Aromatherapy Oils: Safe To Spray Directly On Skin?

Aromatherapy is a popular practice that involves using essential oils for therapeutic benefits. These oils are usually extracted from plants and are highly concentrated, so a little goes a long way. While they are often used in diffusers, added to baths, or during massages, can you spray or rub these essential oils directly onto your skin?

Always dilute essential oils with a carrier oil before applying to the skin

Essential oils are highly potent and can irritate the skin if not used responsibly. They are extremely concentrated and can irritate your skin if they aren't diluted. Therefore, it is important to always dilute essential oils with a carrier oil before applying them to the skin.

Carrier oils, including coconut oil and jojoba oil, are used to dilute essential oils and "carry" them to your skin. They may also moisturize your skin. Most carrier oils are unscented or lightly scented and do not interfere with an essential oil's therapeutic properties. They may be used alone or with other oils to nourish your skin.

When choosing a carrier oil, consider the following:

• Odor: Some carrier oils have a distinct odor that may alter the aroma of the essential oil when added.
• Absorption: Different carrier oils are absorbed by the skin at different rates.
• Skin type: Depending on your skin type, some carrier oils may irritate the skin or worsen skin conditions such as acne.
• Shelf life: Some carrier oils have longer shelf lives than others.

Popular carrier oils include:

• Coconut oil: Has skin-nourishing fatty acids and polyphenols, making it great for massage oils and skincare preparations.
• Jojoba oil: Has moisturizing properties and is thought to mimic the skin's natural oil. It absorbs easily and doesn't clog pores, making it suitable for facial moisturizers.
• Apricot kernel oil: High in fatty acids and vitamin E, it absorbs easily and has a slightly sweet, nutty scent.
• Sweet almond oil: Has a strong, nutty aroma and is a great moisturizer for dry skin. However, its strong scent may mask the aroma of the essential oil.
• Olive oil: Packed with fatty acids and plant sterols, it's great for cleansing and moisturizing dry skin.
• Argan oil: Rich in vitamins A and E and monounsaturated fatty acids, argan oil can help treat dry skin, wrinkles, and skin inflammation.

It is important to note that you should never use water to dilute essential oils as water does not mix with oil. Always perform a patch test before trying a new essential oil or carrier oil to ensure you don't have any allergies or adverse reactions.

Avoid getting essential oils in your eyes, nose, ears, and private parts

Essential oils are natural remedies that can be used to support emotional and physical health. They are often used as an alternative to synthetic medications. However, it is important to exercise caution when using essential oils, as they are extremely concentrated and can cause irritation if not used properly.

One important precaution to take when using essential oils is to avoid getting them in your eyes, nose, ears, and private parts. Here's why:

Eyes

The eyes are extremely sensitive, so it is important to be careful when using essential oils around them. If essential oils get into your eyes, they can cause irritation and redness. To flush out essential oils from your eyes, it is recommended to use milk or cream, as they can quickly emulsify the oil, after which you can rinse your eyes with water.

Nose

It is not advisable to put essential oils directly inside your nose. Inhaling essential oils is a common practice, but it should be done with caution. The aromatic effects of essential oils can be beneficial when inhaled in small doses, but inhaling large amounts or for prolonged periods can lead to dizziness, headaches, and nausea.

Ears

The ears are another sensitive area that should be avoided when using essential oils. Essential oils should not be applied directly into the ears. If essential oil gets into your ear, rinse it out thoroughly with running water.

Private Parts

While essential oils can be beneficial for the skin on other parts of the body, it is not advisable to apply them to the private parts. Some essential oils can cause skin irritation or allergic reactions, especially if they are not diluted properly. It's important to always do a patch test before using essential oils on your skin.

In summary, while essential oils can be beneficial for the skin, it is important to avoid getting them in your eyes, nose, ears, and private parts. These areas are more sensitive and can be easily irritated by essential oils. Always use caution and dilute essential oils with a carrier oil before applying them to your skin.

Choose a carrier oil based on your skin type and personal preference

When choosing a carrier oil, it's important to consider your skin type. Each carrier oil has different properties and may not be beneficial for all skin types. For example, if your skin is dry and inflamed, a rich and soothing oil, like borage oil, would be a better option than an astringent oil like grapeseed.

