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Essential oils are either applied directly on the body or they are inhaled. They are ingested because it can be harmful. It is advisable that you use a patch test before applying them on the skin to ensure that you are not allergic to them. Also, it is important to be careful that you don’t use them around the eyes.
To patch test, you apply a small amount of the diluted essential oil on the skin, preferably your forearm. Then you wait a day to see if you have an allergic reaction before you apply it on the larger and more sensitive areas of skin.
Massage and direct application
Essential oils are more likely to work if applied topically for treating skin problems. This involves applying small drops of oil and then rubbing them. Also, you must dilute the oils with a carrier oil like almond and olive before applying it.
Mix a few drops of essential oils with a tablespoon of carrier oil for the best results. Gently massage the mixture into your skin until its completely absorbed.
Diffuser
The popularity of essential oil diffusers is rising day by day. They are tools for diffusing the essential oils in the atmosphere of the room so that you can inhale them in the stream.
Breathing in the essential oils helps you relax and sleep better, depending on the oil you use. It is called aromatherapy.
However, relaxing and invigorating they are, you won’t reap the skin benefits this way.
Bath
Bathing in essential oils can also be beneficial for certain types of skin. Especially when you want to treat the whole body or the hard-to-reach areas.
Adding just 10 drops of oil to a running bath will be enough. You have to be a little careful when getting out of the tup as the oils make the tub surface slippery.
Precautions and Side effects
Applying essential oils on the skin sometimes cause irritation and rashes especially when you do not dilute them with a carrier oil first.
It is better that you patch test the essential oil before applying it all over your body. Apply a drop of diluted essential oil on your forearm and wait for 24 hours to see if it causes an allergic reaction on your skin.
Though essential oils are completely natural, they can be as effective as traditional medications. It can be harmful to digest them. Also, talk to a skincare professional before you start to self treat any underlying medical condition. It is crucial that you consult your doctor for using essential oils when you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Essential oils are antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and have soothing properties which make them perfect for treating a variety of skin issues. There has been a lot of studies and their effects on our body. They are proven to be helpful for acne-prone, dry and oily skin.
Consult a dermatologist if you have underlying skin conditions like eczema, psoriasis, or rosacea.
Stop using essential oils right away if you experience any bad effect or allergic reaction.
