Essential oils have been steadily growing in popularity and modern science proving that essential oils have many wellness benefits has made even more of us aware of just how useful these gifts from nature are.
While many people are keen to start using essential oils in a bid to come away from chemicals and embrace a more natural and holistic path, not everyone is quite sure just how to get started.
Whether you are keen to start making your own blends at home or plan to purchase a pre-blended aromatherapy oil it’s always important to do a skin test.
This is a simple process that can help you identify which oils work well with your body chemistry and ensure you are not allergic to the specific oil blend.
Good quality essential oils are 100% pure and all-natural and are generally safe to use on the skin when blended correctly, Just like any other natural they can still cause skin irritations, sensitivities, and allergies.
Popular ways to use essential oils
- Essential oil diffusers. One of the most efficient and effective ways to use essential oils. Diffusion allows essential oils to be inhaled through the air, allowing them to be absorbed immediately into your body.
- Topical application to the skin, this works best when you want to target a specific area of the body. Essential oils must always be blended with a carrier before being applied to the skin. When applied the skin will absorb the essential oils and distribute them throughout the body.
- Cleaning the home, essential oils can be very useful for cleaning the household without having to resort to lots of chemicals. Many essential oils have natural antibacterial, and antiviral properties and also help to repel pests.
For more details why not check out our blog Tips for spring cleaning without the chemicals
While skin testing is a personal choice it is one that I highly recommend even if you are not usually allergic to anything. Testing an essential oil on a small area of skin is known as skin patch testing and is easy to do. This allows you to test a small area of your skin with the product to ensure you don’t have a reaction, which is preferable to applying it all over and ending up with a major breakout or unpleasant reaction.
How to perform a skin patch test
Simply place a few drops of diluted essential oil on your inner elbow. You can mix one teaspoon of jojoba oil with 1-2 drops of essential oil. Cover the area with a bandage or gauze. Do not get this area wet during the test.
If you feel any skin irritation or if any reaction occurs, remove the bandage and wash the area with soap and water. If no irritation occurs after 48 hours, the diluted essential oil should be safe for you to use on your skin.
*Please note that even with a negative test, it is not a guarantee that skin irritation, sensitization, or allergy to the oil will not develop in the future.
Best practice for using essential oils
- For the best result always ensure your oil is high quality and 100% pure essential oil without fillers or toxins added. Never mistake perfume oils or fragrance oils for essential oils. Look for soil association certification.
- Never use essential oils undiluted. Oils must always be blended with a carrier before using on the skin.
- Never use essential oils in the eyes or mucous membranes.
- Do not take internally unless working with a qualified practitioner.
- Treat essential oils as you do all medication and keep it locked away from children and pets.
- Always seek advice from a qualified practitioner when using essential oils on or around children. Not all oils are safe for kids and the ones that are safe must be diluted correctly as per the child’s age.
- Always seek professional advice from a practitioner before using it on pets. Some oils are not safe for use around certain species.
Here’s a lovely diffuser recipe for you to try
Destress and balance diffuser blend
2 drops of Geranium essential oil
4 drops of Lavender essential oil
4 drops of Frankincense essential oil
