FAQs FOR PURCHASING PRODUCTS

The Products
Deciding Which Blend is Right For You
Using the Website Guides to Help You Decide
Safety
Purchasing
Shipping

THE PRODUCTS

What is a signature blend?
A tailor-made aromatherapy product that you create yourself. You choose the product you need (lotion, oil, deep therapy cream, spritzer) and the therapeutic essential oils you want added to it. You get to choose what you want to put on your body - a blend that speaks to you and makes you feel exactly like you want to feel. The ingredients in your signature blend can be your own secret or you can tell the world. Best of all, you know exactly what is in it. You are guaranteed the finest quality aromatherapy essential oils and you receive the benefits of their therapeutic properties.

How do I purchase a signature blend?
First, you decide which product you would like (lotion, oil, deep therapy cream, spritzer). Secondly, you decide which essential oils you will add to your product. Then the team at Your Body Needs will expertly combine your chosen blend and will deliver to you a quality product you can use with pride.

So I choose the type of product and the essential oils I want, and Your Body Needs formulates the blend for me.
Yes, it is that simple.

What choices do I have with my signature blend?
You have a choice of creating your own body lotion, oil, deep therapy cream, or facial spritzer.

Why would I create a signature blend?
Because you can choose a mood that is right for you. Blends can be created:

• To help you sleep. Choose essential oils which promote better sleep.
  Use as a body moisturizer. You can choose a blend to uplift, calm or energize you or simply because you enjoy the scent.
• For muscle aches. Select the deep therapy cream or almond oil as a blend base and then choose your desired essential oils specifically suited for muscular aches and pains.
• For hand cream. Select the deep cream to protect and soften your hands. You can select essential oils with antibacterial properties. You will have the cleanest and freshest hands around!
• To freshen up. When you are on the move and need a quick pick-me-up, grab your facial spritzer and give yourself a boost with your favorite essential oils.

Can I purchase a signature blend for others?
Yes. Your friend or loved one will be touched by the thought you put into creating a blend which suits their personality or their needs. If you are struggling with choices for your gift, contact us and we will be happy to offer suggestions.

What is the difference between a pre-made blend and a signature blend?
A signature blend is a tailor-made product you create for yourself or someone else using this website to help you. A pre-made blend has already been made for you by Your Body Needs. All you need do is add the selected item to your cart.

I want to buy a signature blend, but where do I start?
First, decide what you want from your signature blend - something to calm you, to energize you, to relieve you, to smell great, to moisturize, to feel good, to wake you up, etc. Decide which base you will choose - lotion, oil, deep therapy cream, or spritzer. Then choose your essential oils. It is so easy with the help that is offered to you. Use the:

• Mood Chart
• Essential Oil Profiles
• Tips and Suggestions
• Popular Blends

How do I get more help if I cannot make up my mind about my signature blend?
The mood chart, tips, and essential oil profiles are excellent tools to allow you to confidently create a signature blend for yourself or as a gift. If you would prefer to speak with a consultant regarding your signature purchase, contact Your Body Needs and we will be happy to assist you.

Do the products have an expiration date?
Essential oils do not keep their therapeutic properties forever. Expiration dates for essential oils vary depending on the source. Most essential oils last for over two years, some get better with age. The citrus oils tend to be less stable. Citrus oils usually have shelf life of six months.

How do I store my products?
To maintain the properties of essential oils, keep your products away from moisture, heat, and light. Do not store them in your bathroom.

Why do the blends come in glass jars or bottles?
Essential oils store best in cool, dark, amber bottles. Your Body Needs wants to ensure you have the best quality products. Essential oils do not store well in plastics.

I would like the help of an aromatherapist to create a specific blend for my health issues.
Your signature blend is intended for you to enjoy experimenting with the amazing botanical treasures nature has provided for us.

However, if your goal is to produce something specially aimed for medicinal purposes, please contact Your Body Needs directly. Together we can discuss a formula suited for your needs. And be sure to check out the pre-made blends. Perhaps all your body needs is there.

Are the essential oils good quality?
Yes, the finest. Your essential oils are not synthetic in any way. In fact, once you become accustomed to the wonderful purity of essential oils, do not be surprised when your nose finds regular perfumes or synthetic aromas offensive.

