In
recent years, more and more people are using essential oils in various
applications. In Philippines alone, you will see a lot of people selling
essential oils online – it’s like the latest craze in the country. What worries
me is that there are a lot of essential oil enthusiasts who are not aware about
the possible risks associated with the use of essential oils. In fact, there
has been also a rise of reported cases of people who got adverse reactions from the improper use of essential oils.
Even
though essential oils are considered natural (since they are plant-derived), a
couple of skin reactions may occur if they are use in the wrong way. These skin
reactions include irritation, sensitization and photosensitivity (a.k.a.
phototoxicity). The focus of this article is skin sensitization.
Skin sensitization (also known as Allergic Contact Dermatitis) is a type of allergic reaction to
essential oil when it comes into contact with skin. It could either be
immediate or delayed allergic reaction. Immediate
allergic reaction occurs upon first dermal contact with the essential oil.
It is also possible not to get any allergic reaction on first exposure but
during subsequent exposures – this is called delayed allergic reaction. Regardless of the type of sensitization,
the symptoms are the same:
- Rashes/hives
- Blisters
- Itchy red skin
- Chemical burn
The
skin reaction may or may not show up on the actual area where you applied the
essential oil. For example, it is possible that you applied the essential oil
to your arms but the allergic reactions appeared on your chest area. Skin
reactions also vary for each person and are dependent on the type and amount of
essential oils used.
Once
a person became sensitized with one essential oil, he is most likely to be allergic
to it for the rest of his life. It means he won’t be able to use that
particular essential oil (or oils belonging to the same family) without
experiencing sensitization.
How to Avoid Skin Sensitization When Using
Essential Oils?
1. Dilute Essential Oils Properly
Most
reported cases of skin sensitization are due to using undiluted (neat)
essential oils on the skin. It is very important to ALWAYS dilute essential oil
in carrier oil (vegetable oil). Contrary to what you read in most DIY articles,
the following items CANNOT dilute essential oils: witch hazel, full-fat milk,
vinegar and salt. Actually, I used to believe that witch hazel can dilute
essential oils until my recent studies where I learn that witch hazel only
contains 14% alcohol (ethanol), wherein the required amount is 95% for
essential oil dilution.
It
is equally important to know the proper dilution amount for essential oil. I
always use the smallest dilution in my cosmetic formulations, which is 0.5 – 1%
dilution of essential oil (or blend of essential oils). It is best to measure
the dilution in weight (rather than in drops) using a digital scale.
If you don’t have a digital scale and prefer measuring in drops, then you can
use this Tisserand Institute’s
dilution chart as a guide. Take note also that each essential oil has its own maximum dermal
limit. For instance, lemon essential oil should not be used at more than 2%
dilution.
2. Do Not Overuse Essential Oils
There
are several people who apply multiple essential oils on their body several
times a day, every single day for a long period of time. This could cause skin
sensitization due to overuse of essential oils, most specially undiluted or
improperly diluted essential oils. I usually just use 1 to 3 essential oils per
day and only apply them once or twice at most in a day. Also, when I’m making
my own blend of essential oils, I limit my formulation to a maximum of 4
essential oils. In case I’ll have sensitization with the blend, it would be
easier for me to find the culprit since I only use less essential oils. “Less
is more” is the rule I set for myself when it comes to essential oils.
3. Avoid Essential Oils That Are Known Skin Sensitizers
Some
essential oils are known to cause dermal sensitization, which means there is a
high probability you’ll get sensitized if you use them, so avoid them at all
cost!
The
following table lists essential oils that are known skin sensitizers.
|
ESSENTIAL
OIL
|
LATIN
NAME
|
|
Backhousia
|
Backhousia citriodora
|
|
Cassia
|
Cinnamomum cassia
|
|
Cinnamon Bark
|
Cinnamomum zeylanicum
|
|
Costus Root
|
Sausurrea costus
|
|
Elecampane Oil
|
Inula helenium
|
|
Fig Leaf Absolute
|
Ficus carica
|
|
Oak Moss Absolute and Resinoid
|
Evernia prunastri
|
|
Peru Balsam
|
Myroxylon pereirae
|
|
Rue Oil
|
Ruta graveolens
|
|
Savin
|
Juniperus sabina
|
|
Styrax Gum
|
Liquidambar orientalis
|
|
Tea Absolute
|
Camellia sinensis
|
|
Tree Moss Absolute
|
(Pseudeo) Evernia furfuracea
|
|
Turpentine Oil
|
Pinus spp.
|
|
Verbena Absolute
|
Lippia citriodora
|
|
Oxidized oils from Pinaceae family (e.g. Pinus & Cupressus
species) and Rutaceae family (e.g. citrus oils)
|
|
Source:
Aromatherapy United
4. Do Not Apply Essential Oils to Open Wound
Some
essential oils have healing properties so it is not unusual to see people who
apply essential oils to fresh, open wounds. However, professional
aromatherapists don’t recommend this as it could make your skin more vulnerable
to skin sensitization. Take for example this case of a woman who developed rashes after applying frankincense essential oil to her
open wound. The right way to do this is to wait for the wound to close up a
little before applying essential oils that further promote healing.
Essential
oils have so many wonderful benefits. However, if not used properly they could
possibly do more harm than good so it is very important to stay educated to
avoid possible risks associated to the use of essential oils.
References:
Moore,
G. (2016, January 5). Sensitization – What is It and How to Reduce the Risk.
Retrieved from http://aromatherapyunited.org/sensitization/
Tisserand
Institute: Adverse Reaction Database. Retrieved from http://tisserandinstitute.org/safety/adverse-reaction-database/#home/
What
is Sensitization. Retrieved from http://www.planttherapy.com/blog/2014/08/13/what-is-sensitization/
P.S.
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Disclosure: This post contains
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