Can essential oils be used topically?
Essential oils are a lipid soluble substance, which allows them to penetrate the skin easily. Topical application is an effective way to use essential oils because once the oils are absorbed into the skin, they will remain in the applied area—allowing users achieve benefits in a localized area. Essential oils are highly concentrated, volatile substances. In order to be used safely, they should be diluted in another safe substance, like water, a skin care oil or an unscented lotion or liquid soap.By applying essential oils undiluted on the skin over time, your body can begin to trigger an immune response which can lead to sensitization. When you dilute your essential oils, you decrease the likelihood of this happening.Can you use essential oil on skin? Yes, but only when properly diluted with a carrier oil to avoid irritation. Essential oils are potent and should not be applied directly to the skin.Essential oil molecules are so small that when applied to the skin; they are able to pass through the outer layer of skin, the stratum corneum. From here the essential oil molecule passes through the dermis, into the capillaries, and then into the bloodstream.
What essential oils can be applied directly to skin?
Popular uses include applying tea tree oil to blemishes, lavender oil to calm irritation, or frankincense oil to help smooth fine lines. Some people use essential oils like tea tree oil, lemongrass oil, and eucalyptus oil to treat skin conditions, reduce stress, and improve sleep. But these oils also have antibacterial properties, meaning they can potentially treat infectious diseases, too.
How do topical essential oils work?
How does this work? Our skin is somewhat permeable. The active chemicals in essential oils are absorbed just like the ingredients in common pharmaceuticals such as hormone replacement therapy cream and nicotine patches. Certain essential oils are rich in antioxidants and contain antibacterial ingredients making them great for protection against some skin issues. However, these oils have also been known to cause irritation and damage the skin. Although not always seen immediately, the damage can grow under your skin.If it says “not for topical use,” that is a red flag that the oil is probably not pure and may contain chemical additives that will irritate if not burn your skin. Oils that are purely for fragrance purposes are not likely to give you the therapeutic benefits you’re looking for.
Can I put 100% essential oil on my skin?
While essential oils are best known for their aromatherapy properties such as inhaling the aroma, they can also be used on the skin as well. However, you’ll want to make sure they are diluted, as pure essential oils can be too powerful to use on certain areas of the body in their natural form. The potency of oils means that you should not use them in sensitive areas.
What essential oils cannot be used on skin?
Fragrant essential oils to avoid All the citrus oils, including lemon, lime, tangerine, grapefruit, mandarin, and bergamot, are a big problem for all skin types. Mint oils, such as peppermint, wintergreen, pennyroyal, and balm mint, although cooling, irritate the skin and result in damage. The most common type of allergic reaction to essential oils is skin rash. If a rash occurs, wash off the remaining oil with soap and water. If the rash persists, applying a topical corticosteroid product like hydrocortisone might help.
How to dilute essential oils for topical use?
A good rule of thumb is to simply add two drops of essential oil for every teaspoon of carrier oil, or 5 drops for every 10ml of carrier oil. One drop of essential oil equals one percent of dilution (1 drop = 1%), so be sure not to go overboard if you want to ensure complete safety for your skin! The 30/50/20 rule Put simply, your blend will be made up from 30% top note oils, 50% middle note oils and 20% base note oils. So if your blend was 10 drops in total, you’d use 3 drops of a top note, 5 of a middle note and 2 of a base note.The 30-50-20 rule in essential oil blending is a guideline for creating well-rounded aromatic profiles. It divides a blend into three parts: 30% top notes, 50% middle notes, and 20% base notes. Top notes, like lemon or peppermint, are the first scents noticed but fade quickly.