Aromatherapy Skincare: Can Essential Oils Be Used Safely On The Skin?

Today, we're delving into the aromatic world of aromatherapy essential oils and tackling a common query that frequently pops up: Can aromatherapy essential oils be safely used on the skin?

What is an Essential Oil?

Essential oils are the volatile, organic constituents of fragrant plant matter. These tiny molecules are oil soluble, making them perfect ingredients for cosmetics as they effortlessly penetrate the skin.

Essential oils and skincare

In skincare, we refer to essential oils as aromaceuticals. They do more than just add a pleasant scent – they're active ingredients packed with remarkable properties. Each essential oil is a complex blend of numerous chemical compounds, each contributing to its therapeutic benefits and aroma.

Benefits of essential oils for skin:

• Promoting skin moisture in dry and mature skin
• Balancing oily skin
• Soothing inflamed skin
• Anti-bacterial properties help prevent acne
• Anti-oxidant properties help rejuvenate skin
• Stimulating tissue regeneration (great for scars)

There are many essential oils used in skincare but common ones used are Lavender, Frankincense, Neroli, Rose and Geranium.

Apart from their physical effects, essential oils also impact our emotions. They can uplift and stimulate or calm and relax, enhancing the skincare experience holistically.

How to safely apply essential oils on skin

The key to safe use of aromatherapy oils on the skin lies in caution and proper dilution. Essential oils are highly concentrated, so applying them directly can lead to skin irritation. It's recommended to dilute them with a carrier oil like jojoba or almond oil before application. This not only ensures safety but also helps spread the oil evenly, maximizing its benefits.When using essential oils topically, it's crucial to dilute them properly to ensure safety. Ideally, essential oils should be diluted to a concentration of 1-5%. For facial application, a 1% dilution is typically recommended as a safe option. Dilutions ranging from 3% to 5% are less common and are generally reserved for clinical treatments conducted by trained aromatherapists.

It's important to avoid measuring essential oils in drops, as this method can lead to inaccurate dosages. Essential oils should never be applied neat on the skin and should be avoided on damaged or diseased skin. Patch testing is also strongly advised.

Essential oil safety precautions

Always check the safety data before using an essential oil. Look out for information on phototoxicity, sensitization potential, skin irritation, and any contra-indications such as pregnancy or specific medical conditions.

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In conclusion, yes, aromatherapy oils can be used on the skin – but with caution. When used thoughtfully and responsibly, they can be a delightful addition to your skincare routine. Remember to dilute, patch test, and choose oils wisely to fully enjoy the benefits of aromatherapy on your skin.

For extra safety, consulting an aromatherapist or purchasing aromatherapy skincare from reputable brands, especially those following strict EU or UK regulations, is recommended. Brands like Amaranthine formulate high-performance natural skincare products infused with essential oils, ensuring both skin and mood benefit.

Embrace the magic of these aromatic elixirs, and let your skin revel in their natural goodness!

Interested in reading more on aromatherapy skincare? You might find our article that delves deeper into how essential oils work in skincare, in particular for acne prone skin, interesting.

References:

Essential Oil Safety by Robert Tisserand and Tony Balacs

The Encyclopedia of Essential Oils by Julia Lawless

Diploma in Clinical Aromatherapy Course Notes by Aromatherapy Scotland