Essential oils have a lot of benefits. They help relieve anxiety, fighting flu symptoms, relax your body, alleviate pain, and on top of all, they smell amazing. A lot of people also use essential oils, like tea tree oil, to heal skin conditions and improve skin health over-all. But are they really all they are said to be?
Katrina Kremer, an advanced holistic nurse, says that a lot of people have suffered skin burns and severe allergic reactions from using essential oils. While it is rare, sometimes essential oils can cause skin irritations instead of soothing.
Possible Reasons for Why You Might Experience Skin Burns, Irritations or Allergic Reactions
Wrong usage of the essential oil
When using essential oils on your skin or hair, it is recommended that you use a carrier oil to dilute the oil, so it doesn’t damage your skin. Almond oil, olive oil, and coconut oil are some of the best carrier oils that will help boost the effects of the essential oil. Put two-three drops of the essential oil in a tablespoon of the carrier oil for proper dilution that will cause no harm to your skin.
You are not using pure essential oils
Sure, it says its 100% pure on the bottle, but is it? The U.S has no laws about the front label of products. Companies can basically tell you something is pure as long as it has a little bit of what is promised, inside of the bottle. The FDA warns against the use of some essential oils, saying that you might be exposed to a product that is making fake promises. To make sure what you are buying is actually what is inside of the bottle, always research the brand and check the reviews online or find a trustable source.
You are allergic to the plant
Just because the product might be fake doesn’t mean if you get a pure one, you won’t get a reaction. Some people and animals are allergic to the plants that the essential oils come from. You may be able to use Jojoba oil perfectly comfortably while having a wild reaction to ylang-ylang oil. Do a skin patch test to make sure you are safe to use the oil on your skin. Take a cotton swab and dip the tip in the essential oil and swatch the oil on the inside of your wrist. Wait for 48 hours to see if you have a reaction. If you do, and you are sure your oil is pure, you are allergic. Retain from using or try to dilute with a carrier oil and try it again.
Essential oils are surely good for you, using it just for the smell is enough for many. Whatever your reason is, make sure that you are taking every precaution to prevent a skin burn or irritation. That is not a good feel or look, after all.
