I was determined to whip my pores into shape. Around my nose and on the front of my face they are just too large for my liking. I had recently read up on essential oils that help cleanse and purify pores, one of which being lemongrass. Being the proactive woman I am, I bought a small bottle, reading through my natural healing books and websites before using. And then I applied it to my face. Pure and undiluted.
For those of you that know the difference between an essential oil and a base oil, your eyes are probably bugging out of your head. For those of you that don’t, I will make this painfully, and I emphasize the painfully, clear. Essential oils, unless explicitly stated on the packaging or researched properly, are never, under any circumstances, to be used without first being diluted with a base oil. There are some, but very few, exceptions to this rule.
You may wonder, why? So he is a quick and simplified science lesson. Essential oils have a very small molecular structure. This means that they absorb into the skin at exceptionally high rates, thus their equally high effectiveness. When you put an essential oil on your face, for instance, it can be detected on your breath within minutes1. Essential oils are high concentrations of the true essence of the plant it was derived from. Essential oils are created through the distillation of leaves, bark, flowers or other vital elements of the plant.
Base oils, often called carrier oils in aromatherapy, are pressed from the fatty portions of the plant, usually nuts or kernels3. Base oils are safe to use on skin, and can have a moisturizing effect to a slightly astringent effect, depending on the type of oil. Common base oils are Grapeseed Oil, Sweet Almond Oil, Jojoba Oil, and Apricot Kernel Oil. Essential oils can be added to this base, thus safely diluting the essential oil that you are trying to work with. Dilutions range in effectiveness depending on the potency of the essential oil you are using. Nature’s Gift offers some good advice and information on diluting your essential oils with base oils.
When buying any type of base or essential oil, or any other product that is going to be put on your skin, be sure to read the label very carefully. Different oils will help or exacerbate a wide range of issues with the skin, so be mindful And remember, the skin is the largest organ in the body, be careful what you put on it, because it does absorb.
Have a question, a comment, or a suggestion about Essential Oils and Base Oils? Let us know!
The statements, information and/or products listed and discussed in this blog have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Any statements, information, and/or products listed and discussed in this blog are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.
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