How To Use Essential Oils on Skin (Dos and Don'ts)

Essential oils are the most blessed fragrances extracted from plants and considered beneficial for therapeutic applications. Oil essences can be used for relaxation therapies, aiding sleep, etc. One of the popular ways people try to reap these benefits is through direct skin application.

Knowing how to apply these potent oils safely and effectively to the skin is crucial, as these oils come in high concentrations and must be handled with care to prevent any irritations or adverse reactions.

The common question people would ask is, Can I put high-concentration oil on my skin directly? The answer is not a straightforward one, as it is more of a cautionary tale. Some essential oils can adversely affect the skin when used neat, bringing about side effects such as redness, burning, itching, or even sensitisation after repeated exposure.

Hence, it is very important to learn how to use them properly on the skin. For example, lavender oil is commonly known to be on the gentler side; however, it may irritate some people if large areas of the skin are treated without dilution.

Here, the beneficial and adverse uses of essential oils on the skin are introduced to benefit you. Then, dilution, carrier oils, patch testing, and basic guidelines will be discussed.

Dos and Don'ts of Using Essential Oils on Skin

Dos of Using Essential Oils on Skin

• DO always remember to dilute your essential oils with carrier oils before applying them topically.
• DO consider beginning with a low dilution and increasing the concentration only if it is needed and if the skin can tolerate it.
• DO determine an individual's tolerance by performing a patch test any time a new oil or blend is used or applied to a larger area.
• DO keep oils stored best: away from sunlight, air, and heat in a dark glass bottle.
• DO find out as much as they can about the specific essential oil being used, including knowing their properties and any contraindications; for instance, phototoxic varieties can create skin photosensitivity.
• DO use essential oil externally for localized effects: for example, a diluted oil blend for skin tightening can be applied to specific areas, or an essential oil can be applied to the scalp for hair care.
• Do mind the amount of essential oil used in total, especially if it is being applied several times in one day.

Don'ts of Using Essential Oils on Skin

• DON'T apply an undiluted essential oil on oneself unless instructed so by a qualified aromatherapist or other healthcare professionals, and the recommendations are expected to be followed for very brief indications.
• DON'T swallow essential oils unless explicitly asked to do so by a certain qualified practitioner. For topical and internal use, there are surely different questions.
• DON'T apply improperly diluted essential oil to broken skin, irritated skin, or other kinds of sensitive skin.
• DON'T allow essential oils to go near or into the eyes, inner ears, or any other delicate mucous membranes. If they do, flush them immediately with a carrier oil (never water) and seek further medical attention if irritation continues.
• DON'T assume that the spreading of the term "natural" means that the essential oil is "safe for everyone." Essential oils are very potent and have resulted in a number of unwanted reactions over the years. 
• DON'T apply essential oils on babies and young children without direct supervision by a qualified aromatherapist or pediatrician, as their skin is more delicate.
• DON'T overuse essential oils. More is not always better, as this could increase the risk of sensitisation.

Popular Carrier Oils

• Jojoba Oil: Mimics the skin's natural sebum, easily absorbed.
• Sweet Almond Oil: Light, moisturizing, and good for most skin types.
• Coconut Oil (Fractionated): Odorless, non-greasy, and has a long shelf life. (Note: Solid coconut oil can be comedogenic for some.)
• Grapeseed Oil: Light, easily absorbed, and rich in antioxidants.
• Olive Oil: Rich and moisturizing, but can have a stronger scent.

General Dilution Guidelines

• Adults: A general starting point would be around 1-3% dilution. This corresponds to anywhere from 1 to 3 drops of essential oil for 1 teaspoon (5 ml) of carrier oil.
• For children, older adults, or those having sensitive skin, one might opt for a lower dilution at 0.5-1%.   
• Higher dilution (up to 5%) could be used for short applications such as local muscle rubs, though with caution and awareness of possible sensitivity issues.

Patch Testing

When should you patch test? It is very important to patch test before large-area application of a diluted mixture to check for allergic reactions or sensitivities.

How to Perform a Patch Test:

• Using any carrier oil of your choice, add only a few drops of an essential oil that you intend to use. 
• Take scant amounts of the diluted blend and apply it onto a small patch of skin, say the inner forearm or behind the ear. 
• A band-aid should be used to keep this area covered for the next 24-48 hours.
• Observe for any development of symptoms, such as redness, itching, burning, or irritation.
• If the spot displays no reaction, it would normally be safe to use the diluted blend on bigger areas.

Specific Essential Oils and Skin Uses

With each essential oil bearing its own characteristics and potential benefits on the skin, taramira and onion oils have been used at least occasionally for hair care, while frankincense or rose oils are valued for their supposed skin-rejuvenating benefits.

Always research the specific oil you intend to use and learn about traditional uses and safety precautions.

Conclusion

Understanding how to use essential oils on the skin opens the portal for potential benefits without risking any adverse reaction. Dilution, carrier oils, and patch testing are the absolute essentials you should never neglect.

By following these dos and don'ts, you can confidently add essential oils to your skincare and bask in their aromatic and therapeutic properties. Safety comes first, and when in doubt, seek the help of a qualified aromatherapist or healthcare professional for individualised guidance.