Louise created this aromatherapy skincare range, free from chemical additives and preservatives, initially for herself and then for family and friends. Louise's primary reason in deciding to form the Plain Clothes Angel range, apart from a love of essential oils, was simply to limit the daily amount of skincare products she was using, all containing paraben preservatives and additional harsh chemical ingredients. Louise felt this was especially important, as our skin is the body's largest organ and absorbs large amounts of cosmetic and beauty products which we use. With the high level of awareness surrounding food, we are thinking more about what we eat, and what goes into our bodies. We are aware of what is unhealthy, full of preservatives and additives, so why not think the same way when it comes to skincare?

The PCA products contain natural ingredients, no synthetic fragrances or colours, no mineral oils, no chemical additives and no paraben preservatives. The PCA skincare range 'recipes' are pared back; we liken our methods to cooking from scratch, going back to the kitchen, using only the ingredients that are needed. At PCA we want to ensure that reading a Plain Clothes Angel product label is straightforward. Some skincare labels seem quite daunting and not always easy to understand, so we aim to make things clear. If something is easy to understand, it enables everyone to make an informed decision about whether they wish to buy that product, and the information needed to understand what they are putting on their skin.

The Plain Clothes Angel range is not commercially manufactured, but made by hand in the London studio. The products are blended in small, frequent, batches to ensure optimum freshness and quality. They are made using only natural, and where possible, certified organic oils and materials from the most reputable aromatherapy retailers. No harsh chemical ingredients or preservatives are added to our products. The products are packaged in small measures, and depending on which product, will be at their optimum for between three and six months. The PCA products should be treated in a manner similar to fresh food to keep them at their optimum quality. Store the products covered, cool and out of direct sunlight.

They are primarily sold in amber glass jars and bottles, except where it is necessary to use plastic bottles for safety reasons. Both the amber glass and amber plastic protect the products from the light and afterwards can be recycled.

Although at PCA we realise that it is difficult to avoid all skincare products that contain additional chemical ingredients, we believe that Plain Clothes Angel products are a good place to start. Whilst they may not suit everyones lifestyle - and we appreciate that there are many fabulous products on the market - if you are one of the growing number of people who want to know what they are putting on their skin, to read an ingredients label and understand what is on it, then PCA products may be for you. Please see the FAQ section for more on Plain Clothes Angel products, lab testing, preservatives, shelf life, storage etc.

The history of Aromatherapy dates back at least to 4000 BC, although the term "aromatherapy" was first used in the 1920s by the French chemist René Maurice Gattefossé who accidentally discovered after burning himself in a laboratory accident and by plunging his arm into a vat of lavender oil found that it soothed his burns and was calming to the skin. Optimising the skin’s natural regenerative process leaving little or no scaring. The word "Aromatherapy" stems from the Greek words for fragrance (aroma) and treatment (therapy).

It is historically proved that the ancient Egyptians, Greeks, Romans, and Persians used aromatherapy oils and also they were possibly used in China. There is historical evidence in the Bible for the use of plants and oils for therapeutic but also religious aims.

In ancient Egypt, plant oils were widely used for cosmetics, spiritual relaxation, as well as for embalming and mummification of their dead. At that age, on special occasions women and men used to wear on their heads a gradually-melting solid cone that released its fragrance. As a consequence of the Egyptians' love for aromatic plants and herbs, the fragrance industry and aromatic remedies were developed more than in any other ancient culture.

In Ancient Greece many therapeutic and relaxation techniques were borrowed from the Egyptians. They used herbs and aromatherapy oils for medicines and cosmetics. Hypocrites (circa 400 BC), who was known as "the father of medicine", studied the beneficial effects of hundreds of scented plants and herbs. He believed that good health could be promoted with aromatic baths and oil massage.

The Romans developed the Egyptian and Greek techniques for distillation and extraction of aromatic floral waters taking advantage of their knowledge of the natural remedies.

It was in Persia that the true distillation of essential oils came about with the invention of a pipe which steam distilled the plants and produced true essential oils and not aromatic waters as in the past.

After the 11th -13th century holy war crusades, many aromatics, herbal remedies and scented plants of the Middle East became well known to Europe. However, in Medieval times the Catholic Church rejected the aromatherapy remedies, because of superstition and their belief that disease was a punishment sent by God. The Black Death Pandemic in Europe, killed almost half the population and botanical remedies were then re introduced but without much success.