Carrier oils are derived from seeds, nuts, beans, fruits and vegetables. They are called base oils because other ingredients are usually added to them, although they can be used alone or in combination with other base oils.

Anti-inflammatory oils for acne-prone skin

• Evening primrose oil
• Black seed oil
• Rosehip oil
• Jojoba oil
• Grapeseed oil
• Apricot kernel oil

Dry (and mature) skin

• Castor oil
• Avocado oil
• Olive oil
• Coconut oil
• Sweet almond oil
• Argan oil
• Apricot oil

Oily skin

• Jojoba oil
• Sweet almond oil
• Grapeseed oil
• Rosehip oil
• Sunflower oil
• Hemp seed oil

Sensitive skin

• Jojoba oil
• Rosehip oil
• Tamanu oil
• Avocado oil
• Sea buckthorn oil
• Borage oil

In addition to skin type, there are other factors to consider when choosing a carrier oil. These include:

• Absorption: Some carrier oils are absorbed by the skin more quickly than others.
• Odor: Some carrier oils have a distinct odor that may alter the aroma of essential oils when added to them.
• Shelf life: Some carrier oils have a longer shelf life than others.
• Processing: It is important to choose a carrier oil that has been minimally processed and is organic, extracted naturally, and not exposed to extreme heat during extraction.

Do a patch test on your forearm to check for skin irritation

Patch testing is a simple procedure that can be done at home to determine whether essential oils or any other substance will irritate your skin. It's a good idea to patch test essential oils before use, as they can contain chemicals that may cause an allergic reaction.

• Choose a small, discreet area on your forearm, preferably the inside of your forearm or the bend of your elbow.
• Cleanse and thoroughly dry the area.
• Apply a small amount of the essential oil to the test area.
• Gently massage or pat the oil into the skin.
• Leave the oil on the skin for 24 to 48 hours without washing or rubbing the area.
• Monitor the test area closely for any signs of skin irritation, such as redness, itching, swelling, welts, or a rash.

If you experience any negative reactions during the test, immediately wash off the product with a gentle cleanser and apply an anti-itch cream to soothe the area. If symptoms persist for several days, contact your doctor or dermatologist for further advice.

Remember, it's always better to be safe than sorry when it comes to your skin. Patch testing is a simple and effective way to ensure that your skin will react well to a new product.

Store essential oils in a cool, dry place, out of reach of children and pets

Essential oils are highly concentrated plant extracts that can be used for aromatherapy, topical application, and natural cleaning solutions. They can be beneficial for health and well-being, but it is important to use them safely and store them securely.

Keep Them in a Cool, Dry Place

Avoid storing essential oils in areas with excessive heat or direct sunlight. Heat and sunlight can alter the chemical composition of the oils, causing them to evaporate more quickly or deteriorate. It is recommended to keep essential oils in a cool, dark place, such as a closet or drawer.

Use Glass Containers

Essential oils should be stored in glass containers, preferably dark-coloured ones. Pure essential oils or mixtures containing them should not be kept in plastic containers as they can react with plastic and leak out or lose potency. Dark glass bottles help protect the oils from sunlight exposure, maintaining their quality.

Tighten the Bottle Lids

Always keep the lids of essential oil bottles tightly closed. This prevents oxidation, air, and water from getting inside and preserves the oil's properties. Tight lids also prevent oil evaporation.

Store Them Away from Children and Pets

Essential oils should be kept in a secure place, out of reach of children and pets. This prevents accidental ingestion or spillage, ensuring the safety of your loved ones and pets.

Organise Your Collection

If you have a large collection of essential oils, consider storing them in a wooden storage box or a cabinet to keep them cool and protected from sunlight. You can also display your oils on a shelf or in a stylish shelving unit, but ensure they are not exposed to excessive sunlight.

Additional Tips

• When travelling with essential oils, use a carrying case designed specifically for them.
• If storing essential oils in the kitchen, avoid placing them near the oven or stove as they are flammable.
• You can store essential oils in the fridge or freezer to maintain a consistent temperature, but allow them to return to room temperature before use.

Frequently asked questions