Why are some of my products a different color from others?
Usually the base will be white if you purchase the deep therapy cream or lotion. However, depending on which essential oils you choose, some base will have a color to it. Essential oils are derived from many botanical materials. Some essential oils have a natural coloring. For example, jasmine has a reddish brown color. Your Body Needs will not alter the natural coloring of your products because doing so will mean further processing and/or the addition of coloring agents. Our aim is to avoid doing so whenever possible.

What can I do if the ingredients in my body oil have separated?
Essential oils are natural products. As a result, some of the essences may separate in the body oil or spritzer. This is perfectly normal and a good indication that you are receiving a minimally manufactured product. It is important to get a uniform distribution of essential oils throughout the product, so be sure to shake well before every use or when ingredients are separated. Separation is primarily evident in essential oils that have heavy molecules.

How do I shake the bottle?
Hold the bottle upright in between your palms and roll back and forth.

How do I open the pump on the lotion?
All you need to do is gently twist in the direction of the arrow.

Why do your products come in glass bottle or jars?
The therapeutic properties of essential oils last longer in cool, dark places away from moisture. All essential oils should be stored in amber or dark glass bottles for maximum life expectancy. Your Body Needs is committed to delivering the best products to you without any compromises. Please store your product away from the bathroom.

DECIDING WHICH BLEND IS RIGHT FOR YOU [top]

How do I choose the essential oils?
Use your Essential Oil Profiles, Mood Chart, Popular Blends and the Tips and Suggestions.

How do I know which essential oils go together?
Most essential oils blend well with each other. There is a “blends well with” section for each essential oil in their profile list. You can use this as a guide however, don’t be afraid to experiment. Choose what sounds good to you. You are instinctive – you might surprise yourself. Give it a shot.

What is a base?
A base is the body of your product. You can choose from - ultra light lotion, almond oil, almond with avocado, almond with jojoba, deep therapy cream, or distilled water (for the spritzers).

What is the ultra light lotion. What is it best for?
The ultra light lotion is a wonderfully light moisturizing lotion that is quickly absorbed by the skin. It is not greasy and is good for all skin types, including sensitive skin. Contains Vitamin E.

How would I use the ultra light lotion?
Apply generously, massaging over the whole body or targeted areas with gentle circular movements. Reapply as needed.

What are the ingredients in the ultra light lotion?
aqua (water), glycerin, stearic acid, oleic acid, glycol monostearate, TEA, aloe barbadensis leaf juice (aloe vera), allantoin, cocos nucifera (coconut oil), prunis amygdalus dulcis (sweet almond oil), prunis armenlaca (apricot kernel oil), Retinyl palmitate (vitamin A), cod liver oil (vitamin D), tocopheryl acetate (vitamin E), methylparaben, propylparabens, FDA color

What is the deep therapy cream?
The deep therapy cream is a thicker cream suited for hand care, muscular aches and pains and rough/damaged skin. Contains Vitamin E.

How do I use the deep therapy cream as a hand cream?
Simply rub your cream into your hands.

How would I use the deep therapy cream as a muscle rub?
Rub the cream into painful muscles as needed. The absorption rate of essential oils varies. You may feel an instant cooling effect with some oils, but the effect of other oils may take longer.

What are the ingredients in the deep therapy cream?
Aqua (water), Aloe barbadensis Leaf Juice (aloe vera), Prunis amygdalus dulcis (sweet almond oil), Glycerin, Stearic Acid, Glycerol Stearate, Cetyl Alcohol, PGE-100, Dimethicone, Titanium Dioxide, Allantoin, TEA, Carbomer, Propylparaben, Methylparaben, Retinyl palmitate (vitamin A), Cod Liver Oil (vitamin D), Tocopheryl acetate (vitamin E)

What is almond oil and what is it best for?
Almond oil is a pure, cold pressed vegetable oil that is rich in protein, vitamins, and minerals. It is good for all skin types. Helps keep skin moist and soft. It is lightly to moderately viscous. Absorbs quickly into your skin, but some may think it’s greasy. Use small amounts. This is a wonderful choice for skin health maintenance.

