Essential Oils for Skin – Guest Post

Guest Post from ConsumersAdvocate.org

You’ve probably had friends rave to you about the benefits of essential oils lately, like how it can help you achieve healthy glowing skin at an affordable cost. Plus, it’s a natural home-remedy for almost anything. Well, they’re not wrong! 

Studies show that due to their natural composition essential oils can help soothe a number of skin-related conditions when used accordingly. 

As extracts from plants, essential oils possess a number of biological activities that are beneficial for all skin types. Their properties include antioxidants, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial components that can provide incredible results for your complexion and overall health. 

For instance, lavender oil is known for its antiseptic and anti-inflammatory benefits. Used topically and diluted with a carrier oil or coconut oil, lavender oil can support healthy skin by reducing inflammation. Its rich antioxidants protect your skin from wrinkles and can even help reduce small scars when used in combination with witch hazel. 

Combined with tea tree oil’s antibacterial and natural painkiller properties, both can be used as an effective wound aid for small scrapes or burns. A 2015 study revealed that lavender’s analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects helped soothe painful rashes caused by poison ivy or mosquito bites.

Additionally, tea tree oil has been famously used as an anti-fungal treatment. Its antiseptic properties, like that of lavender oil, also helps manage dry or oily skin when used as a home-remedy toner. 

However, if used in high concentrations tea tree and lavender oil could irritate skin and be poisonous. Experts say it should never be swallowed. 

Since lavender and tea tree oil aren’t highly acidic, they’re considered safe for sensitive skin types when diluted. Although, consider talking to a dermatologist or family physician to determine if essential oils are right for you. 

Essential oils are mainly used through three forms of application: topical, diffused (aromatherapy), and internal. However, the use and dose are very important. The American College of Healthcare Services identified the top three common mistakes when using essential oils we recommend you take a look at. 

Because they are highly concentrated chemical plant-based substances, many people make the mistake of thinking they aren’t harmful. However, misuse could be poisonous. 

When choosing an essential oil, whether it’s from a large brand or farmer’s market, you should go with a company that’s transparent and clear about the safety of their oils. Your safety and that of your family and pets could depend on it. 

For example, eucalyptus is used for soothing effects when inhaled and can relieve chest congestion. If swallowed it can cause seizures, according to the National Capital Poison Center. 

Essential oils are not regulated by the Food and Drug Administration.  Instead, the FDA considers essential oils as cosmetics. The problem is that this may give some companies room for error when advertising their products. Since they aren’t regulated, it’s difficult to determine what species of plant, concentration, contaminants or active ingredient may be in the bottle. 

The best thing you can do is discuss use with a medical professional or use the essential oil according to label instructions if found in cosmetics, or medicine. Also, keep essential oils out of reach of children or pets as they may confuse them for food. If using for the first time, try a small spot treatment before full use to see if you could have an allergic reaction. 

ConsumersAdvocate.org provides a thorough study on essential oils with insight on quality and testing of certain products within the industry from the basics of adulteration, to a company’s sustainability, and how to evaluate the purity of a product. 

From promoting relaxation in a comforting environment to its overall healing properties, anyone can benefit from essential oils on a daily basis when used correctly. 

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Thank you to ConsumersAdvocate.org for this guest post!

Neal’s Yard Remedies is committed to providing quality essential oils that are sustainably sourced, and to advocating for safety and education when using oils. Read about how Neal’s Yard Remedies are Pioneers of Essential Oils