Should You Apply Essential Oils Neat

Should You Apply Essential Oils Neat
Essential Oils Neat

In recent years, many people have been advocating for the use of neat essential oils. There is a movement that wants to make it illegal to sell diluted essential oils or those blended with carrier oils because they believe these dilutions and blends will not produce the same results as using neat essential oils.

However, according to the scientific and medical communities, it is a very controversial topic. One of the most common reasons for this is that there are no standards to regulate how products labeled as “pure” actually behave when applied to human skin. In other words: we don’t know what they will do to you!

But what does this mean? And should you do it? This blog post explores both sides of the debate. It presents evidence from science and research on whether or not you should be applying neat essential oils.

Myth: 100% Pure Essential Oils Are Completely Safe 

We normally hear if your essential oils are 100% pure, they are completely safe, which is a myth. 

Should We Apply Essential Oils Neat
Myth About Essential Oils Neat

Do you think essential oils are always safe? Think again! They’re just as dangerous, if not more so than other pharmaceuticals and toxins. However, there is a way to keep them from being too powerful for your body – dilute them in a carrier oil before applying topically or inhaling upon application (or both!).

We commonly hear that “essential oils can be very therapeutic,” but did you also know they might hurt like hell too? Essential Oils contain highly volatile compounds, which make complete sense because these 100% pure plant extracts do pack quite the punch; however, this comes at risk when using undiluted EOs straight out of their package without any dilution or their chemical composition “de-powered.”

Also, just because they are 100% pure doesn’t mean the EOs have been tested for safety. It is so important to look at what kind of essential oil you’re applying and how much and where – after all, everyone has unique body chemistry.

Why Should You Never Use Neat Essential Oil?

At some stage, you would have been confused if applying undiluted oils is safe. Some people go ahead and do it anyway! You might have even heard a friend say that as long as they’re pure enough, everything will be okay with them. Don’t worry; we have your answer.

Never Use Neat Essential Oil
Read important tips to use essential oils neat

The largest part of your body is your skin, and it deserves to be cared for with love. Applying undiluted essential oils can have a detrimental effect on the natural moisture of human tissue; this leads to dryness and other problems such as acne. So, it’s not worth taking the risk, no matter who suggests you do so. It’s better always to avoid putting neat essential oil on your skin. Let’s look at what using neat essential oil can do to your skin.

Skin Irritation

Essential oils are super concentrated and can be very irritating if applied neat. They might also cause a rash, itching, or even tears!

Skin Irritation with essential oil neat
Irritation by Essential Oils Neat

Using a carrier oil to massage the affected area will help relieve some of your skin’s sensitivity as well as dilute any potential potency problems after you apply them (because we all want those pretty smells, too, don’t we?). I had lemon anti-oxidized on my hands once, and the irritation cleared up within minutes when just one application with this method did not work at all before then.

If you find yourself with unhappy skin, tears caused by severe sensitivity to essential oils, or an inability to use that precious healing oil again. Then you have most probably overdone the use of neat essential oil. But, don’t worry, we got this. Additionally, just FYI- never apply any kind of scented product near your eyes.

Skin Sensitization

Some people use essential oils neat, and these can cause temporary skin irritation. Wendy Robbins, the owner of aromaweb.com, warns that if you’re one such patient with sensitive skin who has used oil like lavender for many years or just come into contact with any form, it could lead your body burning sensation, which leads up to the worst-case scenario producing red patches on our bodies called “contact dermatitis.”

Hot & Cold Essential Oils

There is a whole world of hot and cold essential oils out there! Some people like to use them in their bath water for a refreshing scent. The most popular one would be peppermint because it has such amazing benefits on both skin and moods. Not only does it make you feel cool when applied topically. But also boosts alertness through oxygen saturation levels which can help with concentration.

I’m personally loving lavender essential oil right now; its calming effect helps me wind down after work each evening while soothing away any anxiety-related worries, thanks to how well this herb works as aromatherapy.

Not all oils are the same. And, both hot and cold essential oils neat can create problems. It means without prior knowledge, you should not use them undiluted. Never make that mistake. Peppermint is an example of cold essential oils, while hot essential oils include:

  • Oregano
  • Thyme
  • Cloves
  • Cinnamon Bark

Cost-Efficient

Diluting essential oils is the best way to ensure you’re getting all of their health benefits and not just a small percentage. It’s also an easy way for beginners like me! The most common dilution percentage recommended (around 2%) will give you complete protection against infection while still saving money by eliminating unnecessary carrier oils from your routine use. Of course, this means that if we wanted 100% pureness in every application, then applying straight with no mixing would be more expensive than using something already mixed- which brings us back around again.

Benefits of using Diluted Essential Oil on Skin

Dilute away any possible risks associated with putting neat essential oil on the skin instead to ensure that you’re getting all the benefits and none of the risks. Numerous studies have shown that you can use essential oils in a diluted form without losing their ability to treat your skin conditions. Here are some skin issues that essential oils will solve if you dilute and use them safely.

  • Acne
  • Eczema
  • Psoriasis
  • Dry skin conditions

Conclusion

Let’s conclude this with a bonus tip. Neroli Essential Oil works well In a carrier oil for Skin And Hair Care because it is both nourishing and moisturizing, which makes this combination work well together to improve the overall health of your skin and hair. I recommend that you only use a few drops of Neroli Essential Oil in an ounce of carrier oil to avoid any extra sensitization on the skin, especially if you have sensitive or dry skin. Remember that less is more! You can use it on your hair, nails, and even in a carrier oil to use as a massage oil.

You might also like: Essential Oils For Beginners

 How to Use Essential Oils | Do’s and Don’ts

 

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