A recent study showed a different reaction of individuals to treatment with a mixture of essential oils. They found that some people had a skin reaction, and others did not. Knowing whether or not you are at risk for a skin reaction is vital before applying any topical treatment, such as essential oils.
This is not just an additional step to take care of — it's essential. You don't want to use an oil that can cause your skin to break out or react badly, so why not make the process as easy as possible?
Lucky for you, this guide has all the information you need to conduct a patch test for yourself. Follow the steps outlined in this booklet and be confident that your skin is safe from adverse reactions.
What Is Essential Oil Patch Testing?
Essential Oil Patch Testing is a great way to test the safety of essential oil before use. It's also an excellent way to help find which oils are most compatible with your skin.
Essential oils are potent substances that can benefit our health and well-being. One must undergo a process to determine whether a particular essential oil can be used safely. Patch testing can be done by applying diluted essential oils on a small area of the skin or by rubbing them into the skin. The area should then be monitored for any irritation, such as redness, swelling or itching.
How to Do a Patch Test with Essential Oils
Patch testing can be done with any essential oil, but it is best to use diluted oils when doing patch tests. Diluting the oils will help prevent flared reactions to those sensitive to the oils.
Follow these steps to do a skin patch test:
First Step
Mix 1-2 drops of essential oil with carrier oil in a teaspoon. This is a process called dilution. Dilution is performed because essential oils are extracted from plant leaves, flowers, fruits and roots. They are highly concentrated and potent.
With the vast holistic function of this liquid, it has also been noted as one of the common causes of aromatherapy enthusiast allergic reaction.
It is important to know how you use them. Using an essential oil on the skin or inhaling it from a diffuser requires diluting it in carrier oil first. Carrier oils ranges from sunflower oil that can also bring nourishment to your skin to coconut oil that is accessible in the nearest market.
Second Step
Put a few drops on the inside area of your arm. Use a bandage to enclose the diluted oil in your arm. A band aid can also be used as a substitute to a bandage. It is always important to prevent wounds when applying an essential oil patch and testing this to prevent infection.
Final Step
The use of some essential oils in skin care can irritate. To avoid this, try not to use those oils directly on your skin. Wait 24-48 hours before using them if you are planning on doing so. If you experience any irritation after applying them, discontinue use and avoid using that oil (or a blend that contains that oil) on your skin again.
What Essential Oils Are Best for You?
The first step is ensuring you have the appropriate essential oil for the area of concern. Patch testing can be done with any of these oils:
Lavender Oil (For Skin Irritations)
Lavender oil is a natural anti-inflammatory that can help to soothe skin irritations. This oil has been used for centuries and has been found to have many benefits for the human body. For example, it is used as an antiseptic and helps in healing wounds. It also helps in reducing pain and itching.
Tea Tree Oil (For Acne)
Tea tree oil can be applied topically with other oils such as jojoba, coconut, and olive oils. It can also be applied to the skin in diluted form or mixed with water or alcohol.
It has been found that tea tree oil can be effective against acne by reducing the number of acne-causing bacteria on the skin. Tea tree oil may also have anti-inflammatory properties, which can help reduce redness, swelling, and itching associated with acne breakouts.
Peppermint Oil (For Headaches and Migraines)
Peppermint essential oil has been known to help with headaches and migraines, as well as other conditions such as nausea, heartburn, and indigestion. It is also used as a perfume or fragrance in soaps and lotions.
Peppermint essential oil can be applied topically or inhaled by placing drops on the pillowcase or bathtub before bedtime.
Thyme Oil (For Respiratory Problems)
Thyme oil is an essential oil extracted from the herb's leaves and flowers. Natural remedies like Thyme Oil have been used for decades to treat respiratory problems like asthma and bronchitis. The aromatic qualities of this herb are beneficial in relieving congestion and calming the nerves.
Eucalyptus Oil (For Colds and Flu)
Colds and flu can be treated naturally with eucalyptus oil. It is an expectorant that helps to loosen mucus in the throat and chest. Additionally, it can reduce fever, cough, and sore throat due to its anti-inflammatory properties.
It is recommended to use eucalyptus oil in conjunction with other remedies, such as over-the-counter medications. This way, it can enhance the effectiveness of the medication and provide additional relief from symptoms.
Egyptian Musk Oil (For Relaxation)
While traditional medicine has used this oil for centuries, aromatherapy and perfumery have only recently taken up its use. Egyptian musk essential oil can help you feel calmer, more relaxed, and more confident. It can also help with insomnia, headaches, and depression.
Conclusion
An essential oil can assist with pain, anxiety, and inflammation relief. But what if you need help finding the right oil for your needs? Essential oil patch testing is a way to find the perfect oil for your needs.
There are many benefits of essential oil patch testing in your everyday life, including:
- You can find out which oils work best for you
- You can find out what kind of reactions your body will have
- You can explore different types of essential oils that are available
Essential oil patch testing is a great way to determine how your body will react to essential oils before using them. It is also an excellent way to determine which will work best for you.
