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DragonFly Moon Aromatherapy & Gifts Owner/Operator Suzanne Horner Email: aroma1@telus.net |
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Citrus Grove Nutrifying
Hand and Body Moisturizing Lotion Aloe Vera Oil Aloe Vera is composed of water, the enzymes catalase and cellulose, minerals, calcium, aluminum,
iron, zinc, magnesium, sodium, 20 amino acids and carbohydrates. Aloe Vera
also contains the "youth mineral" potassium. Has renowned healing and
anti-inflammatory property, great at soothing dry irritated skin Shea butter (Butyrospermun parkii) Shea butter is
solid and comes from the natural fat obtained from the karite tree grown in
West and Avocado
Oil (Persea
Americana) Avocado oil is made from the pulp of the avocado fruit. It is a rich, heavy but penetrating oil that is full of
nutritive and therapeutic components. Avocado oil contains more than 20 %
essential unsaturated fatty acids. It contains vitamins A, C, D and E,
proteins, beta-carotene, lecithin, fatty acids and the "youth
mineral" potassium. Avocado oil is high in unsaponifiables (sterolins)
which are reputed to be beneficial in reducing age spots, healing scars and
moisturizing the upper layers of the skin Silk
Amino Acids The mixture of amino
acids resulting from the complete hydrolysis of silk. The principal amino
acids contained within are glycine, alanine, and serine. Their low molecular weight indicates
that the molecules can penetrate the cuticle in undamaged hair as well as the
surface layer of the epidermis. Silk amino acids improve skin and hair with
regard to feel and gloss, and have a moisturizing effect due to their
water-binding properties Vitamin A
stimulates skin cell renewal by increasing the rate of mitotic cell division.
Topical vitamin A has also been shown to stimulate collagen synthesis. One
mechanism by which vitamin A promotes youthful cell production is to
facilitate the stimulating effects of epidermal growth factor Vitamin C An article in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
discussed the issue of vitamin C and concluded that: Vitamin C is a
valuable antioxidant and protectant against photo damage that is created by
sunlight in both the UVB and UVA bands…. Although oral supplementation may
also be useful, topical preparations are able to deliver a higher dosage to
the needed area. Topical vitamin C does not absorb or block harmful
ultraviolet radiation like a sunscreen. Instead, it augments the skin’s
ability to neutralize reactive oxygen singlets
[free-radical damage] that are created by the ultraviolet radiation, thereby
preventing photo damage to the skin. It becomes an integral part of the skin
and remains unaffected by bathing, exercise, clothing, or makeup. Used
appropriately, topical vitamin C is an important adjunct to the use of
sunscreens, an adjunctive treatment to lessen erythema
[redness] in skin resurfacing, a helpful adjunct or an alternative to Retin-A in the treatment of fine wrinkles, and a
stimulant to wound healing. (January
2000, pages 464–465) Vitamin E acts as a free
radical scavenger and hinders the oxidizing process in the skin and promotes
soft and supple skin. As an antioxidant it defends the skin. It is helpful in
reducing scars and promotes healing. It also acts as a natural preservative
for products. It is obtained by the vacuum distillation of edible vegetable
oils. Vitamin E oil is an emollient. According
to the AMA's committee on Cutaneous Health: Emollients do help make the skin feel softer and
smoother; reduce roughness, cracking and irritation. As well, it may possibly
retard the fine wrinkles of aging. As an antioxidant, it is believed to
remove the free radicals that cells produce and is considered an antioxidant
superstar. Vitamin E is a lipid-soluble vitamin (meaning it likes fat better
than water) that has eight different forms, of which some are known for being
excellent antioxidants when applied topically to skin, particularly alpha tocopherol and the tocotrienols (Current Problems in Dermatology,
2001, volume 29, pages 26–42 Free Radical Biology and Medicine, May 1997, pages 761–769 Journal of Nutrition, February 2001, pages 369S–373S International Journal of Radiation Biology, June 1999, pages 747–755) Other
studies have indicated that “the acetate form (tocopherol
acetate) is also bioavailability and protective for skin” (Journal of Cosmetic Science, January-February
2001, pages 35–50). Other
research indicates that “tocopherol sorbate as providing significant antioxidant protection
against ultraviolet radiation–induced oxidative damage.” (Journal of Investigative Dermatology,
April 1995, pages 484–488) Pointing to
the significance of vitamin E for skin is an article in the Journal of
