Essential oils are substances naturally present in plants that can be used to make cosmetic products, but also to be diffused into the environment to benefit from aromatherapy.
In this guide we will discover together how to use essential oils safely and how to choose the essential oil for your needs.
In this article I'll tell you:
How to use essential oils for skin
Which essential oils to choose for the skin
What are essential oils?
Essential oils are liquid and volatile substances, insoluble or poorly soluble in water , with a characteristic fragrance.
They are 100% natural substances and in fact free from chemical and toxic components.
Each of them has excellent and specific properties that treat the well-being of body and soul.
Essential oils, the essence of the plant, are present in particular cells that can be found in the trunk, roots, branches, inside the flower, leaves, seeds or fruits.
They are usually extracted by cold pressing , by extraction from the peel of the fruit, in the case of citrus fruits such as lemon, orange, mandarin and by steam distillation, in stainless steel containers, for the majority of aromatic plants.
How to use essential oils for skin
The skin is the largest organ in our body and is subjected to daily stress such as atmospheric changes and external agents (smog, smoke, stress) which cause sensitization, dryness, redness and skin imbalances.
Essential oils are a precious ally that comes to the aid of the skin because they can be used in many different ways.
In nature there are many essential oils that are ideal for treating the different needs of various skin types.
Essential oils are highly concentrated in active ingredients that could be irritating, and must therefore always be used diluted using a carrier oil such as Sesame Oil, Jojoba Oil, Sweet Almond Oil, Argan Oil, Apricot Kernel Oil, choosing the most suitable one based on the skin type.
They can also be used by diluting a few drops in your cream for an intensive and targeted action.
Some essential oils are irritating when in contact with the skin and I therefore advise you not to use them for DIY preparations. Among these are the essential oils of Cinnamon, Lemongrass, Melissa, Angelica, Fennel, Citrus and Clove.
Which essential oils to choose for the skin
- Essential Oils for Normal Skin
For normal skin you can use Rosehip essential oil, an excellent rebalancing agent, ideal for all skin types, Roman Chamomile essential oil as a moisturizer and Ylang Ylang essential oil which is an excellent antiseptic.
- Essential Oils for Oily Skin
For oily skin, excellent products are Orange essential oil, which is astringent and antiseptic, Lemon essential oil, which is antiseptic, disinfectant and astringent, Myrtle essential oil, which is purifying and sebum-regulating, and Rosemary essential oil, which has a clarifying and rebalancing action.
- Essential Oils for Impure and Acne-Prone Skin
Skin with diffuse or localized impurities such as pimples, blackheads and boils can benefit from the use of Tea Tree essential oil and Cajeput essential oil.
In case of acne, Patchouli and Juniper essential oils are excellent.
- Essential Oils for Dry and Sensitive Skin
This type of skin is hydrated, calmed and soothed with valid allies such as essential oils of Lavender and Chamomile . Also excellent are the healing and soothing essential oil of Cypress and the essential oil of Carrot , with a healing action.
- Essential Oils for Mature Skin
On mature skin, you can use the essential oil of Rosehip, an excellent anti-wrinkle, the essential oil of Geranium to fight wrinkles and expression lines. For sagging skin, essential oil of Patchouli. In the case of spots, you can use the essential oil of Lemon with a lightening action or the essential oil of Carrot, an excellent anti-aging.
- Anti-Cellulite Essential Oils
This blemish can be treated with Orange essential oil which stimulates blood circulation, Cypress essential oil which improves venous and lymphatic circulation and Ginger essential oil which improves circulation.
Essential oils for children
This in-depth article on essential oils for children was written by Dr. Annarita Marino,
specializing in Pediatric Surgery.
Which essential oils should absolutely be avoided:
• Camphor essential oil: used in flu conditions, in children the main side effects are associated with oral intake, accidentally because it is present in some medicines or in some homeopathic preparations. But it is also easily absorbed through the skin causing minor but still serious side effects.
Side effects include nausea and vomiting, and in more serious cases liver toxicity.
