil or shampoo

Combining essential oils with other products

"Carrier oils are ideal vehicles for better absorption and hydration," notes Joana. Combining essential oils with plant-based oils or creams can enhance their therapeutic effects.

Innovations and future trends

Recent advances in aromatherapy:

Encapsulation technology – Prolongs the release of active compounds.
Nanotechnology – Enhances bioactive compound absorption.

"The natural cosmetics market is increasingly recognizing the connection between emotional well-being and physical health," Joana highlights.

Emerging trends:

Emotional skincare – Products combining skincare with aromatherapy to promote relaxation and balance.
Spa protocols – Essential oils are used in facial and hair treatments to enhance sensory experience and therapeutic outcomes.
Personalized cosmetics – Tailored essential oil blends for individual skin and hair needs.

"Aromatherapy is no longer just a complementary approach—it is becoming a key pillar in holistic skin and hair care," concludes Joana Lages.

This integration reflects a future where beauty and well-being are interconnected, with essential oils playing a vital role in supporting both physical and emotional health.

Want to experience the benefits of essential oils? Browse our organic essential oils collection and find the perfect match for your skincare and haircare routine.

FAQ

How do you introduce essential oils into your beauty routine?

You can add essential oils to your moisturizer, serum, or mask. You can also dilute them in a blend of vegetable oils for enhanced hydration and nourishment.

The dosage of essential oil in a vegetable oil for skin application depends on its use and the skin’s sensitivity. The general recommended proportions are:

Facial care (sensitive skin):
1% → 1 drop of essential oil per 5 ml of vegetable oil.
2% (if well tolerated) → 2 drops per 5 ml.

Body care (normal skin):
2 to 3% → 4 to 6 drops per 10 ml of vegetable oil.

Therapeutic use (pain relief, skin infections, etc.):
5% → 10 drops per 10 ml.
10% (occasional use, localized areas) → 20 drops per 10 ml.

Very targeted application (muscles, joints):
15 to 20% max → 30 to 40 drops per 10 ml.

Precautions:

Always perform a patch test on the inside of the elbow 24 hours before use.
Do not apply essential oils pure to the skin unless advised by a professional.
Avoid use during pregnancy, breastfeeding, for children under six years old, and for individuals with sensitivities (such as asthma or epilepsy.)

Can I use an essential oil directly on my skin?

No, essential oils must be diluted in a carrier oil (e.g. jojoba or calendula oil) to avoid irritation.

What's the best essential oil for hair growth?

Rosemary and peppermint oils are known to stimulate hair follicles and improve circulation, promoting growth.

Which oil should I use for acne?

The appearance of a pimple is the result of three main factors:

increased sebum production,
an accumulation of dead skin cells on the surface of the skin, leading to clogged pores,
and the proliferation of bacteria responsible for skin inflammation.

Tea tree, lavender and rosemary have antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, making them effective for skin prone to acne and other pimples.

Thanks to its natural richness in faradiol, calendula oily macerate also effectively relieves skin inflammation and various types of pimples.

What are the differences between vegetable oils and essential oils?

Vegetable oils and essential oils both come from nature, but they are very different in terms of composition, origin, method of production and use.

Vegetable oils are fats that nourish and protect the skin, while essential oils are concentrates of volatile substances with therapeutic properties.

Vegetable oil

They are extracted from oleaginous plants such as baobab and sunflower, or from dried fruit, seeds or flowers. They contain vitamins and fatty acids, and have nutritive, protective, softening and regenerative properties that are beneficial for the skin. They can be used or eaten pure. They can also be used as a base for diluting essential oils.

Essential oil

They are obtained from the flowers, stems, roots or leaves of plants, often by distillation. Their therapeutic properties (toning, digestive, soothing, etc.) vary according to their origin. They generally need to be diluted, for example in a vegetable oil, and can also be inhaled. Care must be taken, however, as there are contraindications to the use of essential oils, as some of their chemical components can be dangerous.

To find out more: The difference between vegetable oils and essential oils