Case Study: Overcoming Skin Problems in Extreme Conditions

3 min to read
Karen Williams
03/03/2023
Case Study: Overcoming Skin Problems in Extreme Conditions

Aromatherapy is an invaluable asset in your health and self-care routine.

As a holistic approach to wellness that uses essential oils extracted from plants, aromatherapy provides skincare benefits, stress relief, improved focus, and emotional balance- all of which can go a long way when you're struggling with fatigue or burnout. We'll explore one inspiring story where this therapeutic practice resulted in successful recovery from skin damage by working outdoors under intense conditions. 

This example is an excerpt from a case study that is part of the experience of our Aromahead Certification Program.

Aromatherapy provides powerful support to an individual's health and well-being, as evidenced by this case study of a student who experienced healing when she added essential oils and skin-nourishing treatments into her client's routine.

Carrier oils are an important part of aromatherapy, and in the story below, choosing the correct application is key.

Student: Anna
Client: Simon is a 29-year-old male whose profession is a surveyor.
Health: This client is generally in good health, but his hard-working lifestyle has left its mark on his hands. In the winter months, he suffers from severely chapped skin that can crack and bleed - making it difficult to perform everyday tasks with sore fingers.
Blend Intention: This blend is designed to nurture his skin's health naturally and protect his hands from further damage. This formulation will help heal existing cracks and chapping while locking in moisture to keep them hydrated and restore healthy skin integrity.
Modality: It was decided to create a salve requiring fewer applications. This blend is a 3:1 ratio of oils/beeswax at a 2% dilution.

Recipe:

Essential Oils:
5 drops Frankincense Oil (Boswellia carterii)
5 drops Helichrysum Oil (Helichrysum italicum)
2 drops Cedarwood Oil (Juniperus virginiana)

Carriers:
0.25 oz (7 g) Beeswax (Cera flava)
0.5 fl oz (15 ml) Tamanu Oil (Calophyllum inophyllum)
0.25 fl oz (7.5 ml) Calendula Oil (Calendula officinalis)

Directions:
This effective salve was created with mobility in mind and stored conveniently in one ½ oz jar and 4 lip balm tubes. Following the instructions, it is to be applied frequently during the day - especially before bedtime – so the client can easily take this during work hours or anywhere else they may go.

Results: 
After faithfully applying the salve, this client noticed remarkable changes in just three days: reducing pain from cracked skin and softening it. A bonus was his appreciation for its pleasingly masculine scent!

Notes: 
The student originally had included 2 drops of Bergamot essential oil instead of Helichrysum italicum. Feedback included that for long-term use Bergamot isn't recommended due to phototoxic safety issues, even though the 2 drops are in the recommended dosage range. For the long-term, a safer and more skin-healing and skin-nurturing essential oil was chosen. Helichrysum from Croatia was chosen due to its anti-inflammatory and amazing skin-healing properties.

Aromatherapy education provides unparalleled insight into the power of oils and how to select them wisely for maximum effect. With this knowledge, you can unlock an entirely new world that will revolutionize your approach to wellness!

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About the author

Karen Williams - Aromahead Institute

Karen Williams

R.N. Certified Aromatherapist, Educator

I love to create amazing blends that inspire and promote a healthier lifestyle. I got my start many years ago as a registered nurse working in the hospital system. I wanted to help people more holistically. Then, I discovered essential oils, and my approach to life changed forever. Now, I’ve made it my mission to share what I’ve learned about aromatherapy with my friends, family, and the world. Because - life is so much better with health, happiness, and community.

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