One of nature’s most powerful ingredients for moisturizing, soothing, and detoxifying hard-working feet is eucalyptus oil. Its ability to modulate ceramides (lipid component of skin structure) helps the skin’s outer layer to retain moisture. This is extremely important for the feet, which can excrete as much as one pint of moisture every day.
A compound called 1,8-cineole in eucalyptus facilitates the production of hydrating ceramides in the epidermal cells,2 increasing the skin’s softness and suppleness.
Carefully extracted by steam distillation from the leaves and stems of the tallest and fastest growing tree in the world, eucalyptus essential oil contains about 80% 1,8-cineole (its main active ingredient) and other healthy plant essences such as pinene and limonene.3
Not only does eucalyptus oil enhance the water-binding ability of ceramides, it has long been used in therapeutic programs to help cleanse and detoxify the skin.
Eucalyptus oil also has potent antibacterial, antifungal, and antimicrobial properties4 against a wide range of microorganisms that prosper in moist, dark environments.
Aromatherapy experts have long believed that quality essential oils like eucalyptus oil can also penetrate deeply into the skin and enhance circulation, thus promoting the delivery of oxygen and essential nutrients to the skin’s deepest layers.
Tired feet therefore benefit from the natural soothing properties of eucalyptus, a proven analgesic5 that is one of the best oils known for lessening the discomfort associated with joint and muscle aches.
These numerous benefits of eucalyptus oil make it an essential ingredient in a program designed to hydrate, soothe, and protect the feet.