subject: Techniques For Diluting Essential Oils [print this page] Techniques for Diluting Essential Oils Techniques for Diluting Essential Oils
Now before we talk about diluting essential oils let us establish the difference brtween different types of body oils. I believe that you shouldnt dilute natural or synthetic body oils at all unless it is absolutely necessary.
In the case of perfume body oils you dont have to dilute them and I recommend that you dont. Some people are into mixing oils which is fine but when you are wearing these synthetic oils for fragrance they need to be worn the way that they are when they come out of the bottle. When you dilute them you destroy the integrity of their fragrance. Each fragrance has its own characteristics. These characteristics are caused by the precise ingredients that they contain. Perfumers put specific ingredients and amounts in them in order to make the fragrance what it is. If you want to dilute or cut these fragrances the choice is yours but once again I dont recommend it.
Potpourri oils do not need to be diluted either. I like to add water to these when I simmer them because the water turns into steam and takes the fragrance out farther into the atmosphere. I like to add water and just a little bit of oil to the simmering pot when the quantity gets low but I never dilute these oils because it takes away from the fragrance.
Many of my customers will use these oils straight up which means that they wont add water to them when they burn them. This is a very good way to use the product but it uses more that you would use by adding water to it.
Carrier oils are a type of essential oil. They are mild in nature and are derived from plants. These oils are wonderful and are good for healing and therapy. Most of them are non allergenic and I use them in their pure form for my skin and internal health. I personally believe that there is no other product that can compare to these natural oils for maintaining health. The best thing is that they are natural and as such they are best for use by the human body. Many of these oils can be ingested and are actually used for cooking and flavoring foods. I recommend that you use them at every opportunity.
It is safe to use some essential oils on the skin, most particularly lavender and tea tree, without first diluting them in a carrier oil. Using essential oils on the skin without diluting them is referred to as applying them "neat." If you are going to use either of these oils on your skin test a small portion of it first to see if you get a reaction. If your skin is not sensitive you can use some of them with care. I like to use pure undiluted Tea Tree oil on my face and head when I shave. This works wonders and prevents the infection that can plague my sensitive skin.
It is to your advantage to dilute these particular oils when you use them but keep in mind that when you dilute these oils you also dilute their effects.
One disadvantage of using essential oils undiluted is that they can produce an effect on the skin called sensitization. If this occurs you will have a negative reaction each time that you use the oil. If this happens to you it wont go away with time.
The symptoms of sensitization can vary from individual to individual, but most often it is a skin allergy that results in a severe rash. More severe cases of sensitization can potentially lead to respiratory issues or even anaphylactic shock. Once you develop sensitization to an essential oil, you are likely to remain permanently sensitized to that essential oil, even if you begin to adequately dilute it. You may also develop a reaction to other essential oils as well and will also experience reactions to products that contain these oils.
Dilute your essential oils prior to use on the skin and avoid the oils that are more likely to cause irritation and sensitization. Test a small amount of the oil on your skin before you use it in earnest. Use carrier oils such as almond oil, or vitamin E oil to dilute it. When you choose carrier oil choose one that will give you health benefits that you are also seeking. This will give you added benefits for your skin and body. Fragrance Oil Express
