Home spa - aromatherapy facial massage

This treatment is suitable for a person with any skin type, even an oily-skinned person who may avoid putting oil on her face. Actually, an aromatherapy facial can help bring problem skin into balance. When you give the skin oil, it gets a signal that it doesn't need to produce as much. If you dry out the skin [with harsh cleansers], it gets a signal it needs to produce more.

What You'll need:

5 to 10 drops essential oil (see note)
1 oz. base oil, such as jojoba,
macadamia nut, or hazelnut
Although you can easily give yourself a facial massage, it'll be more relaxing if you have a partner do it. Clean your face. Mix the essential oil and base oil together. Jojoba is nice because it's similar to sebum, the waxy substance produced by the skin; if you prefer something lighter, try macadamia nut or hazelnut oil.

Using your fingertips in a circular motion, spread the oil over your face; go slowly and gently to avoid pulling the skin. After a few minutes of this massage, you can stimulate various acupressure points on the face. Apply pressure to each point with a fingertip for 5 seconds; then, gently tap the point 3 times. Rinse face if desired.

NOTE: The essential oil you use depends on your skin type. Chamomile or lavender will soothe the irritation of dry skin, and peppermint or rosemary can stimulate oil production. Try using a combination of these two types of oils. Basil, eucalyptus, lemon grass, and ylang-ylang are good for oily skin because they help normalize overactive sebaceous glands. Lucky enough to have normal skin? Try rose, geranium or neroli.

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