Essential Oils - Aromatherapy Skincare Safety
Essential Oils - Aromatherapy Skincare Safety
Essential oils have countless uses when it comes to skincare and aromatherapy. From calming your nerves to soothing muscle pain, essential oils have the power to heal physically and emotionally. These natural oils are strong and need to be understood before using them.
When it comes to essential oils, people often believe that they are safe to be applied directly to the skin, straight from the bottle. This is a common misconception that can be actually quite dangerous! These pure, potent, magnificent oils are massively beneficial on so many levels for us complex and sensitive creatures however, like most things in life, good things are often better in moderation.
Essential oils are fully concentrated and volatile oils derived (typically through steam distillation) from a huge variety of plants (from roses to trees!) and parts of the plant depending on the oil. Different components are separated like flowers, leaves, seeds, bark, resin, roots, grass and peels and are used to make essential oils. It takes hundreds of kilograms of plant material to form any substantial amount of oil. That means that each drop of oil (1ml of oil is approximately 20 drops) contains A LOT of plant power.
When using essential oils for topical application, it is very important to dilute the oil using a carrier oil. Be sure not to use only water for dilution since oil is not soluble in water and thus may still touch your skin in full concentration (this means diluting it before putting it in the bath too!). If not diluted properly, essential oils can cause skin irritation, sensitization, eczema, photosensitivity and itching. Not only that but more often than not, to reach their full healing-power potential, essential oils are usually more effective in a blend anyway! Some amazing carrier oils are: Jojoba, Avocado, Almond, Apricot, and Fractionated Coconut to name a few.
If you decide to use essential oils in your skincare regimen, be sure to research which oils are best suited for you and the desired outcome or healing properties you are looking for. It is important to know the oil you plan to use and the way you want to use it.
Here are some suggested dilution rates for topical application of essential oils (Maximum % of Essential Oil in a Carrier Oil):
Facial: 0.2-1.5 %
Body: 1-4%
Spot Treatment: 4-10%
Babies: 0 - 0.3%
For example, if you are making a 30 ml luscious body oil, let's say with jojoba and geranium, with 4% essential oil, you will only need 1.2ml (24 drops) of geranium.
Here is another example; if you are making a small 10ml facial oil using Almond oil as the carrier and Frankincense essential oil with a desired outcome of 1% essential oil, you would only need 2 drops of Frankincense!
So an easy rule of thumb for 1% essential oil is 1 drop essential oil per 5ml of carrier oil.
Just a few drops of essential oil goes a very long way!
The healing benefits of using essential oils are extensive and truly wonderful! Essential oils have the power to reduce blemishes, hyperpigmentation, fine lines, wrinkles, acne, eczema, fungal infections, bacteria growth, muscle pain, headaches, digestive issues and stress and the list goes on! They can lighten up a room with a peaceful therapeutic scent and incredible purifying properties.
Whether you are new to using essential oils or have had experience with them for a long time, there will always be new oils to discover and exciting things to learn about these earth-given treasures.
Thanks for reading and don't forget to dilute and know your oils!
Sarah 💕
If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to email me at urbancountryorganics@gmail.com
*If you are pregnant, breastfeeding or using medication, be sure to speak to a healthcare professional prior to using essential oils.