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Writer's pictureLaura Van Horn

Exploring Essential Oils Topically

Tips for Safe Topical Use


While many people enjoy using essential oils in diffusers or room sprays, topical application is another effective way to reap their benefits. However, using essential oils directly on the skin requires caution. Essential oils are highly concentrated and can cause skin irritation or allergic reactions if applied undiluted. To safely use essential oils topically, dilute them with a carrier oil, as discussed in the previous blog. This blog aims to be an introductory guide you on the safe and effective topical use of essential oils.


Topical Application

  • Effective Absorption Through the Skin: Our skin is our barrier to the world, but it can also be a gateway to our wellness. Essential oils, being lipid-soluble, can be absorbed through the skin, offering both targeted relief and holistic benefits throughout your body

  • Versatility: Topical use of essential oils can provide targeted relief to specific areas and can be combined with massage for enhanced enjoyment. Using essential oils topically is user-friendly and versatile, offering numerous benefits such as:

    • Soothe aches and pains

    • Decrease inflammation

    • Improve skin quality

    • Reduce acne

    • Aid in digestion

    • Reduce stress and anxiety

    • Support healthy repiratory system

    • Support the immune system

    • Improve focus and concentration

    • Support memory and cognition

    • Fight topical fungal infections

    • Improve circulation


Safety Precautions

  • Skin Permeability Variations: Different parts of the body have varying absorption rates. Areas that are more permeable and can absorb essential oils more effectively, so it is important to keep in mind what area of the body the oil is being applied when planning the dilution rate

  • Epilepsy: If you are prone to epileptic seizures, use caution with essential oils, as some can lower the seizure threshold. Avoid oils like Western red cedar, wintergreen, and wormwood, and use caution with rosemary ct camphor.

  • Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: Use essential oils cautiously and only after consulting with a professional. If you use essential oils during pregnancy or breastfeeding, dilute to a maximum of 1%.

  • Phototoxic Oils: Many citrus oils, such as bergamot can cause severe burns when exposed to UV light. Avoid sunlight or tanning beds for 12-18 hours after topical application.

  • Sensitive Populations: Use lower concentrations for children, elderly, and those with serious health conditions.

  • Oxidization: Be sure to store oils appropriately to reduce the risk of oxidization. Avoid using oxidized oils topically. Oils that oxidize easily include bergamot, cypress, juniper berry, lemon, rosemary, tea tree, and thyme.

  • Animal Safety: Avoid using essential oils on your pets without proper training.

Areas for Topical Application

Feet

  • Benefits: Reduces pain and tension, brings grounding and much-needed relaxation

  • Suggested Oils: geranium (emotionally uplifting), peppermint (cooling analgesic), tea tree (antifungal)

  • Application: Soak feet in a salt soak or massage diluted oils into the skin

  • DIY Foot Soak: Mix 1 cup Epsom salt, 2 Tbsp carrier oil, 1 drop of geranium, 1 drop of peppermint, 3 drops of tea tree, and warm water in a foot tub


Arms and Legs

  • Benefits: Eases pain, soreness, and dryness, especially after physical activity

  • Suggested Oils: lavender (relaxing and skin nourishing), patchouli (soothing and nourishing), helichrysum (nourishing and healing)

  • Application: Mix oils into an unscented lotion and rub into the skin as needed

  • DIY Lotion: Using an unscented lotion base, blend 3 drops lavender, 2 drops helichrysum, 1 drop patchouli per 1 oz of lotion


Hands

  • Benefits: Luxurious moisturizing, antimicrobial and skin nourishing for hard working hands

  • Suggested Oils: Eucalyptus (refreshing), lavender (soothing), mandarin (supports immune system)

  • Application: Add to unscented Castile soap for a hand soap or blend with aloe vera for a hand gel

  • DIY Hand Gel: Mix 1 oz of aloe vera gel with 6 drops of lavender and 4 drops of mandarin. You can store this in a pop-up cap bottle and carry it with you for a quick hand re-freshing, shake well before each use, and refresh every few weeks


