Specific essential oils that tend to be safe to apply undiluted include tea tree (Melaleuca alternifolia) **Be sure it has not oxidized!, lavender (Lavandula angustifolia),
While there are several oils that may aid in healing, toning, and brightening skin (Shah recommends tea tree, rose, rosehip, sandalwood, chamomile, and lavender), there are also elixirs that can spark serious skin reactions and even chemical burns due to allergies and phototoxicity.
Citrus oils, including lemon, orange and bergamot, are particularly dangerous, as they can be phototoxic, meaning they react to UV light and can cause skin to burn and blister. Cinnamon bark, clove, lemongrass, oregano, peppermint and jasmine oils are also known to cause irritation.
Helichrysum oil is sometimes referred to as the "Botox in a bottle" because of its powerful regenerative properties.
Instead, opt for lighter oils such as argan, jojoba or grapeseed oil. These oils absorb more quickly into the skin and can also help soothe dry areas zapped of moisture.
Essential oils, because of their natural concentration, must be diluted with a carrier or base oil before application. There are two exceptions to this rule, lavender and tea tree essential oils can be applied “neat” or undiluted to 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.
Some common reactions to essential oils include contact dermatitis, dryness, redness, and itchiness. Common irritants found in these oils include fragrance ingredients like limonene, citronellol, eugenol, and linalool, all present in many fragrant plant oils. The positives just don't outweigh the negatives.
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.
Its ability to promote cell regeneration may help fade dark spots caused by sun damage and aging. The oil can give your skin a radiant look by smoothing out texture and creating a more even tone.
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.
Examples of essential oils that are effective in anti-aging are Frankincense, Lavender, Rose, Neroli, Geranium, Sandalwood, Citrus, Carrot seed, Ylang Ylang, and Rosemary.
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.
Side effects of applying peppermint oil to the skin can include skin rashes and irritation. Peppermint oil should not be applied to the face of infants or young children because serious side effects may occur if they inhale the menthol in the oil.
This is why olive oil penetrates deeper and faster into the skin the most oils. However, it is not a very hydrating oil because the holes it leaves behind allow water to evaporate off of the skin in a process called transepidermal water loss.
Skin Care products can contain mineral oils or plant oils or both. A mineral oil is petroleum based and does not absorb into the skin because its molecular structure does not allow it. Instead it forms a barrier on the skin that keeps water locked in.
Coconut Oil:
Coconut oil is rich in antioxidants and has moisturizing properties. Massage a few drops of coconut oil under your eyes before going to bed and leave it on overnight. Repeat this process daily to reduce under-eye wrinkles and fine lines.