Please be aware of the following essential oils precautions.
Just as one can have an allergic reaction when exposed to certain chemicals or food (think of peanuts, pollen… some people are allergic to peaches or even strawberries!) – the same thing is possible with essential oils in aromatherapy.
Always test new oils individually before use by applying a small dab to the inside of your arm. For essential oils put one drop in a teaspoon of carrier oil. If no reaction occurs within 24 hours, you should not be allergic to that specific oil.
This is not meant to scare you, just a basic rule in cosmetics that should be applied to any new skin care product. Try google-ing the ingredients in a conventional skin care product to find out how many of them are actually carcinogens and other dangerous chemicals. Aromatherapy skin care is so much more safe and on top of that, it works better. A bold statement, but I speak from experience!
For a safe use of essential oils in your aromatherapy skin care recipes:
Do not take any essential oils internally. Certified physisians can prescribe essential oils for internal use, however, it is not safe to experiment on your own.
Always test a bit of oil on the skin of your arm or leg before use.
Almost always dilute essential oils with a carrier oil before application. Almost, because there are a few oils you could apply directly to the skin in certain cases.
Essential oils from lemon, lime, orange, bergamot, grapefruit and tangerine should not be used before sun exposure, as they increase photo-sensitivity.
If you have high blood pressure be careful with the use of certain oils, as some have a strong stimulating effect.
Check with your aromatherapist if you have asthma or epilepsy.
Consult your aromatherapist if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Certain essential oils should be avoided.
For old people with fragile, transparent looking skin, as well as for children under the age of ten, use no more than half the dosage of essential oil in a carrier oil or preparation.
For baby’s under the age of two, most essential oils should be avoided. The only three essential oils gentle enough for a newborn are lavender, chamomile and rose. Add one single drop of one of these three essential oils to an ounce of carrier oil. Carrier oils on their own are also great for baby skin care or massage.