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Aromatherapy: A history of love and wellness

Aromatherapy: A history of love and wellness

 

A Brief History of Aromatherapy

 

The term Aromatherapy was coined by French chemist Rene-Maurice Gattefosee in 1928, modernizing and expanding on the deeply rooted venerated practice dating back to 3500 BC. An integral part of ancient sensual and health routines, aromas of essential oils have long been used as powerful triggers of physical response and sense memory. 

 

Aromatherapy has been practiced in ancient civilizations like Egypt, Greece, Rome, India, and China. Its almost mystical reach has survived through time, lending weight to nature’s healing power, practicality, and accessibility.

 

Aside from the legend of Cleopatra, ancient Egyptians were known to create oil combinations to support or induce states of meditation, war, and love. Studied by monks, philosophers, and great thinkers throughout cultures and ages, this time-tested study of nature remains a worthwhile quest for seekers of emotional and physical wellness.

 

Unlocking the Psychology

Inhaling essential oils stimulates the limbic system which is the part of the brain were moods and emotions are centered. Strong associations are created by way of scent, which, when combined with touch, sets a stage for relaxation, stress relief, and romantic connection, all gems that been known about the effects of aromatherapy. 

 

Often we find that the keys to unlocking emotional and sensual connection lie in the barriers we constantly work through within ourselves on a daily basis. Stress, pain, sleep issues and other similar struggles tend to poison the well of wellness, interrupting our ability to stay in tune with our bodies and those of our loved ones.  Aromatherapy nourishes an environment in which we can refocus on sensation, in effect, reducing the noise.

 

Aromatherapy as Part of Daily Life

 

In the spirit of February, the month to celebrate love, reigniting a connection to self and to others by way of sense memory and mental health care, is the best gift that could be given. We've heard time and time again that refilling personal wellness coffers often increases the ability and agility of that expression to those we care for.

 

Taking the ancient Egyptians practice further, we can create a personal experience with combinations of oils connecting us more closely to our bodies in a world of overstimulation.  A steady hand through time remains a worthy guide back to self, keeping us in step with nature and one another.

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At Ellovi we believe skin health is deeply connected to overall health and well-being. Our mission is to offer wellness using pure ingredients with safe and transparent methods. Self care is not just a luxury and it cannot wait. We’re here to remind you to invest in your health from head to toe, inside and out. 

 

Team Ellovi 🌺

Nature's Skin Care Elixir | Mango & olive healing through the ages

Nature's Skin Care Elixir | Mango & olive healing through the ages

Since the resurgence of interest in natural, clean skin care products, curiosity has grown with educated consumers seeking the best and purest options available. Favorites like shea butter, coconut oil, and cocoa butter are common ingredients sought after for their nutrient-rich properties. 

There are a few lesser known but thoroughly time-tested hero ingredients ripe with powerful, effective, and gentle healing. As with many legendary skin care practices, knowledge about the wide ranging benefits of using mango butter and olive oil has waxed and waned over the years but is now coming back to the forefront as part of the clean beauty movement.

 

Mango Butter and Olive Oil Uses Over Time:

 

🥭 Mangoes are native to South Asia where indigenous communities have long used them in  traditional skin care routines for soothing dry and irritated skin and to promote overall skin health. 

🫒 Olive oil use dates back to ancient Greece, Rome, and Egypt in public baths, in cosmetics, ointments, perfumes, and much more. 

🫒 Medieval Europeans considered olive oil a beauty treatment for the upper class. 

🫒 Grown in plenty across the Mediterranean, olives have been and continue to be an essential ingredient for health, both internally and externally.  

 

Benefits of Mango Butter:

 

🥭 Moisturization: Mango butter is highly emollient, meaning it can provide deep moisturization to the skin, keeping it soft and hydrated, particularly beneficial for individuals with dry or sensitive skin. Mango butter is lightweight, making it a versatile option for various skin types, including those with sensitive or oily skin.

 🥭 Rich in Antioxidants: Mango butter contains antioxidants like vitamins A, C, and E, which can help protect the skin from damage caused by free radicals. Antioxidants play a crucial role in maintaining skin health and preventing premature aging.

🥭 Skin Repair: The presence of fatty acids in mango butter, such as oleic acid and stearic acid, can contribute to skin repair and regeneration, leaving skin soft and supple. This makes it useful for addressing skin issues such as scars, stretch marks, and fine lines.

 🥭 Anti-Inflammatory Properties: Mango butter has anti-inflammatory properties that may help soothe irritated skin and alleviate symptoms of skin conditions, such as eczema and psoriasis.

 🥭 UV Protection: While not a substitute for dedicated sunscreen, mango butter contains a small amount of natural sun protection. It may provide some defense against harmful UV rays, although it is not sufficient on its own for sun protection.

🥭 Collagen Production: Mango butter is believed to stimulate collagen production in the skin. Collagen is a protein that helps maintain the skin's elasticity and firmness, contributing to a more youthful appearance.

 🥭 Improves Skin Tone and Texture: Regular use of mango butter may help improve skin tone and texture, resulting in a smoother and more even appearance.

 🥭 Hair Care: Mango butter is often used in hair products to moisturize and nourish the hair, reduce frizz, and promote a healthy scalp.

 🥭 Non-Comedogenic: Mango butter is non-comedogenic, meaning it is unlikely to clog pores. This makes it suitable for individuals with oily or acne-prone skin.



Benefits of Olive Oil:

 

🫒 Moisturization: Olive oil is a rich source of monounsaturated fats and squalene, which provide deep hydration to the skin. It helps in preventing moisture loss, making the skin soft and supple.

 🫒 Antioxidant Protection: Olive oil contains antioxidants, such as vitamin E and polyphenols, that help protect the skin from oxidative stress and free radical damage. This can contribute to maintaining a youthful and healthy complexion.

