What are topical essential oils?
Essential oils are highly concentrated extracts from different plants that are used in aromatherapy or topically for various conditions. While they are shown to have some benefits, they are also highly caustic and should be used with great care. An important role of essential oils in nature is protection of plants by acting as antifungal, antibacterial, antiviral, and insecticidal agents and also protection against herbivores by reducing appetite of herbivores for plants with such properties.
How to use essential oils for topical use?
Drops of essential oil are added to a natural carrier oil and applied to skin areas with gentle rubbing. As noted earlier, massage blends should not exceed 1% concentration of essential oils (one drop in a teaspoon) for adults. 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!Follow the 30:50:20 ratio when mixing scent notes – 30% top note (3 drops), 50% middle note (5 drops) and 20% base note (2 drops), label each new blend clearly. Essential oil blends perform best after ‘resting’ for a day or so, this will allow the oils to blend and harmonise fully.To incorporate essential oils to your skincare routine, simply add a few drops of an oil to your facial cleanser, moisturizer, or body lotion. You can also dilute essential oils with Fractionated Coconut Oil and apply them directly to your face.
Which essential oils are not safe for skin?
Fragrant essential oils to avoid As we mentioned above, using essential oils for skin care is a bad idea because so many of them hurt skin more than they help. All the citrus oils, including lemon, lime, tangerine, grapefruit, mandarin, and bergamot, are a big problem for all skin types. Direct application of undiluted essential oils is not recommended, especially on sensitive areas like the face. Here are some safe application methods to consider: Dilution: Essential oils should be diluted with a suitable carrier oil before applying them to the skin.
Which essential oils can go directly on skin?
These are potential irritants to your sensitive skin. If you are going to use essential oils on your skin, especially your face, it is recommended by many to use natural oils with no fragrance such as rosehip, coconut, and almond. Argan and rosehip oils support skin elasticity and reduce signs of aging. Coconut and almond oils are effective for dry, flaky, or sensitive skin. Apply oils on clean, damp skin for best absorption and visible results.