• Wintergreen oil or Canada tea used in respiratory infections, has a mint-like scent making it appealing to children, is metabolized to salicylic acid causing the toxic effects of aspirin.
• Tea Tree essential oil: one of the most used in the treatment of acne and inflammatory conditions, if ingested it can cause an altered mental state and at a skin level it is highly allergenic causing skin irritation in children.
Which essential oils to use with caution :
• Lavender Oil: its calming and relaxing effects are well documented, but in children, especially very young ones, it can cause very serious contact dermatitis. For this reason, it is recommended to use it diluted or a few drops on the pillow or in the bath water.
• Eucalyptus oil: rarely toxic if inhaled but oral intake can cause nausea, vomiting and even coma.
So which essential oils to use and how :
All essential oils should not be used pure on the skin of children up to 6 years of age, the ideal can be used through aroma diffusers, or nebulized on clothes.
Lavender, for example, helps to relax and ease tension, vanilla with its sweet aroma gives serenity and makes the environment relaxing and playful, lemon calms and together with mandarin improves mood.
Always remember to choose pure essential oils, without colorants and from organic farming , use them for a moment of pampering for the child or to make his play environment pleasant.
It can also be a good idea to spray perfume on our body to strengthen the mother-child bond and create new memories.
I recommend some that I find very delicate and that could be perfect for your moments of cuddling. Among my favorites there is definitely Carezza by Olfattiva which in addition to having an adorable note contains vanilla, lemon and mandarin, a delicate and relaxing scent like a hug. Nuvola by Crema is also a perfume suitable for mother and baby, with its sweet and aromatic notes of vanilla and lemon. If you are looking for a relaxing fragrance, perfect for cuddling before bed, then you can't miss Abbraccio , with lavender and bergamot to bring balance and optimism.
Bibliography:
The Essentials of Essential Oils , Rebecca M. Plant, MD et al, Advances in Pediatrics j (2019).
Goldfrank's Toxicologic Emergencies, Tenth Edition
Jager W, Buchbauer G, Jirovetz L, et al. Percutaneous absorption of lavender oil from a massage oil . J Soc Cosmet Chem 1992;43:49–54.
How to Use Essential Oils for Aromatherapy
Aromatherapy uses the essential oils to achieve well-being and balance of mind, body and emotions.
You can use essential oils for aromatherapy in several ways:
- Pot pourri of dried flowers is a simple and effective way to diffuse the scent of essential oils in rooms, add a few drops to the dried flowers
- The steam from a small saucepan with 250 ml of boiling water and 3/6 drops of essential oil will perfume the whole house
- Aromatherapy diffusers are very practical and made of ceramic
- Incense is perhaps the oldest form of aromatherapy. You can add 1 drop of essential oil per 10 cm of stick to the incense
- In the bath water or in the shower. In the bathtub, you can add up to 10 drops of essential oil. In the shower, you can put 3/4 drops on the sponge.
- In the radiator humidifier containers, put a few drops in the radiator humidifier water
Which essential oils to choose for aromatherapy
Relaxing Aromatherapy :
To relax your body and mind, chase away negative thoughts and stress, you can use the essential oils of Bitter Orange , Chamomile, Jasmine, Incense, Lavender, Mandarin, Patchouli, Vanilla.
Use them individually or create your own mix for your spaces.
Energizing Aromatherapy:
In the kitchen, in your study or in the office, you can diffuse essential oils that stimulate energy and concentration, bringing a good mood into your day.
Among the energizing essential oils we find those of Bergamot, Geranium, Lemon, Rosemary, Ginger.
Balsamic Aromatherapy:
You can purify the environment to bring a touch of freshness into your home using essential oils of Peppermint, Eucalyptus, Thyme, Tea Tree . They are also excellent for colds and stuffy noses!
Aphrodisiac Aromatherapy :
Perfumes can help you free your body and mind, even in the most intimate moments! For an evening to remember, you can diffuse essential oils of Cinnamon, Rose, Sandalwood, Vetiver, Ylang Ylang into the environment.
