July 28, 2020
UNDERSTANDING THE BEAUTY BEHIND AROMATIC OILS
UNDERSTANDING THE BEAUTY BEHIND AROMATIC OILS
BY: Nateisha Scott
BY: Nateisha Scott
Aromatherapy has sparked an invested interest over the years and with the recent pandemic calling on methods of relaxation, wellness and clarity, it is no wonder that more and more of us are reaching for wellness rituals that elevate and lift our minds, bodies and spirits. Launching Aromatics was a journey of exploration, excitement and a deep dive into the world of aromatherapy, essential oils and stimulating the body further than your regular skincare products and treatments.
Holistic wellness, powered by science, the aromatic oils is a unique collaboration between Dr Yannis Alexandrides and aromatherapist Michelle Roques-O’Neil. Together the collaboration cultivated the link between the cellular advances, body stimulation and skin improvement.
AROMATICS ON A CELLULAR LEVEL
Essential oils and their aroma molecule roots are not only potent plant chemicals, but their versatility enables the stimulation of antibacterial, antiviral and anti-inflammatory properties. In addition to their natural properties, they often provide an immune boost that supports hormonal, glandular, emotional, circulatory and calming responses. On a cellular level, research has shown that essential oils, when treating inflammation and tissue remodelling, influence and affect the processes which help contribute to wound healing and immunomodulation (regulatory adjustment of the immune system). They also allow for gene expression change, resulting from tests carried out, it has been proven that essential oils have the potential to promote cell growth, defend against toxins and promote cellular cleansing (regarding Lemongrass specifically).
AROMATICS ON A HOLISTIC LEVEL
Aromatherapy works on many levels but as expert aromatherapist Michelle Roques-O’Neil highlights, aromatics works through energy, like male and female, not as two opposed individuals but two energies that work together to draw one another out. Whilst comforting and nurturing, oils are drawn to the body to extract both physical discomfort and free any emotional barriers hence the release that is felt through the healing properties of each blend. Quietly working through the body, aromatic oils seep past the fatty tissue and into the circulatory system evoking a healing response. On a deeper note, the unique scents come together to invigorate an emotional awakening that provides comfort and stirs both deep and vivid memories. Aromatics have both an external and internal influence on the body.
FOR REDUCING PAIN & INFLAMMATION
As expressed on a cellular level, aromatics (essential oils) have proven benefits when reducing inflammation and supporting conditions such as arthritis and joint issues. They also can come into play for pain relieving properties, research has shown that certain essentials oils when used in massage therapy can significantly reduce the menstrual pain and cramps, relieving and soothing body.
FOR BOOSTING THE IMMUNE SYSTEM, SUPPORTING DIGESTION AND BALANCING HORMONES
With many essential oils having antifungal, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties they can in fact prevent certain illnesses and infections coming to light, by boosting the immune system, they can help disperse and kill the infection before it maximises its efforts. On the topic of relief, essential oils have also been tested against balancing hormones and supporting digestion. Oils such as geranium have been proven to help balance oestrogen levels and as a result can help with issues around fertility and PCOS. Whilst triggering a balance they also contribute to improving digestion, by stimulating digestive enzymes, they support in breaking down the nutrients in the food that then can easily finds its way in fuelling the body. Ginger is a strong example where an essential oil can support in digestive health and even help with stomach pain and IBS.
FOR MENTAL STIMULATION AND RELIEF
As nurtured from a cellular level, essential oils have been shown to have neuroprotective effects (improving cognitive function) and therefore naturally improve brain function, reduce inflammation but can also offer a natural relief when it comes to headaches and migraines. Applying Lavender to the temples will help to soothe, reduce inflammation and calm the mind whilst relaxing the tension built from stress. Pushing the boundary further, aromatic oils have been used in conjunction with relieving anxiety by finding a sense of calm and relieving tension. Oils such as rose, sandalwood, lavender, orange and frankincense are primary oils that work to soothe whilst rosemary, basil, peppermint and vetiver will supply a mental boost to the brain and body for stimulation and energy.
111AROMATICS
A collaboration between medical expertise and modern aromatherapy, AROMATICS is a complex blend of essential oils, bioactive extracts and natural scents to instil complete wellness. The collection was the fusion between two experts of industry - surgeon Dr Yannis and aromatherapist Michelle Roques-O’Neil - to create authentic and efficacious oils that truly reinvigorate the body, mind and spirit.
Aromatherapy has sparked an invested interest over the years and with the recent pandemic calling on methods of relaxation, wellness and clarity, it is no wonder that more and more of us are reaching for wellness rituals that elevate and lift our minds, bodies and spirits. Launching Aromatics was a journey of exploration, excitement and a deep dive into the world of aromatherapy, essential oils and stimulating the body further than your regular skincare products and treatments.
Holistic wellness, powered by science, the aromatic oils is a unique collaboration between Dr Yannis Alexandrides and aromatherapist Michelle Roques-O’Neil. Together the collaboration cultivated the link between the cellular advances, body stimulation and skin improvement.
AROMATICS ON A CELLULAR LEVEL
Essential oils and their aroma molecule roots are not only potent plant chemicals, but their versatility enables the stimulation of antibacterial, antiviral and anti-inflammatory properties. In addition to their natural properties, they often provide an immune boost that supports hormonal, glandular, emotional, circulatory and calming responses. On a cellular level, research has shown that essential oils, when treating inflammation and tissue remodelling, influence and affect the processes which help contribute to wound healing and immunomodulation (regulatory adjustment of the immune system). They also allow for gene expression change, resulting from tests carried out, it has been proven that essential oils have the potential to promote cell growth, defend against toxins and promote cellular cleansing (regarding Lemongrass specifically).
