When you think about essential oils, you might imagine that they are some kind of magical potion that can do everything from curing headaches to killing weeds. In reality, essential oils are simply concentrated plant extracts that can be used for a wide range of purposes. They are a natural product and therefore have no known side effects or risks beyond those of any other substance you might put on your skin. There are some inherent risks with any product that you apply directly to your skin. However, essential oils are generally considered to be safe for short-term use with proper precautions. As with anything else, there are certain precautions that you should take when using essential oils to avoid irritation or other adverse reactions. Let’s take a look at some common concerns when it comes to using essential oils safely:
If you have a rash or other skin irritation, it is best to avoid using essential oils for the time being because they can irritate the skin further. It is possible that you could develop a more severe reaction to essential oils if you have an existing skin condition. You should use a patch test to see if any of the essential oils cause an allergic reaction. It is also possible to get an allergic reaction even if you do not have a preexisting condition, but this is very rare.
Some essential oils are very concentrated and should only be applied to your skin in very small quantities. For example, lavender essential oil is a very common and beneficial oil, but it is also very strong and can cause irritation if applied in large quantities. Likewise, you should avoid applying undiluted peppermint essential oil to your skin if you have sensitive skin because it can cause redness and irritation. To avoid irritation, mix the essential oil with a carrier oil. Carrier oils are a type of oil that can be used to dilute or soften essential oils. The two most common carrier oils are coconut oil and jojoba oil. You can also use olive oil, almond oil, or grapeseed oil.
You should never apply essential oils to wounds that are open or unclean, or to any other type of open skin that might get infected. It is recommended that you clean wounds with water before applying essential oils. This will help to prevent the growth of bacteria and other germs on the wound.
The same precautions that you should take when applying essential oils to your skin also apply to applying them to your clothing. This means that you should only use undiluted essential oils on fabrics that are meant to be dry and clean. You should never apply essential oils to clothing that you intend to wear in the rain or other conditions that will cause your clothing to get wet.
As with the other precautions listed above, it is best not to use essential oils on babies and young children. You should avoid using undiluted essential oils on your child’s skin, and you should avoid putting essential oils in the crib or bedding that your child sleeps in. Young children have much thinner skin than adults, and they are also much more sensitive to chemicals and smells.
There are some inherent risks with any product that you apply directly to your skin, but essential oils are generally considered to be safe for short-term use with proper precautions. It is important to use undiluted essential oils only on dry, clean skin, avoid applying them to wounds and to fabric, and avoid using them on babies and young children. You can use essential oils in your home and in your beauty routine, but make sure that you use them responsibly so that you can enjoy their benefits without risking an adverse reaction.