What is grapeseed oil and what is it best for?
Grapeseed oil is a pure, cold pressed vegetable oil that contains vitamins, minerals, and protein. It is good for all skin types, but for skin that is already well hydrated or slightly oily. It has a very light viscosity and is quickly absorbed into the skin.

What is the almond and avocado combination and what is it best for?
Avocado is excellent for dry and dehydrated skin. It absorbs into skin beautifully. Avocado is an excellent moisturizer.

The almond and jojoba combination is best for what skin types?
Jojoba is excellent for all skin types especially aging skin. It leaves the skin feeling smooth. It absorbs into skin very well.

How do I use the body oil?
Rub a small quantity of body oil in the palm of the hands and apply all over the body in light circular movements. A small amount goes a long way.

Why would I purchase a vegetable oil base? Isn’t it greasy?
Vegetable oils, which are cold pressed (processed at cooler temperatures so the benefits of the oils are undamaged) and as unrefined as possible, are truly remarkable nourishment for your skin. It is probably the best way to provide health and vitality to your skin. Many cosmetic companies add mineral oil or petroleum products. These substances block pores preventing the skin from breathing and because they are not readily absorbed by your skin, they leave behind that “greasy” feel. The vegetable oils used for aromatherapy purposes (also known as carriers or bases) are absorbed by your skin and continue to provide nutrients within your skin. Initially, upon application, there may be some residue. However, rest assured it will be absorbed. A small amount goes a long way.

Given this, the preference for a lotion or oil is personal. Some will only use aromatherapy appropriate vegetable base for their skin; then again, others only want the lotion. A good rule of thumb may be that if your skin is very well hydrated, a lotion base blend may be more appropriate for you.

How do I know how many essential oils to choose?
There is no rule. Remember, more is not necessarily better. If you are new to this, see the recommendations below.

• Lotion: 2 to 3 essential oils
• Oil: 3 to 4 essential oils
• Hand cream: 2 to 3 essential oils
• Muscle rub: 4 to 5 essential oils
• Spritzer: 1 to 2 essential oils

Why do I get more essential oil choices with the deep therapy cream than the lotion at no additional cost?
The viscosity of the bases vary. Your Body Needs calculated a fair essential oil requirement based on what would seem appropriate given the viscosity and/or average need of a particular base. For example, most people buying an ultra light lotion would be very happy with a signature blend made up of three essential oils. Most people wanting a muscle rub cream may want, on average, a choice of four essential oils.

What is a spritzer? What is it best for?
A sprtizer is a spray mister for your face. It is best used for a quick pick-me-up during the day or to settle you down, depending on the essential oils chosen. Spritzers are water based.

How would I use the spritzer?
Just spray your bottle about 6 inches away from your face when needed.

USING THE WEBSITE GUIDES TO HELP YOU DECIDE

What tools do I use to help me make a confident decision for my signature blend?
There are several guides which will help you make your decision; they are the: Mood Chart, Tips and Suggestions, Popular Blends, and the Essential Oil Profiles. You will find links to these guides highlighted in the orange Tool Kit.

What is the Mood Guide?
This guide offers suggestions on which essential oils to use in particular circumstances, such as those for nervous tension, insomnia, tiredness, etc.

How do I use the Tips and Suggestions guide?
This guide provides help for choosing essential oils for your body’s needs.

What are the Popular Blends?
This guide lists combinations of essential oil blends that have been very popular with Your Body Needs customers.

What are the Essential Oil Profiles?
This guide describes the essential oils and their most popular uses.

What is an essential oil?
An essential oil is a plant-based medicine. It is exacted from raw botanical material such as flowers, seeds, bark, fruit, leaves, roots and herbs. An essential oil is NOT oily. Each oil contains a distinct chemical composition, that gives it a distinct therapeutic property.

Will the essential oils in my signature blend be pure?
Yes. Essential oils are 100% pure unless otherwise stated. Your Body Needs suppliers provide high quality, pure essential oils. They are cruelty free, animal friendly suppliers.

Can I buy the essential oils separately?
Currently, Your Body Needs does not sell essential oils separately. Essential oils are readily available in many other places. Your Body Needs provides the expertise of how to successfully blend oils together and deliver them to you in a useful preparation.

