How to Use Essential Oils Topically | doTERRA Essential Oils (2024)

FAQs

How to Use Essential Oils Topically | doTERRA Essential Oils? ›

For topical applications to the skin, you'll usually want to mix one to three drops of essential oil with one teaspoon of a carrier oil, unless the label recommends a different ratio. For larger applications, like a massage, you might want to lower that to one drop for every teaspoon of carrier oil.

For topical applications to the skin, you'll usually want to mix one to three drops of essential oil with one teaspoon of a carrier oil, unless the label recommends a different ratio. For larger applications, like a massage, you might want to lower that to one drop for every teaspoon of carrier oil.

“Some essential oils may be more irritating than others, so it's important to do your research and consult with a dermatologist if you have any concerns,” says Los Angeles area dermatologist Divya Shokeen, M.D. The only undisputed truth: You should never apply undiluted essential oils to your skin.

Because essential oils are so potent, it is always a good idea to use a few small doses periodically throughout the day, rather than a single large dose all at once. For topical use, a dose can be repeated every four to six hours as needed.

Always dilute essential oils before using them topically and be sure to use a dilution ratio that takes the specific needs and risk factors of the end user into consideration. Even non-topical applications of essential oils should be treated with caution and diluted to prevent adverse reactions.

Even when diluted, an essential oil can cause a bad reaction if you use too much or use it too often. That's true even if you're not allergic or unusually sensitive to them.

While estimations vary, somewhere between 50-80% of essential oil applied topically will be absorbed into the bloodstream, but that includes the carrier oil, balm or lotion that you'll be using with skin application.

Your face is a sensitive area of your body that may be easily irritated by the wrong product. Citrus oils such as grapefruit, tangerine, bergamot, grapefruit, lemon or lime have been proven to be quite problematic when applied directly to the skin.

The combination of Peppermint and Thyme may lead to stomach irritation. There is also some evidence that skin irritation may be caused by the combination of Peppermint and Ylang Ylang, or Grapefruit blended with Lemon.

The less carrier oil you use in ratio to essential oils, the more likely you are to become sensitized. The more carrier oil you use in ratio to essential oils, the less likely you are to become sensitized. Generally, we recommend sticking to a 1-2% dilution.

What are the side effects of using essential oils topically? ›

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.

AROMATHERAPY: HOW TO USE ESSENTIAL OILS BY INHALING THEIR SCENT. By far the most common way people use an essential oil is just by breathing it in. It's a simple and straightforward method for the oil to be quickly absorbed into your system and become effective almost immediately.

Skin Application: Essential oils can be applied in the skin through ointments, lotions, creams, massage and compresses. The power of penetration is great and the time of absorption is between 20 to 70 minutes.

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), helichrysum (Helichrysum italicum), Roman chamomile (Chamaemelum nobile), rose (Rosa damascena), and sandalwood (Santalum album or Santalum ...

Essential oils are highly concentrated compounds extracted from plants to capture the purest essence of nature. But with purity comes potency and volatility. Essential oils are often too strong to apply directly to the skin and because of this, appropriate dilution is necessary to ensure everyone's safety.

Be sure to dilute essential oils with a carrier oil such as Coconut Oil before applying them to your skin. This will help prevent irritation. Do a skin patch test on a small area of skin before using an essential oil all over your body. This will help you gauge whether you may be allergic to the oil.

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.

Or use measuring spoons, especially when mixing larger amounts. Any of these choices work depending on the container you're using. Most essential oil dilution rates should be 3% or less for topical use (as an example, 3 drops of essential oil to 97 drops of carrier oil).