Safety Guidelines: Topical Use

Many people use Essential Oils topically for skin-healing or pain-relieving. However, if administered improperly, rashes & other side effects may occur. Some Essential Oils can even be poisonous if absorbed directly through the skin. Others, like lemon, lime & orange can cause Photo-toxicity if applied before exposure to sun.

1. Dilution

Essential Oils require dilution to prevent adverse reactions. As a general rule, concentration levels of Essential Oils should be kept at below 5 percent. Diluting at 1 percent is equivalent to adding 6 drops of Essential Oil to 1 ounce of Carrier Oil. Carrier oils are typically vegetable-based & they carry the Essential Oil safely onto your skin and help you spread it over a large surface area.

2. Patch Test

Patch Test allows you to see how your skin reacts to a particular Essential Oil before you perform a full topical application. Here are the steps for conducting a Patch Test: - Wash your forearm with unscented soap. - Pat dry. - Rub a few drops of diluted Essential Oil into a small patch of your forearm. - Wait 24 hours. - Remove the gauze. - If the skin patch is red, itchy, blistering, or swollen = you have an adverse reaction to the Essential Oil & should discontinue use. If you experience discomfort before the 24-hours period ends, immediately wash the area with soap & warm water.

3. Essential Oils for Dilution

Popular Essential Oils MUST be diluted before use :

- Bay

- Cinnamon Bark / Cinnamon Leaf

- Clove

- Citronella

- Cumin

- Lemongrass

- Lemon Verbena

- Oregano

- Thyme

4. Essential Oils for Topical Use

Popular Essential Oils that can be used with or without dilution (neat application):

- Chamomile

- Cypress

- Eucalyptus

- Lavender

- Tea Tree (not oxidized)

- Rose

- Sandalwood

Of course, neat applications should be applied with professional knowledge of Essential Oils.

Reminder : Remember to check the listed factors & considerations in my other blog post before you started using any Essential Oil!