Essential oils have multiple uses. From working as a pain reliever for migraine patients to helping in better hair growth, these oils are immensely popular. But of late, we’ve all heard some alarm bells being rung about the harmfulness of these oils. How far are these rumours true and what type of damage can an essential oil cause to your skin? Let’s explore.
The purity of the oil you choose
The biggest risk factor with essential oils is contamination. Often, the little bottle of essential oil that you buy isn’t pure essential oil. The contents of the bottle include small amounts of the oil, mixed with other chemicals and liquids. This is harmful. Many people get an allergic reaction to the chemicals when they apply the contaminated oil. These lead to severe redness, rashes, and even hives. It can be especially dangerous for kids and pregnant women who may develop secondary skin conditions due to this.
When you buy your essential oil, make sure you get the best quality products. Do not settle for cheap deals as then you would probably receive substandard and contaminated products. Invest a good amount of money and get the best oils to stay away from the various skin reactions.
Check for allergies
Some people are genuinely allergic to certain natural components such as lavender and rosemary. You have to ensure you aren’t allergic to any such product. To find out, you can do a small patch test on your skin. If you come out rash-free, you can use the pure essential without any worries.
Proper ways of application
Whether you choose to use tea tree oil, lavender oil or peppermint oil, make sure you follow the correct mode of application. Most of the essential oils are applied in a diluted state. If you directly apply the concentrated oil to your skin, you may experience uneasiness and also break into rashes. This causes significant harm to the skin in the long run too, so follow the instructions properly and then apply.
Reaction with the sun
There are several essential oils, especially citrus oils, that have a component called furocoumarins in them. Furocoumarins react with the UV rays of the sun. If you apply an essential oil with furocoumarins and then go out in the sun, you are bound to have many skin problems. From tremendous discomfort to a sharp burning sensation, the furocoumarins-sun reaction can be very harmful to your skin. This is why it is wise to stay indoors immediately after you apply an essential oil or to cover your skin properly if you have to step out in the sun.
The final word
Essential oils are pleasant and beneficial, and when used properly, they are largely harmless. However, as we can see, with improper usage, these oils can cause significant harm to your skin, so exercise a lot of caution when buying, as well as, applying them. Get the best quality products and do an allergy test before using the oil for the first time. Keep the other instructions in mind and you will surely enjoy the experience.
