Many of us are aware of the deep connections brought on by scent. In fact, the human brain has a reaction to almost every scent, triggering memories, arousing excitement, plus emotional and hormonal responses which can in turn release different neurotransmitters such as encephalin, endorphins, noradrenaline and serotonin.  Depending upon the source of the scent, this can then trigger a decrease in anxiety. [1] 

Many VATÉA products are lightly scented with calming and refreshing essential oil blends, including; Nurturing Conditioner, Beautiful Hand Cream, Kind Shampoo, Pure Body Oil, Soothing Oil Wash, plus our baby range which is scented with a super gentle and calming chamomile and lavender scent, benefitting the emotions of both mum and babe.

Although the question is, are essential oils ok for the skin, or do they irritate?

Importantly, VATÉA essential oils are at less than 1% of the total volume of the product which is why we’re Certified Allergy Safe with Safe Cosmetics Australia.

As well as calming, VATÉA essential oil blends have been included as soothing agents, providing antimicrobial compounds in support of inflammation and irritation.

Here are specific benefits of our key calming essential oils; 

Chamomile Matricaria chamomilla

Dating back to the ancient Egyptians, Romans and Greeks, chamomile has been used to calm the nerves and soothe the skin. In the Middle Ages, monks placed the sick on beds of lawn chamomile to soothe and lift their spirits while mothers found chamomile effective in soothing the pains of babies and aiding a good night’s sleep.

Our VATÉA Gentle Baby Balm is particularly rich in extracts of chamomile Co2 extract. A particularly potent form to soothe irritated and sensitive skin around the bottom area, and as a healing support for wounds and nappy barrier balm.

Frankincense Boswellia sacra

Historically, frankincense was praised as much as gold for its medicinal, spiritual and emotional impact.  For VATÉA, frankincense benefits and protects the skin as an antibacterial, antiviral and antifungal agent making it effective for the treatment of acne, oily skin, rosacea and even skin cancer. 

An article published in OA Alternative Medicine in June 2013 provides scientific evaluation on the traditional Chinese herbal cancer treatment, frankincense.  Scientific research has found that certain compounds in frankincense are successful in minimising the size of topical skin cancers such as Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC). Traditionally and historically, frankincense has been used to treat other tumours, although this requires further evaluation. The specific compounds of frankincense still need to be identified so that frankincense can be registered as a treatment for BCC, although trials have shown success.[2] Two fundamental points are readily agreed upon: One, the minimal adverse side effects and two, the low cost of application.  

To apply pure frankincense to the skin, the ratio of application is usually 1 drop of frankincense oil to 4 drops of a carrier or vegetable oil.  If irritation occurs, discontinue use.

Alternatively, you can be confident when using our Beautiful Hand Cream, or Beautiful Cream, your skin is already benefiting from this wonderful oil!

Clary Sage Salvia sclarea

Clary Sage scent is commonly known for its effective calming and anti-depressant compounds although at VATÉA, we also love clary sage for its success as an anti-bacterial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and wound treatment for the skin.[3]

Our Sage Meditation Balm is enriched with Clary Sage to support both the skin and mind.

An interesting benefit for women is the effectiveness of Clary Sage during menstrual cycle, childbirth and menopause, primarily as a calming mechanism.  An ideal method for applying VATÉA Sage Meditation Balm is to the inner wrists and / or around the neck area to enjoy complete skin nourishment, and mind support. [4]

Lavender Lavandula angustifolia

Without doubt, lavender is one of the most common of all essential oils used in skincare.  Not only for its luxurious, sweet, floral scent, it’s also incredibly calming for the mind. Further, lavender oil is enriched with antimicrobial properties to purify the skin and support in the treatment of wounds and irritations. 

To benefit, the best ratio for direct application is 15 drops of lavender oil to 6 teaspoons of carrier oil.

Alternatively, you can be assured that all VATÉA body oils, hair products, body moisturisers are enriched with this luxurious oil.

In conclusion, as calming oils, the great benefits of clary sage and lavender is they induce calm yet without drowsiness as with calming medications.  Further, both oils are incredibly accessible and relatively inexpensive.

As skincare ingredients, clary sage, lavender, chamomile and frankincense benefit the skin by killing unwanted bacteria to support irritation and any inflammation of the skin, particularly, acne, eczema, psoriasis plus all other flaky or irritated skin conditions.  For normal skin, these oils will help fight free radicals and environmental pollution, maintaining a healthy glow.  

While some skincare brands shy away from essential oils, at VATÉA, we include them in safe quantities to soothe and calm the mind yet also to support your skin as needed

[1] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4161086/ 

[2] Research published by OA Alternative Medicine https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Hk-Lin 2/publication/274338503_Management_of_basal_cell_carcinoma_of_the_skin_using_frankincense_Boswellia_sacra_essential_oil_A_case_report/links/59b14c380f7e9b37434a9a75/Management-of-basal-cell-carcinoma-of-the-skin-using-frankincense-Boswellia-sacra-essential-oil-A-case-report.pdf

[3] https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1002/ptr.5163 

[4] Clary sage Antibacterial https://www.termedia.pl/Original-paper-The-effect-of-clary-sage-oil-on-staphylococci-responsible-for-wound-infections,7,22363,0,1.html