Views: 5 Author: Site Editor Publish Time: 2021-07-26 Origin: Site
Essential oils are often used in aromatherapy massages for their pleasant fragrances and many reputed beneficial properties. These powerful plant essences have become so popular in massage and cosmetic applications that most people don't think twice about using them topically. But did you know that diluting essential oils is a crucial step before applying them directly onto your skin? Read on to find out about why you need to dilute essential oils and how you can do so.
The undiluted use of essential oils can cause potential skin irritation and sensitivity due to their high concentration.
There are many products that you can use to dilute essential oils. The most common option would be carrier oils, but you can also use body butter, lotions, creams, and soaps. If you want to add essential oil to your hair, you can add them to your shampoos and conditioners as well.
For adults, depending on your skin condition and the frequency that you want to use essential oils, you can add the following amount of essential oil to every ounce of the diluting agent:
1. 10 to 20 drops of essential oil (a maximum concentration of about 3%) for long-term regular use.
2. 30 to 60 drops of essential oil (a maximum concentration of about 10%) for use of no longer than 2 weeks.
The concentrations mentioned above are general recommendations, however, there are some essential oils that have special dilution needs that you should be aware of. For instance, due to the potential for phototoxicity, it is recommended to dilute lemon essential oil to a concentration of no more than 2% before use and to dilute grapefruit essential oil to a concentration of no more than 4% before use. Similarly, to minimize the risk of an allergic reaction, it is recommended to dilute clove bud essential oil to a concentration of no more than 0.5% before use. These are only a few special cases but there may be many more to consider when selecting essential oils for a specific purpose. For this reason, you should always do thorough research on any essential oil you are interested in before using it in a blend.
It is important to do some solid background research on the oils you are interested in before using them in a blend. Regardless of the type of oil you choose to use, 100% pure plant-derived essential oils are preferable for a high-quality blend.As some essential oils - particularly citrus oils - may contain phototoxic properties, they should be avoided if the user will be exposed to the sun after use. Some essential oils such as Camphor, Wintergreen, Wormwood, and Tarragon, among others should be avoided during pregnancy. Other essential oils such as Eucalyptus, Peppermint, and Rosemary to name a few, may present a higher risk of irritation or toxicity to children or pets.