As you can tell from our previous blog posts, we are big fans of all-natural essential oils. We use them in our soaps and balms, and we can use them for so much more. As long as we are using them safely, the possibilities are endless. It can be tricky to understand just what to do with essential oils and how to do it safely. Just because a product is natural doesn’t mean we can always use it in its natural form or excess. That is why we wanted to share some information on how to use essential oils properly. We want to try and help spread information that can keep our customers safe.
Essential oils are made from various plants, barks, rinds, leaves, herbs, and flowers. The oil is extracted using different methods depending on the type of material, and each oil is different with unique benefits, scents, and potencies. All of the essential oils we use in our products are diluted with sunflower oil and tallow when we put them into the product. Diluting the oil in the product makes the essential oil softer and less likely to irritate the skin. Some essential oils are not made to be directly placed on the skin because their potency is too high, and they may cause irritation. When starting your essential oil journey, here are some important tips to keep in mind.
Use essential oils for aromatherapy safely. Put the oil in a diffuser, humidifier, in soaps or lotions.
Never put essential oils in your eyes, nose, mouth, or sensitive areas. Unless they can be ingested, it can be extremely dangerous to ingest or absorb some of these oils. Lemongrass, peppermint, and cinnamon bark are examples of oils you shouldn’t consume.
Essential oils that are safe for you may not be safe for your pets. Always check with your veterinarian before introducing a diffuser to your home and never use essential oils topically on your pets unless your veterinarian says it's okay.
Always check the quality of the oils you are using. Especially if you are putting them on your skin, we use natural essential oils instead of fragrance oils. Fragrance oils can irritate the skin, and you don’t want to get a rash unnecessarily. You can avoid this by researching the company you are purchasing your oils from and checking quality standards.
Throw out older oils. After three years, oils may be spoiled due to oxygen exposure and can irritate your skin.
Research all the oils you use. You shouldn’t ingest some skin-safe oils, and you shouldn’t put some ingestible oils on your skin. It is important to know the difference, so you don’t end up sick or with a rash.
Speak to a medical professional about the oils you use. If you’re ever worried about using or ingesting an oil, speak to your doctor and make sure it is safe for you. Each person is different, and you never know how your body will react to things specifically. Just because it works for a friend or family member doesn’t mean it will work for you.
Dilute your oils. Undiluted oils are too potent to use right out of the bottle. Diluting them helps keep them at a level that is less likely to cause a reaction. You can dilute them with water, vegetable oils, creams, or bath gels, to make them softer for your body. A lower percentage of essential oil is less likely to cause a reaction.
Be mindful of the condition of your skin. Some essential oils may be safe to use on skin conditions, but some are not. Putting the wrong essential oils on damaged skin can worsen irritation.
Be careful with the amount of oil you use. Undiluted oil is powerful, and even diluted oil can cause a reaction if you put on too much at one time.
Most importantly, listen to your body and do your research. Doing the research is the best way to ensure that the oil is of good quality and correctly used. Once you have done your research, you can test it to make sure it works for your body. Essential oils are safe to use and contain vast health benefits; that is why we use them in our soaps. They are more than just scents; they are filled with antioxidants, anti-inflammatories, antiseptics, and other amazing qualities. We encourage you to embrace the world of essential oils but always do it carefully.
