The 6 Best Essential Oils to Apply Topically and Where to Apply
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The 6 Best Essential Oils to Apply Topically
and Where to Apply
One of our favorite ways to use essential oils is to apply them topically as they can work so effectively & quickly this way. There’s no need to get overwhelmed with the idea of using essential oils topically. I know the web has a ton of information out there making it look like a complicated process; it’s not! You don’t need any special knowledge or training to pull his off.
With a few “need to know” tips you can be up to speed and begin to reap some of the amazing benefits that comes with topical application.
Tip #1: Quality Oils
The most important thing about using essential oils on your skin is ensuring they are of good quality; only use 100% pure quality oils. Nothing from the store that has added chemicals or fragrances, this can be dangerous. I recommend Young Living essential oils because I know exactly where they come from, feel confident in their process from the seed all the way to the product being bottled & sealed (read about their Seed to Seal process) and I have no doubt I’m getting the best quality oils.
Tip #2: Dilution
Always dilute essential oils with carrier oil before applying to the skin, at least the first few times of using it. Diluting the oils first helps to keep the oil from evaporating too quickly, prevents a sensitive skin reaction and increases the surface area of absorption so you get the most out of the application. There are also a few oils that are considered “hot” oils, which may be too strong to apply directly to your skin (it depends on how sensitive you are & if you are used to using the oil) – a few of these are: cinnamon bark, clove, lemongrass, peppermint, oregano, thyme, and Thieves blend. When using oils without dilution, it is often referred to as “neat” .
A few oils have been deemed safe enough to be used without dilution, although I still prefer to dilute them: Frankincense, Lavender, Valor, Joy, Purification and Stress Away blends (when using oils without dilution, it is often referred to as “Neat”). You can start with a 20/80 ratio and go from there if you’d like it a little stronger. When I use 5ml rollerball bottles, I use about 5-10 drops of an oil & fill the rest up with carrier oil.
Tip #3: The Application
Never apply oils to the ears or eyes, know that everyone’s body will respond differently and avoid using topically on the elderly, those with pre-existing medical conditions or infants. Other ways to use essential oils topically include massage oils, compress, in the bath or added to personal care products. We also love to use rollerball bottles to make our combinations of essential oil with a carrier oil or if we blend several oils together with a carrier oil. Here are some rollerball bottles : 5 ML Essential Oil Roller Bottles & 10 ML Essential Oil Roller Bottles .
Another idea is to use glass spray bottles (if the oil is not a citrus, you could use plastic spray bottles like from the dollar store) and add in 5-10 drops of an essential oil, 1-2 tbsp of witch hazel (it acts as an emulsifier blending the oil & water together) & fill the rest with distilled water.
Tip #4: Know Your Oil
It’s worth spending some time getting to know the oils you are planning to use topically. Some of the citrus oils are photosensitive and should only be applied in areas that aren’t exposed to the sun; others are ‘hot’ oils and leave behind a warming sensation. I highly recommend that you do a patch test first when trying them for the first time.
Now that we’ve covered the basics, you are ready to begin…
Here are recommendations for the Best Essential Oils to apply topically and where:
Frankincense: Induces a sense of peace and calm, enhances spiritual experiences: Use on the neck, forehead and temples.
Lavender: The universal oil most known for promoting restful sleep and relaxation: Use on the bottoms of your feet and behind the neck for sleep and relaxation. We’ve also used behind the ear for ear support
Peppermint: This is an invigorating oil which will give you a boost of energy and is refreshing after a workout with its cool, tingling sensation; also helps to relieve tension and support digestive health: Use behind your neck or on your temples. Also can use on your abdomen to help with digestive issues.
Stress Away: Stress Away oil can lift spirits and is relaxing and comforting: Use behind your neck, wrists, or on the bottoms of your feet for relaxation.
Bergamot: Reduces emotional upset, de-stress and calm, often used as perfume: Use on the wrists, back of the neck and over your heart for uplifting your mood.
Tea Tree : This is used to support a variety of skin conditions. It also purifies: Use topically as needed (never in the ears or eyes!)
Take it slow and spend time getting in tune with how your body is responding to the oil. You’ll find essential oils that truly resonate with you and begin to notice the positive response from your body.
More Essential Oil Recipes & Tips:
7 Essential Oil Recipes to Enhance Your Beauty
5 Essential Oil Recipes for Restful Sleep
10 Unique Ways to Use Essential Oils
50+ DIY Beauty Recipes using Essential Oils
5 Essential Oil Recipes for Busy Moms
Essential Oils to Use::
There are many, many brands of essential oils available on the market including ones you can find in stores, online retailers such as Amazon & more. However, both Sia & I have extensively researched using essential oils with our family & we have decided to use Young Living essential oils.
They are a bit pricier than what you’ll find in the stores, but we know that they have a very strict Seed to Seal process to ensure that they are pure, therapeutic grade oils with nothing added to them, that we feel completely safe using with our kids & our families. If you are wanting to make your own DIY beauty recipes, then you want to know everything you are putting into those recipes since you are using them on your face & body and with these Young Living essential oils, we know that we can trust that they have absolutely no chemicals in them.
Find out more about why we use Young Living Essential Oils and how you can save the most when buying these oils. Our favorite deal is the Premium Starter Kit, valued at over $300, including a diffuser and 11 essential oils. Plus some freebies such as a $20 Amazon Gift Card & more that we’ll send you to help you get started with the resources & supplies needed to start your wellness journey with oils.