As years went by, "apothecaries" who were herbalists and medical practitioners engaged in the formulation and prescription of pharmaceutical remedies, started to sell herbal remedies, essential oils and fragrances. Consequently, many essential oil industries were established throughout Europe, providing oils for the pharmaceutical, flavour and fragrance purposes.

During the 20th century, many aromatherapists contributed their knowledge to aromatherapy and created more natural products and more effective and pleasurable techniques. As mentioned, the French chemist René Maurice Gattefossé was the first to introduce the term "aromatherapy" in 1928. A follower of Gattefossé, a French army doctor called Jean Valnet, started working with essential oils in order to treat wounded soldiers during the Second World War.

The idea was then developed by an Austrian lady named Marguerite Maury who used essential oils combined with massage, the basis and forerunner of modern aromatherapy that is now taught all over the world.

The first book about aromatherapy published in the English language was the "Art of Aromatherapy" written by the English aromatherapist Robert B. Tisserand in 1977.

Aromatherapy as we know it today, has become a stalwart of alternative and holistic remedies.

Aromatherapy is the study and practice of essential oils and the use of them, working holistically to promote physical, mental and emotional wellbeing. Essential oils have been used for thousands of years in many different cultures. They are mentioned in both Biblical and ancient secular history and were used for their natural therapeutic powers and wonderful aromas.

Essential oils are the aromatic and distilled (most frequently by water or steam) pure essence of flowers, grasses, roots, berries, bark, herbs and fruits. Each oil has its own chemical character, aroma and therapeutic qualities. As our sense of smell is linked to our emotions more than any of our other senses, the use of essential oils is highly beneficial to the individual. The oils are rich in essential nutrients and antioxidants and work within the skin cells to promote the renewal of cells encouraging radiant and healthy skin.

Essential oils are made up of very small molecules, which means they can enter the blood stream easily. Our skin is the largest eliminatory organ in the body. It is a two-way membrane. Toxins are eliminated through the skin via perspiration and absorbed through the skin into the body's circulation system, through hair follicles and sebaceous glands, but not through the sweat glands. Our skin absorbs into the body most of what is put on it, which is why at Plain Clothes Angel we want you to know what ingredients our products contain.

Essential oils are used to soothe and comfort everyday muscular aches and pains and maintain healthy circulation. Aromatherapy enables us to benefit from the essential oils derived from the essence of plants and allow the oils to bring their unique therapeutic properties to every cell of the body. We can use essential oils for their therapeutic properties, to enhance our well being or simply to enjoy the aroma's.

Please see the A–Z of ingredients section, together with Essential oils and their contraindications, for more information.

If you buy pure essential oils for yourself, always choose them from a reputable supplier and keep the following points in mind:

• Essential oils should never be swallowed or taken by mouth. Consult a doctor if accidentally ingested.
• Do not use essential oils undiluted on the skin. They need to be diluted before applying directly to the skin and should always be blended into carrier oils, creams, gels or lotions before using.
• Keep out of the reach of children.
• Keep the bottle caps of Essential oils on and tightly closed.
• Keep away from the eyes. If you do accidentally get essential oils in the eyes, rinse them well with plenty of fresh clean water. Consult a doctor if redness or irritation persists.

In 2003, a keen interest in complementary therapies led Louise to study holistic aromatherapy. Originally trained as a photographer, something which still remains a passion, Louise spent a year training at the Tisserand Institute of Holistic Aromatherapy in London (founded by Robert Tisserand, the internationally renowned aromatherapist and author of The Art of Aromatherapy), and gained the Tisserand Institute Diploma in Holistic Aromatherapy.

Louise is also professionally trained in other complementary therapies including Indian facial rejuvenation massage and On-Site Acupressure Massage. She is a full member of the Aromatherapy Trade Council (ATC).

Louise has also completed a short professional training course at The Institute of Traditional Herbal Medicine and Aromatherapy, gaining an advanced certificate in Aromatherapy Product Blending: From Creation to Regulation. Since completing these courses, Louise has been working on the individual products that form the Plain Clothes Angel skincare range.