The use of undiluted essential oils on sensitive skin or in the nostrils can irritate or burn. Susceptible people may also develop an allergic reaction and a skin rash.
Failing to safely dilute your essential oils before use can lead to two main safety risks for the skin: Irritation and sensitization.
Whenever essential oils are 'mixed' with water without a dispersing agent, there is a risk of irritation, since undiluted droplets of essential oil attach to the skin, often in sensitive areas. Because the oils are warmed up by the water, and also cannot evaporate, they often sting like crazy.
Lavender and tea tree essential oil are often cited as being safe for ``neat'' (straight, undiluted) application--that's 100% concentration.
Potential Side Effects
Some individuals may experience skin irritation, redness, or allergic reactions when using certain essential oils. It is recommended to conduct a patch test before applying any essential oil to a larger area of the skin.
They must be diluted before they can be safely applied to the skin. The most common way to dilute essential oils is by either incorporating them into a formulation (i.e. a moisturizer or body scrub recipe) or by diluting them using a vegetable oil, also known as a carrier oil.
Avoid inhaling undiluted oils directly, as this can lead to irritation. Diffuser safely: If using a diffuser, follow the manufacturer's instructions and ensure that the space is well ventilated. Prolonged exposure to high concentrations of essential oils is associated with negative heart issues and lung symptoms.
According to many aromatherapy practitioners, Lavandula angustifolia, Melaleuca alternifolia, Helichrysum italicum, and Chamaemelum nobile are the only essential oils that can be safely used undiluted.
When applied to the skin: Frankincense essential oil or gum extract is possibly safe. It might cause skin irritation in some people. When inhaled: Frankincense essential oil is possibly safe. There isn't enough reliable information to know what the side effects might be.
Many people think essential oils are harmless because they are natural and have been used for a long time. However, many essential oils can cause rashes if used on the skin and some can be poisonous if they are absorbed through the skin or swallowed.
Peppermint essential oil is so potent that undiluted it will cause your skin to tingle or burn. It can cause your eyes to water and nose to run. Ingest it undiluted and it's an intense diuretic. In fact, it's surprisingly easy to accidentally get too much peppermint in your system which can be potentially lethal.
Examples of essential oils that are effective in anti-aging are Frankincense, Lavender, Rose, Neroli, Geranium, Sandalwood, Citrus, Carrot seed, Ylang Ylang, and Rosemary.
A major reason, if not the main one, to dilute essential oil is to avoid skin irritation or other skin reactions. We know essential oils can be anti-inflammatory and help in restoring our skin's barrier function.
Endocrine Disrupting Activities
In addition, these chemicals are known to interfere with hormone synthesis, metabolism, transport, and degradation [28]. In previous reports, essential oils have been determined to act as an EDC [16-18].
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It's generally advised to avoid strong essential oils like Clary Sage or Rosemary. However, Lavender and Sweet Orange are often considered safe when used sparingly and diffused in a well-ventilated area.
Don't Place Near Fans or Sunlight
You would think placing your diffuser near a fan would be helpful in spreading the fragrance around, but it actually does the opposite. Instead, it causes the oil to quickly evaporate, with the scent disappearing with it. The same goes with a heat source or direct sunlight.
Toxicologist Ron Kirschner, MD, also warns of their danger. "Ingesting essential oils like camphor, eucalyptus oil, tea tree oil or pine oil has been associated with changes in mental states and seizures. Ingesting lavender oil can cause severe allergic reactions and pennyroyal oil can give you toxic liver damage."
The recommended amount is 5–10 drops; but if you're using multiple oils, 2–3 drops per oil will give you a nice blend. As you become familiar with diffusing, you'll find an amount that works well for you. The essential oil drop count will also vary depending on the space where the diffuser will be placed.
The oils circulate through the bloodstream and interact with tissues and cells throughout the body. Eventually the circulating oils must pass through the liver, which is an organ situated in the lower-right side of the thorax, below the ribcage.