LISTEN UP! We are about to make something that others say is complicated very simple.
What makes essential oils different from other oils are their terpenes. A terpene is the primary organic compound found in essential oils. Each essential oil has different terpene constituents making them unique in their healing properties. These make our essential oils unique and gives them their healing properties.
Terpenes are very small. This means they can penetrate into the dermal layers of skin where larger molecules (found in normal moisturisers) cannot. There are three types of terpenes found in essential oils. Most Essential Unsaturated Fatty Acids (EUFA) fall under one of the 3 terpene types.
As mentioned in the previous post essential unsaturated fatty acids (EUFA) is the magic behind carrier oils . Below is a list of some of the more common EUFA, a.k.a Vitamen F, which are found in our carrier oils.
Prostaglandins
Prostaglandins formed from fatty acids under enzyme action within the cell, are important in catalyzing numerous processes. They are anti-inflammatory and have a bearing on overall cell development and growth.
Palmitric Acid
This does not fall in any of the categories above because it is a saturated fat. It is often found in nut oils like Argan and Sweet Almond Oil. You've heard of retinol-A? You know its great for the skin, but did you know that its molecules are open too big to penetrate past the dermal layers of the skin. Palmitric acid, once absorbed through the skin and into your blood steam gets converted into retinol-A. Palmitric acid also improved Vitamin A deficiencies.
Vitamin E
Importance of this fat soluble vitamin can’t be over emphasized. It destroys free radicals and is an antioxidant. It also protects Vitamin A levels and other essential fatty acids in the body. It is anti-inflammatory and gives strength to capillary walls. It prevents the evaporation of moisture from the epidermis of the skin. It acts as a barrier against aging of cells and promotes the nourishment of cells. Vitamin E is seen to be very helpful against scarring from wounds and stretch marks.
Polyphenols
Polyphenols or phenolic compounds, are natural components of most of plants which essential oils are extracted from. These compounds have the reputation of being anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, anti-aging, anti-allergic and antioxidant.
Stearic Acid
Ever wondered why you have cleaning oils? How you can add oils to your face and yet cleanse it? This is beacuse of stearic acid. It reduces water tension making it possible for oil and water to combine. Working in conjunction with other fatty acids, it can lift impurities off your skin.
Ferulic Acid
Ferulic acid is the most abundant phenolic compound present in Argan oil. Its antioxidant potency increases on exposure to ultra violet radiations, thus it is a very potent barrier against the damaging effects of ultra violet radiation. It is an important ingredient in anti-aging mixtures.
Carotenoids
Natural fat soluble carotenoids protect the skin from ultra violet radiation and free radical reactivity. They maintain healthy skin and are an effective barrier against arthritis.
Sterols
Chemical structure of plant sterols and human sterols is strikingly similar. Therefore sterols present in essential oils work in great harmony with human skin. They perform a multitude of functions like keeping structural integrity of cell membrane, reducing inflammation, improving skin metabolism process and moisture retention. Sterols are primary component of the outermost layer of human skin and functions like an optimal barrier. Sterols are very easily absorbable and penetrable
Oleic Acid (omega-9)
This comes under the monoterpene family and is a very healthy monounsaturated fat. It is a super-hydrator as this it penetartes very easily into the dermal layers of the skin trapping moisture. And once its in the blood steam, it acts as an anti-oxidant, destroying free radicals. The fewer free-radicals you have on yor skin, the slower you age.
Linalool is a monoterpinoid and a naturally occurring terpene alcohol chemical found in many flowers and spice plants. Vitamen E and linanyl acetate are by products of linalool. It is cytotoxic. WARNING : Linalool gradually breaks down when in contact with oxygen, forming an oxidized by-product that may cause allergic reactions such as eczema in susceptible individuals. Between 5–7% of patients undergoing patch testing in Sweden were found to be allergic to the oxidized form of linalool. Ways to minimize exposure include not buying large bottles of perfumed hygiene products, and replacing the lid after each use.
Linoleic Acid
Sebum itself does not protect skin. It is the linoleic acid found in sebum that actually guards and defends the skin against bacteria. People who suffer from acne usually have sebum low in linoleic content.
A Bit More Info About the 3 TERPENES - The primary organic compound of essential oils
Phenylpropanoids
Create conditions unfriendly to bacteria, viruses, and fungi. Most importantly, they clean the receptor sites on our cells so that our cells can communicate (our hormonal system depends entirely upon clear communication throughout the body). Oregano oil contains 60% phenylpropanoids.
Monoterpenes
Monoterpenes can reprogram miswritten information in your DNA. For you with cancer, this is how the disease starts. One cell with damaged DNA produces another and onward. However, it is the group known as the sesquiterpenes that really give cancer a boot to the groin.
Sesquiterpenes
These molecules deliver oxygen to your tissues. Cancer, viruses, and bacteria have a hard time existing in an oxygenated environment. Whereas monoterpenes reprogrammed the misinformation in your DNA, sesquiterpenes erase the misinformation.