Should I be concerned about the cautions in the essential oil profiles?
Essential oils are regarded as very safe. The amount of essential oils that Your Body Needs has in a blend is safe and expertly blended to stay within industry guidelines.

However, essential oils are wonderfully powerful. It is best to keep the guidelines below in mind when deciding which essential oils are best for you.

• Avoid rosemary or thyme if you have high blood pressure.
• Avoid eucalyptus, fennel, juniper, and rosemary if you have epilepsy (calming oils are a good choice).
• Avoid basil with estrogen dependant cancer.
• Some oils are listed as photosensitive

What is photosensitive?
Photosensitive oils increase the effect of the sun. This means that there is a possibility of redness, blotches, or burns. If an essential oil is listed as photosensitive, it is best to keep out of strong sunlight and tanning booths after application of the essential oil. Examples of photosensitive oils are lemon, bergamot, and lime (the expressed type).

Which essential oils should not be used on sensitive skin? What is expressed type?
Basil, clove, fennel, lemon, ginger, peppermint tea tree, ylang ylang, and lemongrass are generally oils you might want to avoid. Again, everyone is different. As a precaution, begin with the more gentle oils if you have sensitive skin.

What about skin irritations?
Some oils are listed as possible skin irritants on the essential oil profiles. However, most people will not have a skin reaction. If you do, be sure to wash with unscented soap or milk. If you are concerned about a possible allergic reaction to an essential oil, do a small skin test in the crook of your arm before applying to your whole body.

In most cases, common sense is all that is needed. If you know you are allergic to certain foods or products, avoid those things. If you are allergic to citrus fruits, stay away from the citrus essential oils. Almond oil is a nut based product. Those allergic to nuts may want to avoid almond oil.

Should I avoid using the essential oils if I am pregnant?
Many essential oils are safe to use during pregnancy. There are some you should avoid during pregnancy and nursing. A lot of the oils in this category are listed simply because there is no data to tell us of their rating during pregnancy. Therefore, aromatherapists take precautionary measures. Essential oils you should avoid during pregnancy are: basil, fennel, juniper berry, marjoram, rosemary, thyme, clarysage, clove, myrrh.

Which essential oils are beneficial during pregnancy?
Cardamom, roman chamomile, coriander, geranium, ginger, lavender, lemon, mandarin, neroli, patchouli, petitgrain, rose, rosewood, sweet orange and sandalwood.

What do the terms "top, middle, or base note" mean in the essential oil profiles? Perfumers use top, middle and base notes to build a fragrant scent. Each essential oil is classified as a top, middle or base note. Lighter aromas that evaporate readily are called top note. Aromas with a slower evaporation rate than the top note are all called middle notes. The base note is the aroma with the slowest evaporation rate. Some oils fall into one or more categories.

The general rule of thumb in balancing a blend is to use one of each note in your blend. This, however, is only a guideline. Have fun and don’t be afraid to experiment and choose what sounds good to you. You are instinctive - you might surprise yourself. Give it a shot.

PRIVACY & SAFETY

Is the information I give to you protected?
Yes. All of your contact information entered during the shopping cart process is collected and stored on a secure web server. This information will not be shared with any other third party sites. All payment information is collected and stored securely by PayPal. PayPal stores and process your personal information on their computers in the U.S., and protect this information by maintaining physical, electronic, and procedural safeguards in compliance with applicable U.S. federal and state regulations. Computer safeguards, such as firewalls and data encryption, are also used.


PURCHASING

Will the cart walk me through the ordering process?
Yes. Simply choose the items you would like to purchase, customize with your choice of essential oils, add to the cart, specify your state to calculate tax, choose a shipping method and order! You will then link to PayPal for payment with a credit card or your PayPal account.

Do you accept return items?
Unfortunately, due to the nature of the products, Your Body Needs does not accept return items. If you have a problem with any of your products, please contact Your Body Needs immediately to discuss your concerns.

Do you offer gift certificates?
Yes. Contact Your Body Needs to purchase a gift certificate for aromatherapy products and massage therapy services.

SHIPPING

Can I pick up my order?
Yes. You have the option of picking up your order if you are in the Bowie/Crofton/Annapolis areas. Contact Your Body Needs to see about a local pick-up option. .