Molecular Medicine which states: More than other tissues, the skin is exposed to
numerous environmental chemical and physical agents such as ultraviolet light
causing oxidative stress [free-radical damage]. In the skin this results in
several short- and long-term adverse effects such as erythema
[redness], edema [swelling], skin thickening, wrinkling, and an increased
incidence of skin cancer…. Vitamin E is the major naturally occurring
lipid-soluble … antioxidant protecting skin from the adverse effects of
oxidative stress including photo aging [sun damage]. Many studies document
that vitamin E occupies a central position as a highly efficient antioxidant,
thereby providing possibilities to decrease the frequency and severity of
pathological events in the skin. (January
1995, pages 7–17) Bergamot
Essential Oil (Citrus Bergamia)
is uplifting, refreshing and relaxing. Encourages cheerful emotions and is
ideal for combating depression. In helping with mental and psychological
states, Bergamot is most valuable for its uplifting effects. For tension
anxiety or depression, the antiseptic qualities of Bergamot make it ideal for
the treatment of skin complaints such as acne, oily skin and all infections
of the skin. Bergamot is also useful in treating chronic fatigue
syndrome Grapefruit Essential Oil (Citrus Paradisi) Refreshing and reviving, especially when feeling down,
this oil clears the mind and uplifts the spirits with its
A sharp, clear citrus fragrance. Some of the therapeutic properties of
Grapefruit oil are: antidepressant, antiseptic, aperitif, diuretic,
disinfectant, lymphatic stimulant, tonic and anti-infectious. Grapefruit has a high vitamin C content and is therefore valuable to the
immune system. It helps protect against colds and flu. It has an effect on
obesity; its diuretic properties help with water retention and cellulite.
Grapefruit oil is used in cases of muscle fatigue and stiffness. It has a
helpful effect on congested oily skin and acne; it tones the skin and
tissues, and promotes hair growth. It is valuable in cases of stress,
depression and nervous exhaustion, as well as headaches. Grapefruit oil has
great benefits for the immune system; it helps with skin problems, and can be
used for muscle stiffness, water retention and for the nervous system. Lime Essential
Oil (Citrus Aurantifolia) uplifting, energizing oil with a sweet fragrance.
Uplifts and restores vigor aiding recovery during convalescence. Has an
astringent tonic action on the skin. The therapeutic properties of Lime
oil are anti-scorbutic, antiseptic, antiviral, aperitif, bactericidal,
febrifuge, restorative and tonic. Lime oil is useful to cool fevers
associated with colds, sore throats and flu and aids the immune system. It
eases coughs, bronchitis and sinusitis, as well as asthma. Lime oil can
stimulate and refresh a tired mind and helps with depression. It can be
helpful for arthritis, rheumatism and poor circulation, and in cases of
obesity and cellulite. Lime has an astringent and toning action to clear oily
skin and acne, as well as helps with insect bites and cuts. Lime oil can be
beneficial to the immune system; it eases infection in the respiratory tract
and relieves pain in muscles and joints. Lemon
Essential Oil (Citrus Limonum)
Refreshes and cools bringing clarity to mind and emotions restoring vitality
acting as a tonic to the circulatory system. It has beneficial effects on the
immune system and is cleansing on the skin. The therapeutic properties
of Lemon oil are: anti-acid, anti-sclerotic, antibiotic, sedative, and
carminative, anti neuralgic, diuretic, astringent, digestive, anti-spasmodic,
antiseptic, febrifuge, laxative and vermifuge.
Lemon oil can be very beneficial to the circulatory system. It aids
with blood flow and brings down blood pressure and also helps with
nosebleeds. It can help bring down fever; helps relieve throat infections,
bronchitis, asthma and flu. It helps the immune system and can be helpful in
cleansing the body, it improves the functions of the digestive system, and it
is helpful with constipation, dyspepsia and cellulite. Lemon oil can soothe
and relieve headaches and migraines and it can be helpful for rheumatism and
arthritis and is useful in helping to clear up acne, cleaning greasy skin and
hair, as well as removing dead skin cells. Lemon oil helps to fight against
infections, aids the digestive system, soothes headaches, migraines and muscular
problems, and clears greasy skin and hair. Red Mandarin Essential Oil (Citrus Reticulata) is a fruity, tangy and citrusy oil with a gentle cheering effect. Mandarin
essential oil has a delicate aroma true to the scent of the fruit. It
is also useful for treating acne, oily skin and as a treatment for fluid
retention and obesity. Sweet |