 🫒 Anti-Inflammatory Properties: The presence of polyphenols in olive oil may have anti-inflammatory effects, making it beneficial for soothing irritated or inflamed skin. It may ease symptoms of dryness and itching in conditions like eczema and dermatitis.  

 🫒 Wound Healing: Olive oil has been traditionally used for wound healing due to its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. It may aid in the recovery process and reduce the appearance of scars.

 🫒 Anti-Aging Effects: Regular application of olive oil may help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. The antioxidants in olive oil can support collagen production and protect the skin from premature aging.

 🫒 Sunburn Relief: Olive oil can provide relief from sunburn when applied topically. Its moisturizing properties help soothe the skin, and the antioxidants may contribute to repairing sun-damaged cells.

 🫒 Makeup Remover: Olive oil can serve as an effective and natural makeup remover. It helps dissolve makeup, including waterproof products, without causing irritation to the skin.

 🫒Exfoliation: When mixed with natural exfoliants like sugar or coffee grounds, olive oil can be used as a gentle exfoliator. It helps remove dead skin cells, leaving the skin smooth and refreshed.

 🫒 Cuticle Care: Applying olive oil to the cuticles can help soften them, making it easier to push back or trim the cuticles. This promotes healthier nails and prevents hangnails.

 

Natural treasures like these work magic on many levels and, as we know, beauty is not just skin deep. Beauty and health are a lifelong pursuit with knowledge as the main key for thriving. Looking back across time informs clean skin care seekers toward improvement and purity in approaches to health and well-being. We are here for it.

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At Ellovi we believe skin health is deeply connected to overall health and well-being. Our mission is to offer wellness using pure ingredients with safe and transparent methods. Self care is not just a luxury and it cannot wait. We’re here to remind you to invest in your health from head to toe, inside and out. 

 

Team Ellovi 🌺

Bathing Ritual: Re-learning ancient self care

Bathing Ritual: Re-learning ancient self care

Amid the flurry of the holidays, work deadlines, sick season, and all the other ever-running to-do list items keeping us hyper productive day in and day out, not to mention the constant tech saturation, and pressures on small and large scales, it’s no wonder stress is written all over our faces (and bodies). We know no matter what lovely skin interventions we may do, bottled up stress and poor self care have a way of running the show. 


It’s high time we brought back this age old care tradition - the magical, the elusive, the beloved - bath!  Now we’ve seen all sorts of rituals and recommendations about what’s ideal for bath time for mind and body, so let’s go through some of our favorite best practices and guilty pleasures to avoid.



Make it authentic self care time: 

Setting the scene for the perfect unwinding soak

 

  • Keep it a no electronics zone aside from low music
  • Light a candle or two, or incense if you prefer, along with desired soft lighting
  • If possible, keep plants that enjoy humidity in your bathroom for an enriched, oxygenated ritual
  • If you’re feeling fancy, sprinkle flower petals or citrus into your bath
  • Keep water temperature comfortable as excessive heat can dehydrate skin and worsen skin conditions. Our ideal temperature falls around 110F. Keep bath duration to approximately 20-30 minutes. Those with skin or health conditions should consult with a health professional for personalized advice about water temperature and bath duration.
  • Keep distractions to a minimum and make this about reconnecting with yourself
  • We like to pamper our lips with Ellovi lip butter for a light essential oil scent to highlight grounded breathing
  • Avoid alcoholic beverages or coffee that dehydrate the body. Keep yourself comfortably hydrated with room temperature water at your side
  • The appeal for bubbles is a strong one, but the foaming quality of soaps and bath bombs usually points to chemical additives, parfums, and harmful ingredients that can damage skin and the environment

What’s in that bath water? Magnesium magic

 

  • Magnesium has been shown to regulate sleep via neurotransmitters in the brain, potentially playing a role in anxiety management as well. The key mineral contains anti-inflammatory properties that can soften skin, aid muscle relaxation, and pain relief for soreness or arthritis. 
  • Combining the effects of responsibly sourced magnesium flakes with the benefits of hot water immersion stimulates blood circulation and may have a positive effect on blood flow and blood pressure if done regularly. 
  • Rough period cramps? The relaxation ritual can help with pain as well as the mental strain connected to that time of the month.
  • Small studies have found that regular hot baths had a beneficial impact on managing blood sugar levels for those who struggle with diabetes.
  • Hot magnesium baths open pores to allow hydration and cleansing, bring blood flow to the skin to help repair and protect it from environmental and internal pathogens, and soothe certain skin conditions by reducing inflammation
  • Magnesium flakes vs Epsom Salt.  Magnesium Chloride in flakes is more bioavailable or quickly absorbent and contains a higher concentration of the mineral than Magnesium Sulfate (Epsom Salt), however either will do in a pinch.

Cherries on top

  • Got time? Add a dry body brush to your routine before bathing to stimulate circulation and start the process of opening up pores. Dry brushing from the bottom of the body upwards provides lymphatic drainage stimulation, which can aid in eliminating toxin buildup in the body.  (More on this another time)
  • Last but not least keep the mood going with a loving application of your favorite Ellovi body butter while your skin is still damp to seal in the benefits for a lasting hydration and calm

Staying attuned to our inner world is more of a challenge than ever in this fast-paced world, so sometimes a nudge from your friends in skin care to point you back to self care is just what’s needed. Refill the tank with rest and rejuvenation to bring the world your best and hand down great habits to loved ones. That’s the Ellovi way.

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At Ellovi we believe skin health is deeply connected to overall health and well-being. Our mission is to offer wellness using pure ingredients with safe and transparent methods. Self care is not just a luxury and it cannot wait. We’re here to remind you to invest in your health from head to toe, inside and out. 

 

Team Ellovi 🌺