Aromatherapy in your laundry

MANILA, Philippines - In a survey conducted among young women, 20 to 30 years old, with kids 12 years old and below, it was learned that what they found most lacking in their life was time for themselves. “They’ve dedicated all their time to their children,” Mara Banson, Unilever assistant brand manager, observed, “but there are times when they wish for a moment of rejuvenation, a moment to be energized.”

You’d think a tedious chore such as doing the laundry would be the last place where you’d feel rejuvenated and energized. But with the new Surf Aromatherapy Fabric Conditioner, this is the promise. “The new line of Surf fabric conditioner will surely wash away every homemaker’s dread of doing the laundry,” Unilever brand manager, Stephanie Balois, noted.

At the launch of Surf Aromatherapy Fabric Conditioner, which comes in three variants, Dr. Mike Turvill of Nurture Spa in Tagaytay explained how aromatherapy works with the use of essential oils, which are derived from natural plant materials. He noted the psychological benefits of aromatherapy and how it enhances physical well-being. Essential oils have also been proven to have therapeutic benefits.

The 100-percent essential oils in micro fragrance capsules found in Surf Aromatherapy Fabric Conditioner, which are slowly released during washing, give you the therapeutic benefits of aromatherapy, Banson explained. What’s more, with its unique technology, the fragrance capsules that are deposited on the fibers of your clothes are released when you rub your clothes, so you get long-lasting fragrance throughout the day. Banson recalled that she kept some clothes in the closet for three months and they still retained the long-lasting fragrance.

The Energizing variant comes in a red bottle. It contains tuberose oil, which increases blood circulation, which in turn increases energy. Its high floral fragrance is unique and intense, keeping clothes smelling fresh all day.

Pachouli is blended with tuberose oil to produce the Relaxing variant, which comes in a purple bottle. While Tuberose Oil is known for easing the mind and providing relief from stress and tension, pachouli’s heavy, penetrating perfume uplifts the mood. The combination of the two essential oils produces a calming scent.

The third variant, Purifying, comes in a turquoise bottle. It has sweet orange oils, which are known for their antiseptic and antimicrobial effects. It is one of the most popular essential oils used in aromatherapy. With its cheerful citrus scent, “you can sense your problems go away,” Balois said.

The premium line of Surf Aromatherapy Fabric Conditioner, which comes in 800 ml bottles and pouches as well as 360 ml pouches and 25 ml sachets, was launched together with a mom-oriented advocacy titled “Me O’clock ni Mommy”. The campaign aims to encourage moms to take some time off for themselves. “Moms need to recharge their inner being, away from the ‘drainers’ in their lives,” family counselor Maribel Dionisio said. She emphasized the importance of “self-care” and found the “Me o’clock ni Mommy” campaign to be a good idea.

Moms can enjoy relaxing massages, free manicures and pedicures at the Surf Aromatherapy Fabric Conditioner Spa Time Bus which will be going around the metro. At home, moms can log on to Surf Philippines’ Facebook page at www.facebook.com/SurfPhilippines, which will serve as their platform to connect with other moms, to share their experiences, photos and messages.

Moms can also get daily tips and suggestions on how they can spend quality time with their family as well as learn new activities that will help them relax and recharge. By joining the “Me O’clock” photo contest online, they’ll get a chance to be one of the monthly winners of a vacation getaway for two to Boracay, Palawan or Cebu. It’s just the kind of break most moms need. “A happy, revitalized mom can definitely have more energy to provide better care for their family,” Balois noted.