Recommended Reading

Skin Care

Aromadermatology: Aromatherapy in the Treatment and Care of Common Skin Conditions

Written by: Janetta Bensouilah & Philippa Buck
Published: 2006
Page Count: 250
Price (USD): 42.95

From Robert Tisserand’s foreword: “This subject area is only lightly touched on in most aromatherapy books, and it has remained a source of debate and confusion. Bensouilah and Buck have gone a long way to dispelling this confusion through their detailed discussion of, for example, transdermal permeation and skin barrier issues, excipients, and dosages and concentrations, as well as therapeutic effects. These discussions are woven into a foundation covering the basics of skin structure and function, essential oil chemistry and safety issues. A thorough understanding of dermatology underpins the book, and both current research and clinical knowledge are elegantly applied to the skin conditions discussed.”

The Aromatherapy Beauty Guide: Using the Science of Carrier & Essential Oils to Create Natural Personal Care Products

Written by: Danielle Sade, BSc, CAHP
Published: 2017
Page Count: 384
Price (USD): $24.01

This is an all-in-one guide for anyone who wants to make cosmetics at home. It is accompanied with full-color illustrations and photos, which make the book appealing as well as really practical, as you can see what your product is supposed to look like. Danielle makes sure that you know everything you need to know before you start experimenting, building up your knowledge base layer by layer. Each material used is described in as much detail as is necessary, and so is every technique applied. The text is easy to follow. It almost seems as if you are in a one-on-one lesson, personally guided by the author herself, as she dispenses useful tips and troubleshooting ideas, making sure you avoid unnecessary mistakes. The formulas are well presented, listing tools needed and ingredients. I especially appreciate the double measures – milliliters as well as cups and spoons. And did I mention it is all science-backed? Overall, this book encompasses all you need to know, with detailed recipes as well as more general guidelines if you feel creative.