Aromatherapy for Skincare – Lecture Review

This flashcard set reviews foundational concepts, chemistry, extraction methods, fragrance notes, therapeutic uses, application techniques, and safety precautions discussed in the aromatherapy lecture, providing a comprehensive study tool for esthetics students preparing for exams.

What is the basic definition of aromatherapy?

The art, skill, and science of using essential oils to support the health and well-being of body, mind, and spirit.

According to the ISO, how are essential oils defined?

Products obtained from natural plant materials via steam distillation, mechanical processes (for citrus), or dry distillation.

Why should estheticians study aromatherapy even though it is not essential?

It enriches holistic esthetics, offers additional ways to treat skin conditions, and balances other body systems such as hormones and diet.

Name two dangers of incorrect aromatherapy practice for professionals.

Possible client injury and resulting lawsuits, especially common in poorly trained multi-level marketing settings.

Which part of the brain is most directly affected when essential oils are inhaled?

The amygdala, the emotional center of the brain.

How can essential oils enter the body besides inhalation?

Through skin absorption using foot soaks, wet towels, massage media, or carrier-oil blends.

Who coined the term "aromatherapy" in 1928?

René Maurice Gattefossé.

What accidental discovery led René Maurice Gattefossé to research lavender oil?

He burned his hand in a laboratory accident and noticed lavender oil promoted rapid healing.

Which modern author is considered a leading authority on essential-oil safety?

Robert Tisserand.

What three elements primarily compose essential oils?

Carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen.

List three purposes essential oils serve for the plant itself.

Prevent water loss, protect against infection, and attract pollinators.

What scientific test should reputable suppliers provide to confirm essential-oil composition?

Gas liquid chromatography (GLC) report.

Name the eight major chemical families found in essential oils.

Aldehydes, esters, ketones, phenyl methyl esters, oxides, alcohols, phenols, and monoterpenes.

Which chemical group is typically anti-infectious, antiviral, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and calming?

Aldehydes.

Which chemical family is known for antifungal, sedative, and antispasmodic actions?

Esters.

Why must oils rich in monoterpenes usually be diluted for skin use?

They can be skin irritants when applied neat.

Give two examples of plants whose essential oils are found in external secretory structures you can smell when you rub the leaves.

Lavender and peppermint (also basil, marjoram, etc.).

Which extraction method is most common for essential oils?

Steam distillation.

Briefly explain steam distillation.

Plant matter is heated with water; steam carries volatile oils, then condenses into a mixture that separates into essential oil and hydrosol.

For which plant types is expression (cold-pressing) extraction typically used?

Delicate, heat-sensitive citrus rinds such as lemon or grapefruit.

What is produced when solvent extraction yields a concentrated aromatic substance?

An absolute.

Describe enfleurage in one sentence.

Fresh flowers sit on odorless fat that absorbs the fragrance; the fat is later processed to obtain the aromatic extract (pomade or absolute).

Why might CO₂ extraction yield oils with different chemistry than steam distillation?

Because CO₂ extraction occurs at lower temperatures and does not break down molecules, preserving different constituents.

Define viscosity in relation to essential oils.

The thickness or thinness of an oil, influencing how quickly it evaporates and its scent longevity.

Provide one example each of a high-viscosity and low-viscosity oil.

High: vetiver or myrrh. Low: most citrus oils.

List the eight primary aroma categories.

Citrus, floral, herbaceous, camphorous, spicy, resinous, woody, earthy.

What determines an essential oil’s "note"?

The rate at which it evaporates (top, middle, or base).

Why are base-note oils sometimes called "fixatives"?

They evaporate slowly and help anchor top and middle notes, prolonging the overall fragrance.

Give two common top-note essential oils.

Lemon (or other citrus) and tea tree (others include lemongrass, coriander).

What is the usual dilution guideline for topical essential-oil blends?

Approximately 2.5% — about 15 drops of essential oil per ounce of carrier oil.

Name four popular carrier oils used to dilute essential oils.

Sweet almond, grapeseed, jojoba, coconut (also olive, avocado).

State four body sites often chosen for essential-oil placement and explain one reason.

Back of neck (near brain blood supply), bottoms of feet (largest pores), over heart (calming, supports breathing), or localized to need (spot treatment).

Identify three direct inhalation methods for essential oils.

Diffuser/atomizer, personal inhaler, and steam tent (also cup inhale, tissue cup, spritz, T-shirt tent).

Why should estheticians never recommend internal (oral) use of essential oils?

It is outside their scope of practice and requires specialized medical-level training to avoid serious risks.

Explain photosensitization in essential oils.

Certain oils (often citrus) can heighten skin’s sensitivity to sunlight, increasing the chance of burns; clients should avoid sun for at least 24 hours after application.

Name two essential oils contraindicated for clients with high blood pressure.

Rosemary and sage (also hyssop, thyme).

Which essential oils should people with epilepsy avoid?

Sweet fennel, hyssop, sage, and rosemary.

If essential oil enters the eye, what first-aid steps should be taken?

Wipe with carrier oil, then flush with cool water; seek medical help if needed.

How often should you change oils used in a diffuser to minimize sensitization?

About every two weeks.

Why is heating essential oils with open flames or candle burners discouraged?

High heat destroys therapeutic properties, leaving mostly fragrance and increasing fire risk.

What immediate action should be taken if a child drinks essential oil?

Call Poison Control with the bottle in hand; do not induce vomiting.

Which extraction methods are especially common for rose or neroli?

Solvent extraction (often producing an absolute).

What is hydrosol?

The aromatic water left over after steam distillation, containing small amounts of the plant’s volatiles.

How do monoterpenes benefit respiratory conditions but risk skin irritation?

They are antiseptic and antiviral (helping airways) yet can be harsh on skin unless properly diluted.

Why is rose essential oil particularly expensive?

It takes a large quantity of petals to produce a small amount of oil.

What is maceration in essential-oil extraction?

Blossoms are immersed in hot wax that absorbs their scent; the essence is later extracted at lower heat.

State the core principle for essential-oil dosage expressed by aromatherapists.

“Less is more”—using minimal effective amounts helps avoid sensitization and adverse reactions.

How does viscosity relate to aroma longevity?

Thicker (more viscous) oils evaporate slowly, so their scent lingers longer than thin, volatile oils.

What equipment change can increase safety over candle burners for diffusion?

Switching to electric diffusers or nebulizers with no open flame or excessive heat.

Which test should you perform before applying a new essential-oil blend to a client’s skin?

A patch test to check for redness, itching, or irritation.

What is the purpose of carrier oils beyond dilution?

They slow evaporation of essential oils, helping the scent last longer and improving absorption.

Why can essential oils simulate plant functions such as antimicrobial protection on human skin?

Because the same chemical compounds that defend plants can exert similar biological effects in humans.

Name two resins used as sources of essential oils.

Frankincense and myrrh.

Which chemical family in essential oils is both anti-pathogenic and highly stimulating?

Phenols.

What key safety rule applies to elderly clients with dementia in relation to essential oils?

Keep bottles tightly closed and out of their reach to prevent accidental ingestion or misuse.

Which method of extraction uses pressurized carbon dioxide as a solvent?

Supercritical CO₂ extraction.

How long can base-note scents linger on the skin or in the air?

Up to a full day.

What is the first scent profile you detect when smelling an essential-oil blend?

The top notes.