Neck

  • Benefits: Relieves stress, tension, pain, and headaches

  • Suggested Oils: Black pepper (warming analgesic), lavender (relaxing analgesic), peppermint (cooling analgesic)

  • Application: Mix essential oils with a carrier oil and gently rub massage onto the neck

  • DIY Headache Relief Massage Oil: Blend 1 oz of jojoba oil with 3 drops lavender, 1 drop black pepper, and 1 drop of peppermint


Back

  • Benefits: Reduces muscle tension, soreness, pain, and brings whole body relaxation

  • Suggested Oils: lavender (calming analgesic), black pepper (warming analgesic), rosemary (reduces inflammation)

  • Application: Mix essential oils with a carrier oil and massage into the back

  • DIY Massage Oil: Blend 1 oz of jojoba oil with 4 drops of lavender, 2 drops of black pepper and 2 drops of rosemary


Chest

  • Benefits: Clears up breathing problems, helps with congestion and coughs so that you can breath easy again

  • Suggested Oils:  peppermint (decongestant and expectorant), eucalyptus (antimicrobial and decongestant), black spruce (antibacterial and decongestant)

  • Application: Mix essential oils with a carrier oil and apply to the chest or create a salve to make your own Vicks VapoRub

  • DIY Chest Rub: Gently warm 2 oz of coconut oil until just liquified, blend in 6 drops black spruce, 2 drops peppermint and 2 drops of eucalyptus. Avoid use in children under the age of 6 years.

Abdomen

  • Benefits: Aids in digestion, relieving bloating, gas and cramping (both digestive and menstrual cramping)

  • Suggested Oils: ginger (reduces nausea), peppermint (relieves indigestion), mandarin (reduces gas), black pepper (aids digestion), lavender (reduces cramping)

  • Application: Mix essential oils with a carrier oil such as castor oil to be gently massaged onto the abdomen

  • DIY Tummy Tamer Oil: Blend 1 oz of castor oil with 7 drops of lavender, 3 drops mandarin, 2 drops of ginger, and 1 drop of black pepper


Face

  • Benefits: Improves complexion, reduces tension, and can bring a youthful glow

  • Suggested Oils: Tea tree (anti-acne), geranium (toning and soothing), frankincense (supports healthy skin)

  • Application: Mix with aloe vera gel and a carrier oil to create a face wash, or consider using a hydrosol as your toner

  • DIY Face Wash: Combine 1 oz aloe vera gel, 1 Tbsp Castile soap, 1 Tbsp roes hip oil (or your favorite carrier oil), 1 drop of tea tree and 1 drop frankincense to create a face wash, safe to use on a daily basis. Since it is made with aloe (a water based-ingredient), it is best to make a fresh batch every few weeks


Additional Tips for Safe Use

  • Patch Testing: Before applying any new essential oil mixture to a larger area of your body, do a patch test. Apply a small amount of the diluted essential oil to a patch of skin (such as the inside of your wrist) and wait 24 hours to check for any adverse reactions such as redness, itching or rash

  • Avoid Sensitive Areas: Avoid using essential oils on or near the eyes, mouth, or other sensitive areas of the body. Avoid using essential oils in the same area that topical medications are used

  • Storage: Store essential oils in dark glass bottles away from heat and light to maintain their potency and prevent oxidation. Keep the lids on tight while not in use

  • Do Your Research: Knowlege is joy. Stay informed about the latest research and safety guidelines for essential oil use. Consider consulting with a certified aromatherapist for personalized advice. The Tisserand Institute is a great resource for doing esential oil research


Conclusion

With great oils come great enjoyment. Essential oils can be a delightful addition to your wellness routing when used with care. Remember, less is often more. Perform patch tests and heed the safety guidelines. Here's to safe exploration and joyful discoveries with essential oils!

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