Keep these dos and don’ts in mind when using essential oils

Some of these oils can cause severe skin sensitising and sun sensitivity. It is necessary to conduct a patch test and buy the oil that best suits your skin type.

There are many benefits of using essential oils. They are great for your skin, enhance your mood and improve concentration. However, use them right, say experts. Here’s how:

Essential oils have a very long shelf life, some even last for years without losing their potency, if stored correctly.(iStock)

Dos

* Essential oils can be sensitising. It is necessary to conduct a patch test before purchasing them and making sure the oil you buy suits your skin type. Some of these oils cause severe skin sensitising and sun sensitivity. So if you have a sensitive skin, it’s always advisable to check with a qualified practitioner first.

* Make sure that the product is 100% pure and natural. Non-organic brands may add fillers which often include harmful chemicals and this may harm you in the long run.

* Dilute essential oils prior to application. Essential oils can be blended with base oils or carrier oils before applying to your skin. They are highly concentrated and should never be used undiluted on the skin. They need to be mixed with carrier/base oil. The ratio should be 3-4 drops of essential oil in 10 ml of base oil. Some oils like olive, almond, jojoba, grape seed and coconut oil can be used as carrier oil.

Essential oils can be blended with base oils or carrier oils before applying to your skin. (Shutterstock)

* Always store essential oils in a cool dark place. Essentials oils should be stored in a cool dark place and out of direct sunlight. It is simply to help preserve their potency. Essential oils have a very long shelf life, some even last for years without losing their potency, if stored correctly.

Don’ts

* Do not ingest the oil. Though there are many people who use essential oils by ingesting them, this should not be done without consulting a doctor.

* Avoid using essential oils while pregnant or nursing. Every essential oil serves a particular purpose, so it is advisable to consult your dermatologist before buying, especially for pregnant women.

Cinnamon, clove, ginger, jasmine, sage, chamomile are some of the more common essential oils that should not be used by pregnant women.

Always store essential oils in a cool dark place. (Shutterstock)

* Do not apply essential oils to mucous membranes. Never use essential oils near the eyes or put directly into ears. Some oils may damage your contact lenses, so never touch lenses immediately after using essential oils. These oils are potent and can cause severe irritation to your eyes.

* In case you have sensitive skin, and have a history with irritability or rashes then start by applying these oils discreetly. Massage the oil into a small patch of skin. Wait 24 hours to see if the area has any itchiness or irritation. This will help you safeguard your skin just in case the oil does not suit your skin type.

Inputs from Sonia Mathur, beauty expert and training head at Organic Harvest, and Amit Sarda, MD at Soulflower.

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