AROMATICS ON A HOLISTIC LEVEL
Aromatherapy works on many levels but as expert aromatherapist Michelle Roques-O’Neil highlights, aromatics works through energy, like male and female, not as two opposed individuals but two energies that work together to draw one another out. Whilst comforting and nurturing, oils are drawn to the body to extract both physical discomfort and free any emotional barriers hence the release that is felt through the healing properties of each blend. Quietly working through the body, aromatic oils seep past the fatty tissue and into the circulatory system evoking a healing response. On a deeper note, the unique scents come together to invigorate an emotional awakening that provides comfort and stirs both deep and vivid memories. Aromatics have both an external and internal influence on the body.
FOR REDUCING PAIN & INFLAMMATION
As expressed on a cellular level, aromatics (essential oils) have proven benefits when reducing inflammation and supporting conditions such as arthritis and joint issues. They also can come into play for pain relieving properties, research has shown that certain essentials oils when used in massage therapy can significantly reduce the menstrual pain and cramps, relieving and soothing body.
FOR BOOSTING THE IMMUNE SYSTEM, SUPPORTING DIGESTION AND BALANCING HORMONES
With many essential oils having antifungal, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties they can in fact prevent certain illnesses and infections coming to light, by boosting the immune system, they can help disperse and kill the infection before it maximises its efforts. On the topic of relief, essential oils have also been tested against balancing hormones and supporting digestion. Oils such as geranium have been proven to help balance oestrogen levels and as a result can help with issues around fertility and PCOS. Whilst triggering a balance they also contribute to improving digestion, by stimulating digestive enzymes, they support in breaking down the nutrients in the food that then can easily finds its way in fuelling the body. Ginger is a strong example where an essential oil can support in digestive health and even help with stomach pain and IBS.
FOR MENTAL STIMULATION AND RELIEF
As nurtured from a cellular level, essential oils have been shown to have neuroprotective effects (improving cognitive function) and therefore naturally improve brain function, reduce inflammation but can also offer a natural relief when it comes to headaches and migraines. Applying Lavender to the temples will help to soothe, reduce inflammation and calm the mind whilst relaxing the tension built from stress. Pushing the boundary further, aromatic oils have been used in conjunction with relieving anxiety by finding a sense of calm and relieving tension. Oils such as rose, sandalwood, lavender, orange and frankincense are primary oils that work to soothe whilst rosemary, basil, peppermint and vetiver will supply a mental boost to the brain and body for stimulation and energy.
111AROMATICS
A collaboration between medical expertise and modern aromatherapy, AROMATICS is a complex blend of essential oils, bioactive extracts and natural scents to instil complete wellness. The collection was the fusion between two experts of industry - surgeon Dr Yannis and aromatherapist Michelle Roques-O’Neil - to create authentic and efficacious oils that truly reinvigorate the body, mind and spirit.
If you were to advise a London guide, what would be on your list?
Well, As I grew up in Notting Hill, it will always have my heart and if I was recommending spots in London, a wander around Notting Hill would be high up on my list. From there it would be all the best shopping destinations, the iconic private members club, Annabels, Harrods and Liberty’s for any cute and unique gifts. I would always pop into 111CRYO at Harrods for the Cryo Facial and treatment for the ultimate recharge. Sometimes the city is great, but the beautiful secrets of the English countryside is something that should be experienced.
Your In-Flight Essentials?
I don’t have a routine per say and I am certainly not as thorough as Naomi Campbell but I would apply the Meso Infusion Lip Duo and I would always wipe my phone down with anti-bacterial wipes, in fact I do this every day, the bacteria build up is no good for the skin.
In terms of Industry, where do you see the hair industry going?
Well Instagram has changed so much and has impacted the way we consume and learn within the industry, especially with so many creatives, but I still find that a massive amount of people come to the professionals to share the knowledge on how to carry out or complete a desired look, more than ever there is power behind ‘how-to’ videos.
A very valid point and in terms of 2020?
In terms of what we are to see in 2020, things are going to be super creative and we will see a wider awareness for people doing their own thing and it will be expressive and artistic. People will move away from the overtly glamorous looks and will create looks they can tailor to their everyday. As it’s currently Award Season which is the busiest time of the year leading up to the Met Ball, hairstyles are certainly more elaborate, and everyone loves an up do. I would say the most timeless look has to be the blunt bob, it comes around year on year, but it is effortless and timeless.
Outside of hair, what other industries are you into?
I am hugely into Interiors and I would describe my style as 60s/70s glamour, think elaborate and dramatic but I often fantasise about 80s Dallas and Joan Collins and I have to reign myself in. I also love Baking; it is the ultimate way to relax and I find that it is my meditation and therapy. If I’m in the USA I would bake a lot of cookies as everyone is obsessed with then over here and in the UK, I would bake more traditional styles like a lemon tart or an apple tart – it allows for me to be creative outside of my job.
Finally, the best advice you have ever received?
It would have to be from my grandfather, he would often say to me “it’s not how well you’re doing but how well people think you’re doing”. I haven’t successfully implemented it however you can look to Instagram today and people see our work and are blown away by it, but we can be so hard on ourselves and not appreciate our own work ourselves.